
Looking to try something new, earn a patch, or make memories with your Girl Scout squad? You’ve come to the right place! Each month, we’ll update this blog with all the upcoming experiences and opportunities happening across Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Community & Connection Experiences

Kindness Rocks Service Project
Pre-order your kits from October 1 – 25, Open to all Girl Scouts and families
- A fun activity to do with your troop or by yourself to spread kindness in your community!
Fall Reading Challenge
Now – November 1, Open to all Girl Scouts
- Read at least one book from our reading list, and earn our new reading patch and Fall rocker. The Fall Reading Challenge is open to Girl Scouts from other councils, too!
Book Club
October 26, Open to Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts, Virtual
- Junior Book Blub – “Hummingbird” by Natalie Lloyd
- Cadette Book Club – “Paola Santiago and the River of Tears” by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Wickedly Creative Pajama Paint Party
October 25, Open to all Girl Scouts, at the Joliet and Vernon Hills Gathering Places
- Join us for a magical day where Girl Scouts will paint, laugh, and sing along to the music of Wicked 1. Whether you’re inspired by Glinda’s sparkle, Elphaba’s courage, or the bright lights of the Emerald City, your canvas is your stage.
Outdoor Experiences

Get Outdoors Challenge – Fall
October 19 at Camp Butternut Springs, Open to all Girl Scouts
- Join us at camp for an exciting Fall Outdoor Challenge designed specifically for your Girl Scout and family! Earn the fall segment of this four-segment patch program by completing exciting challenges that embrace the spirit of fall.
Outdoor Leadership Club
October 19 at Camp Butternut Springs, Open to Girl Scouts in grades 6-12
- Come to Camp Butternut Springs for a day of fun! We will begin by learning about the Get Outdoors Fall Challenge and practice some skills to teach at the afternoon program. You’ll have a chance to get some hands-on leadership experience working with other Girl Scouts and their families.
Astronomy Club – National Howl at the Moon Day
October 26 at Camp Greene Wood, Open to all Girl Scouts
- This month, connect with nature by exercising your wild side! Celebrate National Howl at the Moon Day by taking a night hike prowl. Come with your Girl Scout pack or as a lone wolf.
Pumpkin Archery
November 1,7 & 8, for Girl Scouts in grades 4-12 and adults, at Camp Butternut Springs and Camp Greene Wood
- During this pumpkin-themed archery clinic, participants will learn the basics of holding and shooting a bow and arrow at fun, pumpkin-inspired, decor. Be an eco advocate and bring your leftover pumpkin(s) to compost at camp for some extra bonus points.
Camp Butternut Springs
November 1
November 7
November 8
Camp Greene Wood
November 1
November 7
November 8
Pumpkin Smash & Fall Fest
November 8 and 9, open to all Girl Scouts and families, at Camp Greene Wood
Pumpkin Smash Only
- It’s that time of year again where Girl Scouts far and wide gather to have a SMASHING good time!
Pumpkin Smash & Fall Fest
- Bring your old pumpkins to compost…and SMASH! Keep the fun going by attending our fun Fall Fest either before or after you smash your pumpkin! Participate in various activities that include making a themed craft, adventuring through the forest, playing games, and enjoying a snack around the campfire’s glow.
Hike & History at Isle a la Cache
November 16, Open to all Girl Scouts and families
- Embrace the great outdoors and enjoy the benefits of hiking with your Girl Scout friends. This month we will be hiking at Isle a la Cache. Step into the past and hike island trails surrounded by water, wildlife, and rich 18th-century fur trade history.
Outdoor Leadership Club Weekend
November 14 – 16, Open to Girl Scouts in grades 6-12, at Camp Palos
- Spend the weekend at Camp Palos with Outdoor Leadership Club! We will have plenty of fun camp activities, outdoor cooking, and teambuilding. Celebrate Camp T-Shirt Day by leading other Girl Scouts in creating their own tie dye shirt.
Tees, Trees, and Camp Memories
November 15 – 16, Open to Girl Scouts in grades 4-12, at Camp Palos
- Whether your camp shirt is brand new or lovingly broken in, this overnight is all about celebrating the traditions, skills, and friendships that make Girl Scout camp unforgettable. Make sure to bring your favorite camp/Girl Scout tee to wear and a plain white one to tie-dye—this weekend is going to be tee-rific! You’ll also get the chance to help our camp directors brainstorm designs for our summer 2026 summer camp t-shirt and patch!
Science, Creativity, & Discovery Experiences

Ooey Gooey Science
October 11, For Grades K-5, At the Greene Wood and Schererville Gathering Places
- Explore chemical reactions, make messy paintings, and create ooey gooey slime.
Leadership and Highest Awards Experiences

Lead with Confidence – Exploring the WAGGGS Leadership Model
October 18, Open to all Girl Scouts in grades 4-8, at the Lincoln Belmont
- Get ready for an exciting adventure as we learn about the WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) Leadership Model! This session is all about exploring leadership as a shared journey, where each of you has the power to create positive change in your life and the world around you.
Silver Award Workshop
October 23, Open to all Girl Scouts in grades 6-8 and families, Virtual
- Want to tackle an issue important to you and your community while engaging in one of the oldest Girl Scout traditions? You’re ready to take the first step on your Highest Awards path! Join us for our Silver Award Workshop where leaders and Girl Scouts can learn all about what the Highest Awards can do for you.
Travel Experiences

Travel Smart
November 7, Open to all Girl Scouts in grades 6-12, at the Schererville Gathering Place
- Through fun, interactive activities, Girl Scouts will explore how to choose a destination, pack efficiently, and prepare for a trip.
Adventure City
November 8, Open to all Girl Scouts in grades K-5, at the Schererville Gathering Place
- Come join the fun as we imagine, create and explore in this hands-on adventure! Girl Scouts will learn to plan for a trip, design a city, create a map and build a sculpture!