Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) is gearing up for another amazing membership year!
So much has changed, and so much is changing, but the fun Girl Scout programming you know and love is here to stay. We have so much to look forward to for girls, troops, volunteers, and families, from new Badge Activity Kits, more virtual and in-person programming, and plenty of opportunities to build skills and make memories, wherever you are.
Most importantly, you are not in this alone! Know that we at GSGCNWI are here for you, whether you’re a new member or a seasoned pro. And don’t forget to renew by August 31 so your troop can be entered to win!
Upcoming Programs
Stay in touch this fall, because we have extra-special virtual AND in-person programming planned for troops, families, and girls! Registration for October programs will open on Tuesday, Sept. 15!
We’re connecting Girl Scouts throughout our council and beyond with our special interest groups, like our Older Girl Hangouts, Astronomy Club (registration coming soon), and Cadette and Junior Book Clubs!
Girl Scouts will also continue to explore our community through service, take a trip to another country through virtual travel, and change the world through a series of Journey workshops.
Get ready for our larger programs we’re hosting this fall, including the Parking Lot Art Showcase on Oct. 3, a Trunk and Treat on Oct. 17, and a Girl Scout Photo Scavenger Hunt during October.
And of course, we have programs just for fun! Find out more on our Programs site and stay updated with our Virtual Events Calendar!
Girl Scouts ❤️ State Parks!
Join Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) for the second annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend from Sept. 12 to 13!
Open to all girls and families, join us and thousands of people from across the nation for a weekend full of wildlife discovery, skill-building, and nature exploration through live webinars, in-person events, and independent activities!
Register for GCNWI events on our programs site and find national programs on the GSUSA website!
Troop Support and More
Troop leaders, you have stepped up in a major way this year, and we are stepping up, too. We’re hosting monthly Girl Scout Leader Chats to assist you in making peer to peer connections surrounding topics that are important to you, and helping new troop leaders with start-up planning and support, including meeting plans, icebreakers, games, and more!
We have plenty of resources to help support and increase family engagement, including our Family Connections guide, Keep Girl Scouts Going guide, and Family Meeting Templates, as well as our Leader 411 email series. Plus, look out for more information about Fall Product and more in the coming weeks!
Our Troop Advisor roles and peer-to-peer network have expanded to provide you more support than ever, on and offscreen. Find additional online resources and training in the GSGCNWI Learning Portal. Meeting plans have been updated and continue to be added through September!
Fall Product Program is Coming!
Our Fall Product Program is about to start! From Oct. 1 to 21, don’t miss out on your chance to participate and earn awesome rewards AND a personalized patch with YOUR name and avatar on it!
Watch your inbox for more information to be released soon!
Visit the GSGCNWI Online Shop!
Head’s up: curbside pick-up will be available in mid-September at all shop locations except our Chicago Gathering Place! In the meantime, make sure to pop on over to our online shop, where we’ve got brand-new Girl Scout badge requirements, merchandise, and more!
Our 24 brand-new badges now have downloadable badge requirements available on the shop site! Badge activity kits are also coming soon.
New customized troop t-shirts and sweatshirts are available, as well as pre-assembled uniforms including the flag, council ID, troop crest and numbers! And don’t forget to celebrate your troop leader or someone special with our new Happy Birthday and Leader Thank You gift sets.
Celebrate your Resilience and Ambition
Join us on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., for Smart Cookies: Stand for More to celebrate the resilience, flexibility, and strength of Girl Scouts and our supporters.
Hosted by the Girl Scouts GCNWI Associate Board, this will be a virtual celebration, and call to action for all of us to stand up and support this and the next generation of change-making girls.
Admission is free! Register today.
Support the mission today by purchasing a Smart Cookies Enhancement Package. Raffle and auction items coming soon!
Renew by August 31 and Your Troop Could Win!
Continue blazing trails with us! Troops who have 90% of their girls renewed by August 31 are eligible to receive a free Zoom account and more goodies, including a $200 Amazon gift card. Eligibility is automatic once 90% of the girls are renewed, and is available for all troops who renewed before August 31.