Camp CEO took place on September 19 – 21, at Camp Butternut Springs.
This transformative weekend brought together Girl Scouts in grades 8–12 with accomplished women leaders from a wide range of industries. Over the course of the program, Girl Scouts took part in classic camp activities like swimming, archery, the climbing wall, night zip lining, and team challenges while also diving deep into workshops, reflection sessions, and one-on-one mentorship.
The result? A weekend filled with growth, confidence, and community.
One of the most impactful parts of Camp CEO is the connection Girl Scouts build with mentors who understand the challenges of life and the importance of support along the way. Many Girl Scouts shared how valuable it was to hear from women with such diverse backgrounds and career paths.
“I learned a lot about resiliency this weekend from my mentor. I learned failures are ok and they teach you lessons.” – Girl Scout, Mariam
“I love how every one of our mentors are different. They all have a different background and stories to share with us.” – Girl Scout, Faith
For some, these connections extend far beyond the weekend. One Girl Scout shared that she is still in touch with her mentor from last year, Chynise, who became instrumental in supporting her Gold Award project supporting access to feminine hygiene in Ghana.
“She was definitely one my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. She shared my link to my Amazon wish list with her friends, and I started receiving so many of the items that I needed for my project. It’s really nice to have someone always thinking of me and supporting me. I love how our relationship has grown since we were first paired up.” – Girl Scout, Leila
The girls also shared gratitude for the incredible troop leaders and volunteers who have supported them throughout their Girl Scouting journeys. Several reflected on how their leaders encouraged them to attend Camp CEO in the first place, opening doors to new experiences and showing them the power of mentorship.
By the end of the weekend, every participant walked away with something lasting, whether it was a new mentor, a renewed sense of confidence, or a circle of friends who now feel like sisters.
“At first I was a little nervous because I came here alone, but I’ve only experienced warm welcomes, open arms, and smiles. This weekend taught me that leadership applies to all aspects of your life.” – Girl Scout, Faith
“Camp CEO takes you as a leader, and says, “You’re already a leader, but let’s look at it from a different angle to help you build for your future.” – Girl Scout, Joy
With every year, the Camp CEO community continues to grow stronger. The girls who leave camp don’t just head home with memories, they leave with tools, connections, and confidence that will carry them forward as leaders in every part of their lives.
Ready to make your mark at Camp CEO 2026? Girl Scouts and mentors can fill out the interest form below to stay in the loop.
A heartfelt thank-you to the Girl Scouts who showed up with courage, the mentors who gave their time and wisdom, and the sponsors who made this empowering weekend possible.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Troop 35767 is proof that Girl Scouts is all about girl-led experiences, no matter their age. Under the guidance of Jess Garcia, a passionate Financial Education professional from Centier Bank, the Daisies and Brownies of Troop 35767 are learning financial empowerment early on. “I know they’re only Daisies and Brownies,” Jess says, “but I really want to empower them.”
With Jess’s help, the girls created a troop budget, deciding on dues and prioritizing their own troop expenses. This hands-on budgeting shows these young Girl Scouts that they have the power to make decisions that shape their troop’s experience.
But Troop 35767’s learning doesn’t stop there—they have big hearts, too. Inspired by Juliette, a Brownie and leader in this troop, the girls are spreading kindness in their community. As Juliette put it, “Volunteering is important to people. Some people are homeless with no home. That’s why we volunteer. Volunteering is important to everyone. I volunteer at Community Help Network with my dad on Saturdays during their Ladles of Love.” She lives by her words and recently inspired her troop to color cards for Phil’s Friends, an organization that sends packages of encouragement to cancer patients.
With cookie season on the horizon, the girls are excited to build their entrepreneurship skills while learning even more about financial literacy. With Troop 35767, it’s clear that the joy of Girl Scouting shines in each decision, each act of kindness, and each new skill gained—empowering girls one step at a time.
Our Girl Scout community kicked off Girl Scout Week at the 2024 Sneaker Ball on March 9, 2024.
Sneaker Ball was held at the Halls of St. George in Schererville, Indiana. It brought together over 350 Girl Scout members of all ages and their family members for a night of fun and friendship.
Girl Scout family and friends arrived in their fanciest attire paired with their favorite sneakers. Besides dancing to the music by the fabulous DJ3Snapz, attendees could participate in many activities like creating a Flat Juliette, striking a pose on the 360-degree video booth, and learning about Girl Scout history from our council historians. Every attendee was given two raffle tickets to use to enter a drawing with prizes like a Chicago Cubs Swag Bag, a signed soccer ball from the Chicago Fire, Nike and Journeys gift cards, and more.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Sneaker Ball Fashion Show, where Girl Scouts strutted down the runway, confidently showcasing their stylish sneaker looks.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana thanks the Legacy Foundation for sponsoring the 2024 Sneaker Ball. Additionally, thank you to our in-kind partners: Albanese Candy, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Fire, DePaul Blue Devils, and Gary SouthShore Rail Cats.
This past July in Lake Buena Vista, FL, Girl Scouts from across the country and world gathered at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2023 National Council Session (NCS) and Girl Scout Convention, Phenom. With excitement and magic lingering in the air, nearly 10,000 Girl Scouts, National Council Delegates, volunteers, and visitors eagerly awaited their chance to celebrate our movement. A magical few days were about to take place in what could be described as one of the most magical places on earth.
Taking place once every three years, this event is both a business meeting, where important issues and topics that affect the future of our movement are discussed and voted on by the National Council, and a celebration of our movement with inspiring stories, new friendships, and of course, lots of sing-a-longs taking place.
National Council Delegates are elected by local councils and serve in these roles for three years. They represent local councils in the business meeting portion of convention known as NCS. The Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) National Delegation is made up of adult members and Girl Scouts who are at least 14 years of age at the time of election. Some GCNWI Delegates have attended numerous NCSs while others were attending for the first time!
GCNWI’s National Delegation.
While their experience varies, all delegates share a passion for Girl Scouting, a desire to serve our council, and have a dedication that is unmatched as they spent countless hours preparing to attend NCS by meeting both virtually and in person. National Delegate Pamela shared that while she had so many memories from NCS, one of her favorites was GCNWI’s Delegation meeting up at the airport. “I could feel the positive energy of the group. We each knew we had a purpose to represent our council and we were ready.”
Delegation training in Spring 2023.
Upon arrival and ready to kick off the festivities, GCNWI’s National Delegation gathered with other GCNWI council members who were in town to attend the convention. Together, they had a spectacular evening full of laughter, friendship, and wonder as they looked ahead to the exciting events that were to come.
During the 56th NCS, which lasted three days, delegates participated in debates and voted on seven proposals that direct the future of the Girl Scout Movement. Four of these seven proposals were passed. While some proposals were passed or defeated quickly, others went through hours of debating before a vote was taken. First time GCNWI National Delegate Rebecca reflects that, “It was so exciting to be a part of the debates and witness the voting/passing of various proposals. I was surprised by how quickly things could move – and how slowly they could crawl. The most surprising part of NCS may have been the girl delegates. They spoke so passionately and thoughtfully with a perspective I no longer have personally. I’m so impressed and inspired by all of them. The future is bright.”
GCNWI National Girl Delegates and chaperone strategizing before NCS.
GCNWI National Girl Delegates Madalyn, Maddie, McKenzie, Hazel, Katharine, and Annabel.
While reflecting on her favorite part of NCS, GCNWI National Girl Delegate Madalyn shared, “I loved the entirety of the democratic process. Seeing such passionate females making their voice heard and being powerful was such an inspiration and an experience I will never forget. Even the little moments when I would talk with the other girl delegates across the table, and we would discuss the proposal at hand was so meaningful because open-mindedness is something that always should be present in democracy but is rare.”
Additionally, GCNWI National Girl Delegate Hazel shared, “It was really cool to be surrounded by so many powerful women and intelligent girls. It’s so rare to be in a room where important decisions are being made by only (or mostly) women, and it was a really amazing experience.”
GCNWI National Girl Delegate Annabel reflects, “I was definitely nervous about knowing all of the information and nuances of the proposals being discussed, but as we all were able to have in depth discussions from members of our and other delegations, I learned some really fascinating insight and was able to deepen my understanding of Girl Scout governance. This was one of the things I was also excited about, being able to talk to many people from all over the country, as well as the opportunity to grow closer to those in my delegation. I think Girl Scouts is truly one of the most inclusive places, and everyone I’ve met wants to listen to and learn from what others have to say, even if they disagree.”
GCNWI National Girl Delegates McKenzie, Madalyn, Hazel, Maddie, Annabel, and Katharine with new National Board Member Scott Saunders and GCNWI Board Member Janet Hulet.
GCNWI Delegate Lindsay shares that, “The best part of NCS was listening to passionate, informed, and courageous girl members from around the country make their cases to a room of 1000. Their voices were excellent reminders of why Girl Scouting is more important than ever.”
One of the more important pieces of business at this year’s NCS was the consideration of the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship. During the 2020 NCS, GCNWI’s National Delegation proposed the formation of a task force to examine the feasibility of creating a national Gold Award Scholarship Fund, which was passed. After the passing of that proposal, a task force was formed and made recommendations for the creation of a Movement Gold Award Scholarship. The passing of the 2023 proposal puts the existence of the fund into the Blue Book of Basic Documents.
GCNWI National Delegate Karen, who was instrumental in the creation of the 2020 proposal and served on the Gold Award Scholarship Fund Task Force, shared that her favorite moment of this year’s NCS was wrapped around the passing of this proposal. “After many years of advocating for the creation of a national scholarship program for Gold Award recipients, I was thoroughly delighted when the proposal passed and that my dream will now come to fruition.”
Proposals were not the only topic on this year’s NCS agenda. Delegates had a busy schedule and participated in a discussion on Movement Governance, elected the new National Board and National Board Development Committee, and had a great time meeting and networking with Girl Scouts of the USA’s (GSUSA) CEO Bonnie Barczykowski, members of the National Board, and new National Board President Noorain F. Khan.
After NCS wrapped up, it was time for Phenom, the convention portion of the week! During Phenom, Girl Scouts had the chance to continue networking with others from across the movement, explore the expo hall, workshops, and even hop on over to the parks! Some of our members also volunteered or participated in a 5k that took place around the convention center.
GCNWI National Alternate Delegate Tina has attended convention multiple times as a visitor and shared, “I love going to convention. There is so much energy when you put so many Girl Scouts in one place. It’s amazing to see the girls become so engaged, socializing, and networking with other girls and adults from all over. It’s equally amazing to see so many adults who are so passionate about our movement and what it provides for the girls. It’s a perfect cure for burnout! I always leave reenergized and proud to be a lifetime member of GSUSA.”
GCNWI National Delegate Tresa joined her troop after NCS to take in convention. “I loved meeting other delegates from other councils along with having my troop of 5 girls there for Phenom. It was an amazing and inspiring event that they got to witness while using their money they had raised to make it a better world in the future.”
While we reflect on all of the wonderful memories created at this year’s NCS and Girl Scout Convention, we’re excited to share the next NCS and Girl Scout Convention will take place in Washington, DC, July 20-25, 2026! Those interested in attending as visitors should stay tuned for more information that will be released from GSUSA.
GCNWI will be seeking applications for our next class of National Delegates in Fall 2024. These delegates will serve from Spring 2025 to Spring 2028. More information will be available on the GCNWI Democratic Process page.
If you or a Girl Scout you know is unsure about applying to be a GCNWI National Girl Delegate or attending Girl Scout Convention, check out what some of our GCNWI National Delegates had to say!
“Apply! Attend! Be part of the remarkable experience! I hope to again in 2026. Once you are there you can see Girl Scouts in action. It is a place where you are surrounded by people who are passionate about the movement, and it shows. The positive energy at the convention is contagious. You need to experience for yourself firsthand. I wish every Girl Scout could attend.” —GCNWI National Delegate Lisa
“Enjoy the journey! You will get to learn more than you imagined about the history and origins of Girl Scouts, and how change happens in this amazing organization.” —GCNWI National Delegate Jen
“I would tell them to go for it. It is such an amazing experience to be able to express your voice & the voice of other Girls and volunteers in your area. You will make close friends with your fellow delegates, meet people from all over, have in-depth conversations about governance and general life. Girl Scouts is such an inclusive and loving space, and it is really reflected in the people you meet. Being able to help better it is such a joy.” —GCNWI National Girl Delegate Annabel
“I cannot recommend this experience enough. YOU can make an impact on our mission. YOU can help guide the future of our organization. YOU should do it (and get ready to have loads of fun on the journey)!” —GCNWI National Delegate Rebecca
Want to learn more? The GCNWI National Delegation is happy to come speak to Troops or Service Units about being a National Delegate and the 2023 National Council Session and Convention. If you would like to request a Delegate to come speak at your meeting, please email Alaina Greene, Delegate Liaison, at agreene@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
On November 11, 2023, Girl Scout friends and family joined Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) for a ground-breaking cultural stepping workshop with Step Afrika!.
Step Afrika! is a world-renowned dance company that focuses on the art and history of stepping. If you’re not familiar, stepping is a percussive, highly energetic art form that Step Afrika! shared was first developed through the song and dance rituals performed by African American fraternities and sororities. In stepping, the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps and spoken words to produce complex polyrhythms.
The event was filled with over 150 Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and many adults who were excited to learn all about stepping. To get things started, Girl Scouts and their families watched a 15-minute demonstration of what stepping is and how it is performed. Then, Step Afrika! dancers explained the historical and cultural relevance of stepping and how it is celebrated. After learning about the history, Girl Scouts were very eager to join Step Afrika! on stage to learn and practice beginner-level stepping techniques. Once they were confident with their movements, Girl Scouts followed along with the dancers from Step Afrika! in a performance, which was enjoyed by Girl Scout staff and families. At the very end, Girl Scouts and adults were given time to ask any questions to Step Afrika! in a Q&A session.
“I learned so much, I want to do this again,” said a Girl Scout attendee.
The stepping workshop was a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to broaden their cultural awareness and have fun doing so!
Click here to view the photos and videos from the day.
From October 6-8, 2023, Girl Scouts and leading career and industry professionals came together for a weekend of empowerment for Camp CEO. Camp CEO is a Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana signature event that connects Girl Scouts with leading career professionals to practice setting goals, collaborate on college and secondary career paths, and strengthen leadership skills.
This year, Camp CEO went camp-based and was hosted at Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso, Indiana, creating a fun and unique environment for mentees and mentors. 60 Girl Scout mentees arrived at camp on Friday night, bonded with their sister Girl Scouts over fun ice-breaker activities, and then got situated in their cabins.
On Saturday morning, the mentors arrived at camp. Girl Scouts had the opportunity to get to know the mentors better through speed interviews. Girl Scouts would find a mentor who had open seats at their table and ask them as many questions as they could before the two-minute timer went off and it was time to find another mentor to interview. This activity was a great way to break the ice. It was full of giggles and “insta-moments” as Girl Scouts got to capture a selfie with each mentor they interviewed.
After learning about all the mentors, Girl Scouts heard from mentor L’Oreal Thompson Payton, who gave a presentation about self-esteem and what it takes to be a leader. Some key takeaways from her presentation are to embrace your imperfections, remember you are enough, and dare to dream big.
After L’Oreal’s confidence-boosting presentation, everyone headed outside to embrace their leadership in a unique way. Girl Scouts and mentors showed confidence and leadership by scaling the climbing tower and learning archery. Following the outdoor adventures, mentors and mentees worked together on team-building activities. After the team-building exercises, Girl Scouts and mentors gathered for a Q&A session, which allowed Girl Scouts to ask the mentors some more profound questions and get insight into future career paths. The night wouldn’t be complete without a traditional camping experience. Girl Scouts gathered around the campfire for a self-reflection activity and a tasty s’more.
On Sunday, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana welcomed Kathleen Sarpy, who gave an empowering presentation about embracing your talents, embracing resiliency, and being true to who you are on your journey to your life ahead. Kathleen shared personal stories that showed Girl Scouts that life may not always be easy, but with tenacity and resilience, they can thrive in a life that feels true and authentic.
Following Kathleen’s presentation, Girl Scouts welcomed Yasha Sterling, who shared her expertise in personal branding and planning for your future. Yasha led Girl Scouts through an interactive trivia game that piqued the girls’ interest in different career paths.
After all the motivational presentations, Girl Scouts got time to finish their vision boards and present them to their mentors.
As the weekend came to an end, Girl Scouts said their goodbyes to their mentors and their new and old friends.
Camp CEO 2023 allowed Girl Scouts to adventure out of their comfort zones, learn about many career paths, and discover themselves. It allowed mentors to connect and inspire the future generation of women leaders. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana would like to extend a big thank you to all the mentors who volunteered their weekend and made a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts.
Over 120 Girl Scout friends and families participated in the inaugural S’mores Day Fun Run held on August 12, 2023, to support Family Partnership’s annual giving campaign and celebrate National S’mores Day!
The 1.2-mile course around Camp Greene Wood weaved through the scenic fields and wood trails of the camp, allowing runners to enjoy nature and get a tour of the camp in a unique way.
The run was followed by some fun activities, including crafting of s’mores-themed bead buddies and marshmallow catapults led by Camp Greene Wood’s CITs (counselors in training).
Erin Morton, one of the participants, shared her experience and said, “We had so much fun. The counselors in training were awesome and super engaged during the crafting.”
It wouldn’t be an actual S’mores Day without making a s’more! Girl Scouts enjoyed delicious s’mores around the campfire; there were even flavored marshmallows to choose from to make your s’more extra tasty.
The event celebrated the love of s’mores while also raising over $4,000 towards the Family Partnership’s annual giving campaign. The money raised will provide financial assistance, ensuring that Girl Scouts is accessible to all girls. It will also be used to offer training and support for adult volunteers and innovations to camps and properties.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana would like to thank everyone who participated and made the day special. The council would also like to thank Talking Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, for sponsoring the bottled water used at the event.
Girl Scouts who participated in our robotics program are reaching new heights!
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) proudly sponsored 12 FIRST Robotics teams this season in partnership with Motorola Foundation Solutions. There were eight FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge teams (for students in grades 4-8), three FLL Explore teams (for students in grades 2-4), and one FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team (for students in grades 7-12).
All age groups learned about this season’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) theme, which focused on power and energy.
Volunteer coaches created a comprehensive STEAM curriculum that taught the basics of building a moving robot or model. Teams programmed the robot or model with Spike Prime Essential, Spike Prime, or Java programming languages.
Teams also shared a poster, skit, song, play, or engineering presentation to show how much they learned this season with judges who determined awards and advancements.
Some of the notable accomplishments of this season’s teams are:
FLL Challenge team, The Unstoppable Robogirls, from Troop 25237, was a seventh-grade FLL Challenge team that advanced to the Illinois State FLL Challenge Championship at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with their highest robot run score of 245 points. They won the Core Values Trophy at their regional competition in December 2023 with 110 points for their highest robot run.
FLL Challenge team, Saucedo, from Troop 24520, won the Robot Performance Trophy with 200 points for their highest robot run at their regional tournament. This was the rookie year for Saucedo.
FLL Challenge team, Rad Rovers, from various troops based at Oakton Community College, won the Engineering Excellence Trophy with 280 points for their highest robot run at their regional tournament. This was the rookie year for Rad Rovers.
FLL Challenge team, Warriors, from Troop 55557, scored 165 points for their highest robot run at their regional tournament. The Warriors have advanced to the FLL Challenge state championship in past years.
FLL Challenge team, Electric Golden Girls, from Troop 75733, scored 130 points for their highest robot run at their regional tournament. This was the rookie year for Electric Golden Girls.
FLL Challenge team, Hot Potatoes, from Troop 25778, scored 140 points for their highest robot run at the regional tournament. This was the rookie year for Hot Potatoes.
FLL Challenge team, Space Monkeys (Juliettes based in Wheaton), scored 210 points for their highest robot run at the regional tournament.
FLL Challenge team, LEGO Chicago, from Troop 21397, returned to FLL Robotics after being inactive for two years during COVID-19.
FLL Explore team, Saucedo, from Troop 24520, presented at an exhibition in Chicago.
FLL Explore team, The Cookie Crunchers, from Troop 47305, presented at an exhibition in Chicago. They also presented at an exhibition at the FIRST Robotics World Festival in Houston and were chosen for the Core Value Award. And they presented their robotics model at their Girl Scouts service unit meeting.
FLL Explore team, The Unstoppable Robogirls Junior, from Troop 47305, presented at an exhibition in Chicago. They also presented an exhibition at the FIRST Robotics World Festival in Houston and were chosen for the Best Poster Award.
The FTC team, Newton Busters, from Troops 41302 and 40423, won the Illinois State Championship robot matches. To win the state championship, the team faced other robotics teams in five elimination matches, two semi-final alliance matches, and two final alliance matches. Elimination matches randomly select two teams to compete against two other teams. Alliance matches are self-selected alliances of three teams competing against three other teams. Throughout the season, the team competed in three league tournaments, one league championship, and one state championship. At the league championship hosted at the Grainger Headquarters in Lake Forest, with 600 people in attendance, the team won the FIRST Inspire Award and the Innovate Trophy. At the state championship held at Elgin Community College with 38 teams who advanced to the state championship, they won the 2022-2023 Illinois State Championship Tournament Winning Alliance Trophy and the 2022-2023 Illinois State Championship Tournament Control Trophy. One of the coaches, a 16-year Girl Scout leader, won the 2023 Power Play Chicago Suburban Northeast Volunteer of the Year Trophy.
Congratulations to all teams for your incredible accomplishments!
Coaches and student members of The Cookie Crunchers, Rad Rovers, and Newton Busters.Photo of the McKinley Exhibition for FLL Explore (Saucedo, The Cookie Crunchers, The Unstoppable Robogirls Junior)
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is thrilled to bring the Cookie Rally back as an in-person event at the Allstate Arena on January 7, 2023. GSGCNWI’s Cookie Rally is for Girl Scouts of all ages and their families to have some fun while preparing to #GoBrightAhead into everyone’s favorite program, the cookie program!
Doors will open only for Girl Scout Cookie Rally attendees at 3 p.m. There will be many family-friendly activities and photo ops, including:
Dunk your favorite Girl Scout Staff Member with our Dunk Tank
Family-friendly carnival games
Meet the Cookie CEOs
Get a sneak peek of new Programs in STEM, Arts, and Outdoors
Get your photo taken at the Action Photo Booth
Have a pair of ice skates? Open skate will be from 3-5 p.m. Attendees must bring their own skates if they want to go onto the ice. Skate rental will not be available.
At 5 p.m., the Cookie Rally will take the ice to discuss all things cookie-related and tips on how to finish out phase 1 of the cookie program with a bang, and get ready to reach their goals in phase 2.
At 7 p.m., GSGCNWI will drop the puck and host the color guard presentation to kick off the hockey game and cheer on the Chicago Wolves!
Purchasing a ticket to our 2023 Cookie Rally includes entrance to the cookie rally, a commemorative T-shirt, a Chicago Wolves game ticket, and a Rally Patch for the Girl Scout. Tickets are $22 until December 4. Starting December 5, ticket prices will increase to $24.
