Going Gold and Changing the World

This year’s Gold Award Girl Scouts are change-makers, role models, and real-life heroes. To earn the Gold Award, Girl Scouts must invest more than 80 hours of leadership, project management, and service to create a sustainable impact in their communities and beyond.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is delighted to share that nearly 50 Girl Scouts have earned this prestigious award by addressing many pressing issues within their communities, such as mental health, poverty and homelessness, environmental sustainability, and cultural awareness. 

We are pleased to introduce you to the Class of 2023 Girl Scout Gold Awardees.

Read on to learn more about the awardees by topic of their project.

Animals

Persephone A. – The Feral CATastrophe, Persephone’s Gold Award project was to educate cat adopters so they can safely enjoy their new pet. Persephone wrote and illustrated an interactive pamphlet for children whose families adopted a new cat. It prompts children to interpret and respect their cat’s communication and enjoy the new pet in ways that are good for both the child and the cat. Persephone also built two winter shelters for feral cats and two trap–neuter–return insulated boxes, allowing the rescue to continue its essential work when the weather is colder.

Allie K. – Animal Shelter Renovation, Allie’s Gold Award project was to help more animals get adopted out of the DuPage County Animal Shelter. Allie painted and put in new ceiling tiles in their multipurpose room that is used for training, potential adopters, staff meetings, and more. Allie also put in new flooring and trim in the cat adoption room. Since completing the project, countless animals have been adopted and found their forever homes.

Mikaila Y. – Animal Welfare Project, Makaila’s Gold Award project addressed helping an endangered blue-throated macaw, Iggy. By partnering with the Phillips Park Zoo, Makaila gave presentations, created a website, and wrote a blog post to spread awareness and share ways others can help protect this endangered species. Makaila also held workshops for younger Girl Scouts where they created enrichment toys for Iggy.  

Art, Culture, and Heritage

Rachel B. – Build Proper Signage and Bring Awareness to the Clarendon Hills Historical Society, Rachel’s Gold Award project raised money to purchase a proper sign for the Clarendon Hills Historical Society. This sign was well-built and will last for many years to come. Rachel also threw an awareness party for the society where many community members were able to visit and understand all the work that the Historical Society does.

Avery C. – Daisy Mural at CPC, Avery’s Gold Award project involved implementing a small team to design and paint a daisy mural, which is their town flower, at their local church. The team painted the rest of the room as well. The town was full of daisy fields before it became a town, and the church’s basement desperately needed to be repainted.

Annie K. – Drama Club Green Room, Annie’s Gold Award project cleaned out her school drama club’s green room to make a more usable space. Annie went through the costumes and created a more cohesive organization system so that the drama club could better use what they already had. Annie also got rid of many old items that were no longer usable. The project aimed to save money for the drama club, create a rehearsal space and make putting on shows easier.

Sydney R.- Seeing the World Beyond Your Neighborhood, Sydney’s Gold Award project addressed the importance of learning about all cultures. Sydney created a website that provides resources to help individuals explore and learn more about other cultures. In addition to the website, Sydney also gave presentations on various cultures and shared her own personal experiences within her culture.  

Child Enrichment Programs

Maya A. – CDH NICU Library, Maya’s Gold Award project created a little wooden library for the NICU at Central DuPage Hospital for the NICU’s reading program. That program educates parents on the importance of reading for the baby’s brain development and strengthening the parent-child relationship. The library stores books and all the resources needed for the program. Maya also created an Amazon wish list where others can continue to donate more books.

Sydney K. – Ivywhale.com – Socialization Not Isolation, Sydney’s Gold Award project connects hospitalized or otherwise isolated children with high school and college students to play games, do homework, read, or just talk. By visiting Ivywhale.com, parents can sign their children up for an experience where they can be kids and forget about feeling isolated. Beyond the primary injury, over 90% of hospitalized children suffer emotional upsets due to being hospitalized; Ivywhale.com hopes to help minimize that trauma. Ivywhale.com recognizes that children do not need to be hospitalized to feel isolated. Sydney’s website welcomes any child to visit for an experience.

Emily O. – Fostering Resilient Learners; Educate and Regulate, Emily’s Gold Award project developed a mentorship program at the local middle school. Emily taught a team of eighth-grade students about adverse childhood experiences and different ways to manage stress and negative emotions. The students then shared their knowledge and built connections with fifth-grade students. Before graduating, the eighth-grade students passed their knowledge on to the seventh-grade students who would take over the project the following year.

Megan R. – Crafting Your Confidence, Megan’s Gold Award project addressed psychological well-being in elementary-aged children by working on self-confidence, courage, and a growth mindset. Megan created guided journals and confidence kits for various communities, such as patients with chronic illnesses, hospital settings, foster care, and Girl Scouts. These kits included a journal, cheerful stickers, pencils with affirmations, crayons for coloring and writing, and a stress ball. These items focused on the theme of “humankind,” being both human and kind.

Disability

Allison S. – The Healthy Living Club Cookbook, Allison’s Gold Award project was to create a specific cookbook for kids and adults with Down syndrome to provide recipes and tips for independent cooking. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most people had to do remote learning or work from home, which caused many people to prepare meals for themselves or their families. Allison’s project helps those with disabilities learn how to cook at home and gain independence in life skills that can impact their overall health.

Arwen T. – Improving Safety and Efficiency for Equestrian Connection, Arwen’s Gold Award project focused on transforming a storage space from unsafe and inefficient to a furnished and usable closet at a local nonprofit, Equestrian Connection. They work with individuals with disabilities, several of whom are veterans, to rehabilitate them and restore confidence. Their storage closet is mainly used for keeping equipment for their annual fundraiser, whose profits are used to further their mission.

Education

Angelica G.- The New Kind of Adventure Through Reading, Angelica’s Gold Award project was focused on increasing children’s literacy and making getting a book easy and accessible for all children. Angelica gave kids the fundamentals they needed to go through life while also taking them on a wonderful adventure through reading.

Ainsley G. – A Lifetime of Literature, Ainsley’s Gold Award project was to start a program to get children interested in reading, especially in the technology-centered post-pandemic world. Ainsley built the Community Bookshelf, a little permanent library at the First Christian Church of Lansing curated for school-age children. In addition, Ainsley ran a program with the five kindergarten classes at Coolidge Elementary School. Ainsley visited each of the five classes four times and hand-made 100 reading buddies to distribute to the students once they had returned a reading log, proving that they had read 20 books. Along with her reading log, Ainsley distributed books for the students to keep and to begin their reading journey.

Bryce P. – Women in the Workplace, Bryce’s Gold Award project addressed the future of young women professionals. Bryce recorded 24 interviews with women from various professions and created a podcast exclusively for girls to learn about occupations they may be interested in. Bryce published her “Women in the Workplace” podcast on Spotify and shared it with the clubs at her high school and local Girl Scout troops.

Julia W. – LEARN 10 Library Renovation and Reopening, Julia’s Gold Award project was to revamp and reopen the library at LEARN 10 Charter School in North Chicago. Julia provided the kids with a space that held the necessary resources to enhance their reading skills and give them a nice place to learn. Julia also purchased new books that the kids wanted to see more of to encourage them to read more at home and make them realize their love for reading.

Ameenah Z.- Tales from the Other Side of the Desk, Ameenah’s Gold Award project addressed the lack of support for left-handed students and the fine motor and writing differences left-handed students face. Ameenah distributed hand-neutral desks to all of the classrooms at her school to give all students an adequate workspace, and by raising awareness, this project led the school to create a committee to provide hand-neutral desks for all of the schools in the district.

Elderly Care

Julianna D. – YouTube Channel for the Elderly, Julianna’s Gold Award project addressed the issue that loneliness is a common problem among seniors, especially those with dementia and other illnesses. Julianna asked student volunteers to record videos of them sharing a talent and posted them on a YouTube channel Julianna created. Julianna also made a website that is easy to use for senior citizens with information about her Gold Award project and access to the YouTube channel. Julianna also shared these resources with several nursing homes within the community.

Environment and Sustainability

Neela C. – Buckthorn Removal, Neela’s Gold Award project was to revitalize a horse trail for a nonprofit horse therapy barn. The trail had been overtaken by invasive buckthorn, which narrowed the trail so much that it was virtually unusable. Neela worked to remove this buckthorn and put in place sustainable methods to stop its continued growth.

Samantha F. – Composting: Reducing in the Community, Samantha’s Gold Award project was focused on composting. Samantha built a large community composting pile in collaboration with the local park district. Samantha also talked to local Girl Scout troops and first-year biology students at her high school and shared a video about how to compost at home.

Kye J.- Native Plant Education, Kye’s Gold Award project increased people’s knowledge about native plants. Kye designed a patch program, a brochure for Richmond Gardens, and started an annual native plant seed donation drive.

Keelin K. – Community Prayer Garden, Keelin’s Gold Award project was creating a community prayer garden for people to have a space to sit, be at peace, meditate, and pray.

Naomi L. – Community Recycling and Conservation, Naomi’s Gold Award project addressed the issue of plastic caps that are improperly disposed of and cause harm to animals and the environment. Members of the community helped Naomi collect plastic caps to recycle into a bench through the ABC Promise Partnership recycling program at Plainfield North High School. Naomi also mentored Drauden Point Middle School National Junior Honor Society by helping them start their own recycling program.

Siara P. – Recycling Campaign and Signage Installation, Siara’s Gold Award project was a three-part effort to reduce the amount of contaminated recycling within the community. The first part of the project was to design and spread infographics about recycling, focusing on the economic and environmental benefits of recycling. The second portion of the project was to design and implement signage at a popular picnic park within the community. The final component of the project was to lead a clean-up of the project.

Lauren S. – Riverside Triangle Park Improvement, Lauren’s Gold Award project aims to improve a local triangle park area, which acts as an entrance to the community. Lauren cleared the area of all the weeds and invasive species, which were choking the base of the mature trees and blocking visibility to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Lauren also organized a date and volunteer group to plant the native plants. Additionally, Lauren included six tree tags to educate residents about native species.

Health

Jessica B. – Paperbacks for Patients, Jessica’s Gold Award project worked with Pediatric Therapy Centers to provide books for the Lending Library to ease stress and anxiety before and after their therapy sessions. Additionally, Jessica worked with her church to host a mental health awareness night. It mainly targeted youth and educated them about resources and support they can access.

Katelin G. – Wellness on a Budget, Katelin’s Gold Award project was to provide healthy and nutritious meals for low-income families. Katelin ensured that all the meals could be made with ingredients that are cheap and easy to get ahold of. Additionally, a licensed nutritionist approved all of Katelin’s recipes.

Serena G. – Law Enforcement Teen Support, Serena’s Gold Award project aimed to educate teens who have a parent in law enforcement. Serena did this by creating a network where they can feel connected to others and a place where knowledge about mental health issues within law enforcement is accessible and easy to understand.

Tara G. – Entertainment TaraVision, Tara’s Gold Award project addressed the issue of patients feeling isolated while at the hospital. Tara provided trivia games, activities, and supplies for the hospital to help keep patients engaged and entertained while receiving treatment.

Delaney G. – Sensory Box, Delaney’s Gold Award project focused on mental health in students. Delaney noticed that kids are often stressed about finals and everyday life. Having a sensory box can help kids relax and give them a break from their responsibilities for a little bit. Delaney created the sensory boxes as a tool to help educate and provide ways to achieve better mental health.

Lily K. – Mindful in the Middle: A Guided Journal, Lily’s Gold Award project addressed students’ mental health as they transition from elementary school to middle school. Lily designed, wrote, and printed a guided journal to help students work through their emotions and thoughts as they continue on a new path.

Grace K. – Bridging the Gap, Grace’s Gold Award project addressed the mental health of incoming high school students. Grace gave an oral presentation, supplemented by an interactive online presentation with resources to help first-year students cope with their emotions, create positive relationships, and manage their mental health.  

Katherine M. – Comfort Pillows and Pamphlets for Breast Cancer Patients, Katherine’s Gold Award project involved creating mastectomy comfort pillows to ease a patient’s pain and discomfort while riding in the car during recovery. The pillows clasp around the seatbelt, providing a cushioned barrier to protect the chest and prevent irritation post-surgery. Katherine also created a tutorial video for anyone who wants to learn the pillow-making process.

Ashley R. – Healthy Foundations, Ashley’s Gold Award project involved creating and implementing a health curriculum to be used in primary education. Working with a local gym teacher, Ashley gathered various resources and materials to build a fun and engaging program to teach kids the basics of a healthy lifestyle.

Julianna S. – Don’t Worry It’ll Be OK, Julianna’s Gold Award project spreads awareness about mental health issues and their symptoms and signs, but in words that teens going through a tough time can understand. Julianna also made a website saying all of these feelings are okay, some quick tips on how to help self-love, and resources to forward to the teens to help.

Mariam S. – Eating Disorders Awareness, Mariam’s Gold Award project raised awareness about different eating disorders, their causes, symptoms, and what others can do to help people affected by an eating disorder. Mariam also discussed the HAES (Healthy At Every Size) concept to emphasize that people can have different body sizes and be healthy. Mariam taught people about these concepts through presentations where the audience was middle or high school students. Mariam also created a website for this information, so it is available to anyone who wants to learn about eating disorders.

Hannah W. – Autism Baskets, Hannah’s Gold Award project helped their community by making sensory kits for the local schools. Hannah put together different textured toys, fidgets, and colored and textured pasta. The schools put these kits to good use, and the teachers absolutely loved them!

Bella Z. – One Stitch at a Time, Bella’s Gold Award project intertwined mental health coping skills and knitting. Bella created a booklet that described beginner knitting steps and related each of those steps to a certain coping skill for anxiety and depression. Bella hosted learn-how-to-knit events at two libraries and created a public YouTube channel and blog where she posted knitting steps and coping skills to increase awareness of art therapy.

Human Rights

Elise G. – Sharing Minority Stories Through a Podcast, Elise’s Gold Award project created an interview-style podcast to discuss minority experiences in predominately white spaces. Elise explored a variety of issues, such as the model minority myth, affirmative action, and the thin blue line controversy from the unique perspectives of minorities within predominately white communities. Elise took this opportunity to share these overlooked experiences and created a community that understands the nuances associated with racial identity.

Life Skills

Margaret C. – The Cookie Bake Off, Margaret’s Gold Award project was a Girl Scout community event geared towards older Girl Scouts during cookie season. This event aimed to help keep older girls involved in Girl Scouts by showing there are fun events for girls their age.

Ava M. – We Dine Together Club, Ava’s Gold Award project created a club that focuses on ensuring everyone at her high school feels like they belong and are included. The club’s mission is to ensure no one eats alone at lunch and facilitate monthly outreach activities for the school. Going back to school after the pandemic showed how much people struggled with feeling alone, so having people to sit next to and events to attend helped build the school community back up.

Outdoors

Amanda S. – Go Outdoors to Grow Outdoors, Amanda’s Gold Award project addressed the issue of indoor isolation and the importance of getting outside for physical and mental health. Amanda created a website that includes an I-Spy scavenger hunt, a did-you-know nature guide, and a personal goals pledge to encourage participants to continue to get out in nature and commit to doing something good for nature. As people learn more about nature, they are likely to take the time to enjoy it more, care for nature, feel interested, and feel good about themselves.

Poverty

Frances D. – It’s a Female Thing, Frances’ Gold Award project aims to address the issue that women living in poverty or who are homeless do not have access to sanitary products. Frances contacted women’s organizations and their community for donations to fill the shelves at four food pantries to see if there was a need. The response was overwhelming. Because of Frances’ efforts, these products will now become a regular on the food pantry’s shelves.

Kyla H. – Period Poverty, Kyla’s Gold Award project focused on period poverty, a significant issue that mainly affects homeless women who don’t have access to or the means to buy menstrual products. Kyla’s project addressed this issue by bringing awareness to the problem and providing the means for women to get these products.

Lillian S. – Upgrade Family Promise Rooms, Lillian’s Gold Award project supported Family Promise, an organization that provides shelter, food, and an opportunity to regain employment through its program. Lillian’s project made their family rooms more functional and organized. These improvements gave the children a safe and comfortable space to play and study while keeping their entire family unit together. The improvements also provided a clean, safe space for everyone to socialize, work, get ready, and more.

Sports

Kyra D. – Kidz Play Expansion Project, Kyra’s Gold Award project helped to give underprivileged kids better access to extra-curricular clubs, sports, and activities. In 2014, Kyra created a nonprofit organization called Kidz Play to help tackle this issue, but as the years went on, Kyra struggled to expand Kidz Play outside her small town. Through her Gold Award project, Kyra grew Kidz Play throughout the state and beyond!

Jessica M. – The Golden Arrow Archery Range, Jessica’s Gold Award project built and created an archery range in Des Plaines, IL, on the property of the Society of the Danube Swabians and will be utilized by Girl Scouts Service Unit 404. The project provided two archery targets, an arrow net, two structures to hold up the net, eight compound bows, 100 arrows, and eight forearm shields. Girl Scout leaders obtained Level 1 Certification Archery Training to teach the Girl Scouts the sport of archery, and troops within Service Unit 404 will enjoy learning and playing archery for years to come. Through learning and playing archery, girls will improve their self-confidence and carry these lessons into their everyday lives.

STEM

Katherine L. – Information is Queen, Katherine’s Gold Award project addressed the communication and access to information issues her service unit faced. Katherine created an instruction manual and YouTube channel to help the service unit managers make updates to the website. Katherine went on to create lesson plans and resources for the service unit to use and even taught a web design class for younger Girl Scouts.   

Congratulations to this impressive list of Girl Scouts.

We are eager to see how their Gold Award projects continue to live on throughout and even after their involvement in Girl Scouts.

Want to learn more about how you can Go Gold? Click here to get started.

Take a look at the photo gallery below from the 2023 Gold Award Ceremony, which took place on June 24, 2023.

Girl Scouts Show Up in a Special Way for Silver Award Project 

Girl Scouts from Troop 55209, Autumn, Reily, and Sophia, prove that when Girl Scouts work together, they can accomplish some pretty amazing things! These Girl Scouts recently contacted the Northern Illinois Food Bank and learned about their need to improve the Food Bank. While brainstorming with the Food Bank, the Girl Scouts learned about a Founder’s Day Ceremony for the Food Bank’s 40th Anniversary. The ceremony would recognize the Food Bank’s founder, Sister Rosemarie Burian.  

With their passion for plants and pollinators, the Girl Scouts created the most special Silver Award project for the Food Bank. They got to work by planting vegetables and flowers, painting stepping stones, and building a bench to honor Sister Rosemarie to give the Food Bank’s garden area a new look.  

This was no easy task; it required lots of physical work, including digging the weeds and transforming multiple garden beds. 

“It was challenging when we had to weed and when we had to dig and break through roots, but I learned that I like planting,” said Girl Scout Reily. 

But Girl Scouts don’t give up when challenges face them. Instead, they lead with courage, confidence, and character. 

“What I learned about myself was that I didn’t give up when the dirt gave me a hard time,” said Girl Scout Sophia.  

To fund the project, the Girl Scouts used their cookie sale proceeds. They purchased stepping stones, paint, terracotta pots, and flowers. The girls also connected with Amazon’s Community Outreach Program to help fund the herbs, vegetable plants, and flowers they planted. 

“Working with the other girls was nice to develop teamwork skills and communication. A hard part was initially figuring out what to do for the project. I enjoyed the project because it gives to the community, helps nature, and I could be creative,” said Girl Scout Autumn.  

Julie Yurko, President and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, thanked the Girl Scouts during the dedication ceremony, “We are grateful to Autumn, Reily, and Sophia from Girl Scout Troop 55209! These remarkable young women have a vision of a healthy and beautiful community, and they put that vision into action, just as Sister Rosemarie did 40 years ago. We love that the original Food Bank was in Carol Stream and that your troop is from Carol Stream. It brings this full circle in a lovely way.” 

  The Girl Scouts’ dedication to improving the Food Bank’s garden is truly inspiring. Their hard work and passion have helped make the nonprofit’s space more beautiful for everyone to enjoy while also honoring the person who made the Food Bank possible. Through their Silver Award project, the Girl Scouts have demonstrated that they are on a mission to change the world, one project at a time. Congratulations to Autumn, Reily, and Sophia on a job well done! 

Meet the Class of 2022 Pinnacle Awardees!  

 The Pinnacle Award, a Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana-specific award, honors Ambassador Girl Scouts who have demonstrated leadership in Girl Scouting and their communities! We were honored to recognize 19 outstanding Girl Scouts and young alums in the Pinnacle Award’s second year.  

Read on to meet some of these Girl Scouts.  

Girl Scout Grace, earned the Pinnacle Award by attending Camp CEO, earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, providing leadership in a girl-led interest group, and serving in a leadership capacity outside of Girl Scouts.   

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?   

 Being in Girl Scouts gives you an instant family; it has pushed me to be a better person, and that is a big part of Girl Scouts. Who doesn’t want to be a better person? Learning so much about all parts of life is another big benefit; there are opportunities, from working on cars to holding a dinner party.  

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?  

It is not just spa parties. There’s an opportunity to do whatever your heart desires in Girl Scouts. Some people like going outdoors (like me), and others like staying indoors. There is something for everyone within Girl Scouts.  

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?   

My passion is indescribable. I don’t have a reason for it; I just have it. I see an issue, and I want to fix it, and that’s what I attempt to do every day. Seeing how people live drives me to learn more and help them if necessary. Support from friends and family also really helps me keep pushing.  

Grace is now a freshman in college and said, “Here, I am still making a difference, just in a unique way. I have started working on founding a zero-waste store on our school’s campus to help students and the environment all at once!”  

Girl Scout Ameenah, earned the Pinnacle Award though serving as a District Delegate and program aide, earning her Bronze and Silver Award, traveling with Girl Scouts and serving in leadership positions within her service unit and community.   

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?  

Girl Scouting taught me leadership skills and responsibilities. Girl Scouts has added a great deal to my life in the form of having the ability and opportunity to give back to a program that brought me out of my shell and made me the confident person I am today.  

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?  

Girls Scouts goes beyond elementary school. Those older girls at cookie booths are, in fact, Girl Scouts. That there are so many choices. That Girl Scouts is what you make it. You can do as little or as much as you want; your Girl Scout experience is entirely up to you. There are so many opportunities and options within Girl Scouts that there really is something for everyone.  

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?  

I want to make sure future generations don’t have to go through the same issues I had. Essentially to make the world a better place, better than at least how I found it.  

What drove me was a desire to prevent future students from having the same issues I had regarding handwriting and schoolwork in general. As a left-handed student, I was told that I was using the “wrong” hand while writing even in second grade, and there is a noticeable difference in my handwriting on a desk with an arm on the right side, lacking support for people who write with their left hand, and a flat-topped neutral desk. I want to help to ensure that no students’ schoolwork suffers because of what desk they happen to sit in that day. Also, they are taught early on the skills they need to succeed as a left-handed student in this day and age.  

Ameenah is planning to go to college and study engineering and continues to volunteer with a Brownie troop.  

 Girl Scout Erika, earned the Pinnacle Award by traveling with Girl Scouts, earning her Silver and Gold Award, and serving in a leadership position in a girl-led interest group and the community.  

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?   

Girl Scouts creates a supportive community for every girl, allowing her to explore her curiosities and passions. In my life, Girl Scouts has led me to make friends and find a supportive, embracing community where I can explore and grow into myself.  

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?  

The feeling of satisfaction keeps me going, knowing I did all I could and tried my hardest. This idea is very helpful because it also applies to successes and failures. The idea that I can do anything I set my mind to gives me the drive to do difficult things and keeps me going.  

What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?   

I think our society needs to change to be more compassionate to other people. I can see Girl Scouts affecting these changes because Girl Scouts is “a sister to every Girl Scout,” meaning Girl Scouts already upholds these values and can influence and progress society to do the same.  

 Erika is looking forward to what’s next, which includes college!  

 

Girl Scout Olivia, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), District Delegate, traveling with Girl Scouts, and serving in a leadership capacity within her service unit and community.   

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?  

Girl Scouts has given me a lot of opportunities throughout my life that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. From traveling abroad (even though it was canceled due to COVID) to camping outdoors and even connecting with scouts across the country, the experiences I’ve had with Girl Scouts has forever shaped my life to where I am now.  

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?  

I wish people knew that Girl Scouts is for every age and we’re doing more than just selling cookies. We have been able to provide a welcoming and accepting space for everyone, and I think we should be recognized for that.  

What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?  

I think communities need to start accepting that the population is very diverse, and we should all be celebrated for it. I think Girl Scouts has done a good job at providing inclusivity and representation for younger girls, especially when they may not be in a diverse area. Additionally, as a suggestion, I would love to see Girl Scouts advocate more for community service outside of earning awards; service shouldn’t be something required, rather it should be something that they learn is important for everyone.  

Olivia is currently a freshman majoring in biology and minoring in East Asian language and culture. She keeps in touch with her old troop and enjoys sharing her Girl Scout experiences with her peers!  

Girl Scout Shaela, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, serving as a program aide, CIT (counselor-in-training), and serving in a leadership capacity within her service unit and community.   

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?  

Girl Scouting is something that I truly value and treasure close to my heart. It has been such a constant part of my life for the longest time that I honestly couldn’t imagine life without it. It has helped me to communicate effectively, form life-long friendships, network with others, lead when needed, and it has improved my confidence as a person. I have grown so much due to Girl Scouts, and that development is something I will not take for granted. Through all the meetings, camps, projects, trips, journeys, and events I have participated in, I have learned how to be strong, determined, compassionate, courageous, caring, helpful, and so much more. I have learned not only how to “make the world a better place” but how to follow each step of the Girl Scout Law and Promise. The values included in those words are values that I hold true in my personal life, and because of this, Girl Scouts is a program that means the world to me. The lessons and skills I have been taught through the program are priceless, as has my time being a loyal member.  

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?  

I wish others knew about the incredible experiences Girl Scouts can offer! Girl Scouts gives young women amazing opportunities to explore their communities, the natural world, leadership experiences, service engagements, and so much more! They infuse young women with confidence, kindness, strength, resilience, and charity. It is truly an organization that empowers young women to take on the world and reach their full potential.  

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?  

As someone who has been active in volunteer service for many years, my drive to continue to make a difference is something that is housed deep inside my empathy and compassion toward others. I have always had a very strong connection with people, and I am often able to tell how others are feeling and place myself in their shoes without any difficulty or hesitation. I can see the stress and painful emotions that can follow others like a dark shadow, and that motivates me to take action. I wish more than anything to provide aide that can assist in making that shadow leave my community and the world, as well as to establish peace and understanding for all. Getting rid of these negative emotions and actions that exist today is how humanity can achieve true unity. That goal of having acceptance, aid, equity, and love in the world is what keeps me going.   

Shaela has bridged to adults and is a college student. She shared, “Girl Scouts still remains a part of my life, however, as I continue to engage in service opportunities on my campus that bring people together for a great cause, just like Girl Scouts. I reflect upon the wonderful times I had in my troop at each service event that I attended, and I am always incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication it taught me. Girl Scouts gave me the powerful value set and drive for service that I still hold dear today. I hope to engage in Girl Scouting after my educational career as well.”  

Girl Scout Emily, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, attending Camp CEO, and providing leadership within a service unit.   

What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?  

Girl Scouting has provided me with countless lifelong friendships and memories that I will cherish forever. Girl Scouts has helped me realize that I can make a difference in the world if I put my mind to it. After I got my Gold Award, I felt like I could now accomplish anything. I now notice so many ideas for community service projects; I just want to help them all.  

 What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?  

 I think that it is a common idea that Girl Scouts is just an after-school activity for younger girls where they sell cookies. Yeah, that is a part of it, but I wish others would realize that Girl Scouts has so many amazing opportunities for older girls. Whenever I tell someone I’m a Girl Scout, they seem to say, “Let me know when you’re selling cookies.” I always respond by telling them about my Gold Award project.  

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?  

 Anytime I notice something that I know I can change for the better, I try to do it because there might not be someone else after me to make the change. In my experience, people are hesitant to initiate any change but will engage in efforts once someone is there to lead them. I know that I can at least get an effort started and that people will follow.  

What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?  

 I think people need to be more respectful of different opinions. In my community, people seem to get aggressive toward individuals with opinions different than their own. Girl Scouts has a strong emphasis on being respectful of everyone no matter what, and I think society could implement that idea.  

Girl Scout Kye, earned the Pinnacle Award through service as a program aide, CIT (Counselor-in-training), earning their Silver Award, and providing leadership in their service unit and community.  

 What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?  

 Girl Scouts means a lot to me. I’ve learned a lot of social, leadership, and outdoor skills from camp and from earning my Gold Award. I use the skills I’ve learned from Girl Scouts every day, and I love teaching those skills to younger Girl Scouts.  

 What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?  

 I wish that people understood how many positive life skills kids can learn by being a Girl Scout. For example, kids can learn outdoor and leadership skills by going to camp or a range of different skills, from planning, leading, and developing their highest award projects. I also wish that more people knew about the Gold Award because it is an amazing award and deserves more recognition.  

 What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?  

 I believe that more needs to be done to help the environment. Girl Scouts can help with these changes in multiple ways. I believe that camp is one of these ways because it connects kids to the environment. This connection can result in positive change since more people will have a personal connection to the earth. Highest award projects are another one of these ways, because many Girl Scouts choose topics that benefit the environment. Lastly, Girl Scouts also teaches leadership skills, which can help create change throughout their lifetime.  

Kye is currently studying music education, works at Girl Scout camp, and is a lifetime member.   

Girl Scout Sofi, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Silver Award, attending Camp CEO, serving as a National Delegate Alternate, and serving in a leadership capacity within her service unit and community.   

What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?  

Girl Scouts has played a big role in my life, and I hold all that I’ve gained and the adventures I’ve had because of it very close to my heart. I’ve learned a lot, like social skills, sales skills, outdoor skills, and even historical information. I use so many things from Girl Scouts in other parts of my life all the time, and it’s given me a leg up in some situations. I’ve made so many friends, met all kinds of different people, and built lasting connections that I’m so grateful for. Girl Scouts has also provided me with so many opportunities to help others, making me very happy.  

 What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?  

Not every experience is the same. It varies from troop to troop, service unit to service unit, and girl to girl. It’s significantly what you make of it, but also finding the best fit and focus for you. I know some people think everything is uniform troop to troop and that discourages them from giving Girl Scouts a try when of course, there’s variation, and that’s needed because no two people are the same or have the same interests.  

 What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?  

 The biggest thing that continually pushes me to make efforts to create change is seeing the impact of those efforts in other people. I love seeing other people happy and getting to know I contributed to it. I also don’t like feeling unable to do anything, it makes seeing or hearing about negative situations even worse, so I really appreciate having channels to take action to try to address issues.  

Sofi is currently in college and a lifetime member. “I’m currently serving as a National Delegate Alternate and staying connected with my troop.”  

Girl Scout Julia, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a girl rep to the Board of Directions, serving as a District Delegate, earning her Bronze and Silver Award, and serving in leadership capacities in her community.   

What is the value of Girl Scouts in your life?  

Girl Scouting has taught me the values of community and volunteer work. Girl Scouting has empowered me to use my voice for positive change in the world.  

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?  

I hope to impact the world around me through my voice and leadership to enact positive change. Even if an issue seems small, it can create a ripple effect.  

What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?  

Girl Scouts positively impacts girls by empowering them to stand up for what they believe is just and fair and gives them the tools to do so, whether environmental issues or social justice. Girl Scouts in my community are willing to put their voices forward to solve a problem.  

Julia plans to study music performance and hopes to stay involved in Girl Scouts as a lifetime member.  

————  

We also want to congratulate:  

-Girl Scout Magnolia, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), earning their Bronze and Silver Award, serving in leadership roles within her service unit and community.    

-Girl Scout Eva, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), serving in a leadership capacity in her service unit and community.   

– Girl Scout Megan, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), and serving in leadership capacities within her service unit and community.   

-Girl Scout Nooriyah, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a girl rep to the Board of Directors, District Delegate, traveling with Girl Scouts, and serving in a leadership capacity outside of Girl Scouts.   

-Girl Scout Hannah, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Silver and Gold Award, providing leadership to her service unit and community.   

-Girl Scout Levi, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a program aide, CIT (counselor-in-training), attending Camp CEO, earning their Bronze and Silver Award, traveling with Girl Scouts, and serving in leadership capacities in their community.  

-Girl Scout Alyssa, earned the Pinnacle Award by serving as a program aide, earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, and serving in a leadership capacity in their community.   

-Girl Scout Katherine, earned the Pinnacle Award by traveling with Girl Scouts, earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award, and serving in a leadership capacity in her community. 

-Girl Scout Neha, earned the Pinnacle Award by traveling with Girl Scouts, earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a program aide, and serving in a leadership capacity in her service unit and community.   

-Girl Scout Elizabeth, earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Award, serving as a CIT (counselor-in-training), and providing leadership to her service unit and community.   

The application is now open for the 2023 Pinnacle Award class!  

Details and application can be found on our website.

It’s time to get back to Girl Scouting with new Winter Programs!

It’s time to get back to Girl Scouting with new Winter Programs!

We’re so excited to launch our programs for winter because we have in-person and virtual opportunities for Girl Scouts to press play and get back in the swing of things. Get ready to start the New Year off with new programs!

Registration for programs from now through April are now OPEN! Ready to join us?

Programs are available for Girl Scouts of all ages and give them the opportunity to reconnect with nature, their Girl Scout friends, and self-discovery in general! Make sure to look through our events calendar above or through our ActiveNet registration portal to see all of our available programs!

Custom Programs for Girl Scouts!

Our custom programs are still available to sign-up for, which includes a fun list of offerings and brand new dates for the upcoming months! Make sure to visit our website to learn more about scheduling an in-person or virtual custom program.

Join us for Team STEAM programs!

Are you a STEAM enthusiast? Then join Team STEAM, where you can connect with other girls who love STEAM and women in STEM careers. Once you complete your first STEM badge as a troop, individual, or council, you can sign up to join the team! You will receive some Team STEAM swag and information about our meetings every other month to connect to other STEAM enthusiasts and hear from women who work in STEM careers.

There are opportunities for all ages of Girl Scouts to become an astronomer, LEGO robotics expert, engineer, and more: explore our website to register!

All Girl Scouts are invited to celebrate our Virtual Cookie Badge Bash on January 8 by joining us for two very special workshops catered to earning NEW cookie badges!

Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors will learn about the cookies, how to set goals, come up with a sales pitch, and learn how to build your team, while Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors will expand upon their knowledge of the cookie businesses, learn marketing tips, and work on building their own customer base!

Reminder: Cookies are “crumbing” December 15!

Become a Digital Leader!

The digital world is run by technology. If you want to change the real or digital world, technology can connect you to people, information, and causes in an instant. It provides tools to help you inform, organize, and mobilize others.

We have a set of programs that will expand upon girls’ knowledge of the digital world and how the internet works, while learning valuable life skills, internet safety, and more!

Camp Registration Opens March 1!

For more than 100 years, Girl Scout camp has brought girls outdoor adventures full of learning, challenges, a whole lot of friendship, and tons of fun. This happens through a community—each girl who comes to camp is welcomed into a group of girls who together can:

  • Discover their ability to better solve problems and overcome challenges.
  • Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and become team players.
  • Increase their level of overall happiness and gratitude, and care for the environment.

Registration opens March 1, but in the meantime, we have a TON of outdoor winter programs to get you in the camp spirit!

Volunteer programs are back!

As always, we have plenty of opportunities for v[AC1] olunteers, so be sure to browse those as well! These include resources for the cookie season, our Adult Enrichment series, CPR and First Aid, and more!

Your time to shine? Now!

Time to Renew, Girl Scout!

Connecting. Testing her strength. Making a difference. Renew today to make sure your Girl Scout continues to shine her brightest.

She’s ready to explore, learn, and create. She’s ready to come back.

Press play with Girl Scouts and watch her confidence soar.

Meet the Pinnacle Award Class!

Meet the Pinnacle Award Class!

In partnership with our Adult Recognition Committee, and council staff who work directly with Girl Scouts, we are proud to introduce some of the first-ever Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Pinnacle Award recipients!

These 19 Ambassador Girl Scouts and recent alums earned the Pinnacle Award for demonstrating outstanding leadership and action in our council and their communities, each earning at least seven “leadership points” achieved through a combination of Girl Scout and other extracurricular experiences.

Read on to meet some of these Girl Scouts and learn about their drive to make a difference.

Girl Scout Melissa earned the Pinnacle Award for earning the Girl Scout Silver Award, serving as a Counselor in Training, attending Camp CEO, providing leadership in her Service Unit, serving as a District or National Delegate, and holding other leadership roles in and outside of Girl Scouts.

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?

Girl Scouts taught me the importance of self-sufficiency, but also the value of teamwork. It introduced me to so many people and opportunities that I would otherwise have been oblivious to. Girl Scouts got me into volunteer work and helping with younger troops helped me to see that I wanted to be a teacher. I’m not sure where I’d be without Girl Scouts, it’s been
such a big part of my life for so long.

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?

I wish other people understood the community that Girl Scouts provides. I’ve been a Girl Scout since the first grade, and it’s allowed me to meet an incredible variety of people with similar values to my own. The program is fully girl oriented and a place to be yourself while you figure out who that is. Growing up, it let me see that girls can do and be anything so long as they’re willing to try. Girl Scouts made me the best version of myself and taught me to be that person unapologetically.

Girl Scout alum Leah earned the Pinnacle Award for serving as a Counselor in Training, a Volunteer in Training, a National Delegate, and for providing leadership in and outside of Girl Scouts.

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?

Girl Scouting has helped me to meet so many incredible people that I look up to, who inspire me to keep working to bring change to the world in whatever ways I can. I hope to be able to also inspire whoever I cross paths with to use their skills to make their mark on the world. Whether that be globally or in their own neighborhood, everyone has something to bring to the table, and being a Girl Scout has helped me to see that.

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?

I wish people knew that Girl Scouts is for all girls and women. No matter how old you are or where you come from, there’s always a way to get involved. Whether you start at age 5 or 95, there’s plenty of different things you can do to be a Girl Scout. 

Girl Scout alum Molly earned the Pinnacle Award for earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, attending Camp CEO, and for her leadership outside of Girl Scouts.

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?

The value of Girl Scouting in my life is the importance of community service that I developed from working on the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards and the other projects and activities offered through Girl Scouts. I learned to listen and work with others to create effective solutions. The issue of inclusion was part of my Gold Award project, which I have continued to advocate for while attending college. I value the confidence and courage that Girl Scouting helped me to gain. I use the skills I learned as a Girl Scout in my daily life as I pursue my career goals and help others in my community.

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?

I wish others knew that Girl Scouts is not about selling cookies. It is about empowerment, confidence, creativity, community service and so much more. Girl Scouting is not just for young girls in grade school, it is for everyone. I am now a Girl Scout lifetime member and will continue to strive to make the world a better place.

Girl Scout alum Lillian earned the Pinnacle Award for earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and for her leadership outside of Girl Scouts.

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?

Growing up on the Southside of Chicago and seeing the lack of access to quality education, food, and housing that plagues much of the area has instilled in me a drive to make the world a place where every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their socioeconomic status. My deeply personal desire to promote equity and the love of service that Girl Scouts built in me continue to inspire me to make a true difference in the world. 

What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?

I feel that Girl Scouts as individuals can help to promote the equity and compassion that our society lacks. The Girl Scout values of respect for others, compassion, wise use of natural resources, and service to one’s community could go far if applied to societal problems like systemic racism and climate change. Girl Scouts can affect these changes by engaging in projects like the Gold Award throughout their lives, promoting these Girl Scout values in their careers, and encouraging others to do so. 

Girl Scout alum Korey earned the Pinnacle Award for earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, and for serving in a leadership capacity outside of Girl Scouts.

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?

Girl Scouts has been a 13-year constant in my life, as I began as a kindergarten Daisy. Since then, I have met some of the most amazingly supportive people in my life. Together, we have worked through countless problems from parents passing away, moving across the country, teen pregnancy, and so many more. As a troop, we have worked together to keep a simile on our faces as we continue to aid the community. Although we aren’t attending the same school, living in the same states, or even in the same realm of life, we uplift each other whenever we see each other. I have managed to find some of the most amazing people in Girl Scouts as we grew up serving the community together.

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world? 

My life has been a whirlwind of different ups and downs. I always saw the need to help the people around me, whether they were strangers or not. At the age of 17, I founded my own nonprofit, Girl in Lansing, which focuses on helping families put food on their tables. I have endured countless interactions with serving community members, from single parents, orphaned children, to households of 11. Each one of these families rings in my ears as I struggle to keep serving my community. They may not have a support system like mine, so why can’t I be part of theirs? I will be part of their support system. I will be a reason for them to keep pushing. I will uplift them in any way that I can. Likewise, they will continue to be my reason to continue!

Girl Scout Maggie earned the Pinnacle Award for earning the Bronze and Silver Awards, for serving as a Program Aide and Counselor in Training, providing Service Unit leadership, and for her leadership outside of Girl Scouts.

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?

Something that keeps me going to make a difference in the world is the want for the best results for everyone. I have personally learned in Girl Scouts about different cultures, expanding my vision to a bigger world than my own. It is my personal goal to leave the world a little bit better of a place than I found it.

What types of changes do you think need to happen in society and your community? How do you see Girl Scouts affecting these changes?

I think some changes that need to happen in our community is learning to be more tolerant of each other and to respect each other’s different opinions. I see Girls Scouts as a way of opening up the conversation for other girls to share their ideas to try and build a better community.

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?

I wish people knew about how life changing some of the experiences can be, the lifelong friends you make through Girl Scouts, and how fun just being a Girl Scout can be.

Girl Scout Emily earned the Pinnacle Award for earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, and for traveling on a Destination.

What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life?

Girl Scouts has a lot of value because there are so many opportunities to make friends, develop your character, and build your skillset to get you ready to be an adult. 

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?

I wish more adults and younger girls within Girl Scouts knew that there is so much to do still even as an older Girl Scout. Girls can go on and earn the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards which are three of the highest awards that you can earn as a Girl Scout. There are cool trips that girls can take within the United States or to another country through Girl Scout Destinations. Camp CEO is a program that helps connect high school girls with mentors. Also, older girls can apply to be a Girl Representative to the Board, where they can represent the council at the board meetings and provide input to help make Girl Scouts even better.

Girl Scout alum Arwen earned the Pinnacle Award for earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, serving as a Program Aid and Counselor in Training, and for providing leadership in a Service Unit.

What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?

My unwavering will to do good in the world keeps me going. I strive to make a positive impact on the world around me each and every day. This is not to say that I am perfect — but I am a human — a Girl Scout for life — trying to do good in the world. I remind myself that, at the end of the day, the world is good. My parents instilled that belief in me. My mom, my Girl Scout troop leader, raised me to see the good in myself, the good in others, and the good in the world. I know I have the power to be part of that good. Because I am one woman, one Girl Scout, one human — I know I can make a positive impact on the world around me. 

What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?

One thing I wish others knew about Girl Scouts is that there is no “one way” to be a Girl Scout. There are so many different opportunities for Girl Scouts, each individual Scout can have her own special journey. From STEM programs, to cooking and first aid badges, to camp opportunities, each Girl Scout can pursue fields of interest that she is passionate about. In my experience speaking with those who do not know much about Girl Scouts, some of them have the mistaken understanding that Girl Scouting is only about selling cookies and doing crafts. While I love cookie season and crafting as much as anyone, it is important for the public to better understand that Girl Scouts is about inspiring creativity, leadership, and responsibility in young women. 


We also want to congratulate:

  • Alonda, for serving as a Volunteer in Training, attending Camp CEO, serving as a National Delegate, traveling on a Girl Scout Destination, providing leadership in her Service Unit, and for her leadership outside of Girl Scouts.
  • Sierra, for earning the Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a Program Aide, Counselor in Training, and Volunteer in Training, and serving in leadership roles outside of Girl Scouts.
  • Allison, for earning the Bronze and Silver Awards, attending Camp CEO, traveling on a Girl Scout Destination, and for leadership outside of Girl Scouts.
  • Margaret, for earning the Bronze Award, serving as a Girl Rep on the Board of Directors, attending Camp CEO, traveling on a Girl Scout Destination, providing leadership in her Service Unit, and for other leadership outside of Girl Scouts.
  • Rebecca, for earning the Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a Program Aid and CIT, traveling on a Girl Scout Destination, and for other leadership roles.
  • Mary, for earning the Gold and Silver Awards and for her leadership outside of Girl Scouts.
  • Lily, for earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards
  • Kendall, for earning the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, serving as a Girl Rep on the Board of Directors, attending Camp CEO, providing leadership in a Service Unit and other leadership outside of Girl Scouts.

You are each outstanding individuals and we wish you the best as you enter the world with confidence and character!

Applications for the 2022 Pinnacle Award class are now open!

Details and application submission form can be found on our website.

Let’s celebrate Girl Scouts Change the World Month!

Let’s celebrate Girl Scouts Change the World Month!

Starting October 1, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSCNWI) are celebrating International Day of the Girl (October 11) and all the amazing ways girls have and WILL change the world! Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to join national and local virtual events where they can become inspired to make global and personal change, from Take Action workshops to Gold Award celebrations and more.

Read on to get the full scoop.

Girl Scouts Change the World

Tune in Saturday, October 9, for a FREE virtual celebration to discover how you and your friends can make the world a better place for girls everywhere. You’ll meet some of the 2021 Gold Award Girl Scouts and see how you (yes, YOU) have what it takes to become a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award Girl Scout.

If you’ve already earned your Gold Award, you can look forward to a special breakout session honoring all you’ve achieved. It’s a day of inspiration, sisterhood, and global action. You won’t want to miss it!

Earn your Global Action Awards and order your badges from our shop site.

International Day of the Girl Celebrations

Girl Scout Brownies through Ambassadors are invited to celebrate International Day of the Girl on October 17 by joining us for two very special workshops sponsored by Barilla and INVENTORCLOUD!

Brownies and Juniors will explore how to reduce their impact on the environment through the food they eat, while Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors will explore what it takes to have a zero waste lifestyle (that’s NO plastic!) and fast fashion!

Highest Awards and Take Action Workshops

Every Girl Scout goes above and beyond to make a difference in her community and the greater world. And the skills and experiences she gains along the way set her up for special recognition through the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards.

We have training for Girl Scouts who want to earn their BronzeSilver, or Gold Awards! We also have a special Take Action Workshop on October 13 for Girl Scouts who want to learn more about service projects and are thinking of earning a Highest Award.

Looking for even more to do?

Check out our Highest Awards webpage for ideas, inspiration, and next steps for earning a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award!

You can also complete the SuperGold Patch Program for more information on Girl Scout Highest Awards!

This year, in collaboration with UNICEF’s IDG 2021 Theme “Digital Generation, Our Generation,” you are invited to a girl-led virtual roundtable on International Day of the Girl (October 11) to listen to a diversity of girls to hear what they need and highlight sustainable and innovative solutions to issues that they face.

Join us for Becoming Me Workshops!

Inspired by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama’s book Becoming: Adapted for Young Readersour Becoming Me workshops help you explore the truth of your own story, use the power of your voice, and introduce you to unique experiences!

There are opportunities for all ages of Girl Scouts to become a trail adventurer, go behind the ballot, make new friends, and more: explore our website to register!

Order your Becoming Me patch, badges and FREE requirements from our shop site.

Meet Shaela, National Gold Award Scholarship Recipient!

We are thrilled to announce that Girl Scout Shaela is the Gold Award Girl Scout from Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) to be awarded a national scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA for extraordinary action in addressing the issue of food insecurity. Shaela’s work in building a relationship with Help for Hope, a local food and supply pantry in Coal City, has earned her national recognition, and we are so proud.

Read our blog to hear about Shaela’s initiative, in her own words.

Girl Scout Shaela recognized with the National Gold Award Scholarship

Girl Scout Shaela recognized with the National Gold Award Scholarship

What does success look like? A confident shade of Girl Scout gold. And when a Gold Award Girl Scout shares the real-world skills gained from earning the Gold Award—team building, managing a complex project from start to finish, or public speaking, to name a few—their resume sets them apart from their peers.

A Gold Award Girl Scout, no matter their background or ability, learns to tap into the world-changing power within her. She takes the lead in designing and enacting a plan for change and makes a positive impact in her community and beyond.

We are thrilled to announce that Girl Scout Shaela is the Gold Award Girl Scout from Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) to be awarded a national scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA for extraordinary action in addressing the issue of food insecurity. Shaela’s work in building a relationship with Help for Hope, a local food and supply pantry in Coal City, Illinois, has earned her national recognition, and we are so proud.

Read on to hear about Shaela’s initiative, in her own words.

Coal City Community Care Project

Written by National Gold Award Scholarship Recipient Shaela

From the very beginning all the way to my current role in Girl Scouts, it has truly been one of forming lifetime friendships and acquiring priceless life and survival skills. I enrolled in Girl Scouts as a Daisy, the very first step of a beautiful journey I will never regret taking. My mother, aunt, and grandmother were all Girl Scouts before me, so it was important to me to continue the chain of strong, independent women in my family. Together with my cousin, I began the Girl Scout journey and the climb up the ladder of learning, exploring, leading, and providing service to others.

To earn my Gold Award, I partnered with the Help for Hope Food Pantry, a local food and supply pantry in Coal City, to assist my community physically and emotionally. I implemented a Letters of Love box for others to receive supportive and heartfelt letters which provide encouragement for the Help for Hope frequenters. In addition, I also constructed a Blessing Box/Micro-pantry, Drop-Off Donation Box, and provided numerous collection bins throughout town to collect needed food, supplies, cleaning products, personal products, and other items for the Help for Hope community. Finally, I planned and started an annual Drive-Thru Donation Drive in which community members can bring in donated items and supplies safely from the trunk of their car. All structures and events implemented went to the betterment of my community and to increase products offered at Help for Hope.

The number of people in need in my community was really what pushed me to work hard and continue with my Gold Award project. After volunteering at Help for Hope for a couple years prior to my project, I was able to see the large number of families and individuals frequenting the facility. In seeing the variety of items they offered at the pantry, I was deeply motivated to help them move forward as much as possible.

After the pandemic began, my passion to help others through difficult times only grew stronger as people began to lose their jobs and fall into financial struggles. With COVID-19 came a wave of unity among people, and I wanted nothing more than to partake in that very mission. So many are suffering right now because of this virus’s effects, and the mission of Help for Hope deeply inspired me to assist others, especially at such a crucial time. Thus, it was the heartbreaking suffering of those around me and those greatly impacted by the pandemic that pushed me to encourage members of my community and reach out as much as I could.

As someone who has been active in volunteer service for many years, my drive to continue to make a difference is something that is housed deep inside my empathy and compassion toward others. I have always had a very strong connection with people, and I have been able to form incredible connections with others by being able to lend a listening ear or a helping hand to those who I know are facing struggles. Knowing how these people feel, what they fight for, or what they are going through pushes me to continue to help and make a difference in the world.

I wish more than anything to provide aid that can assist in making that shadow leave my community and the world to establish peace and understanding for all. Getting rid of these negative emotions and actions that exist in today’s society is how humanity can achieve true unity. That goal of having acceptance, aid, equity, and love in the world is what keeps me going.