November, Native American Heritage Month, is dedicated to celebrating the rich culture and enduring traditions of Native American and Indigenous communities. Consider spending this month researching and honoring Native American and Indigenous communities throughout our nation and where you now call home. You can start by adding a land acknowledgement like the one above to start your Girl Scout meetings alongside the Pledge and Promise!
Hear from Girl Scouts of USA interim CEO, Judith Batty, on the significance of this month:
The celebration goes beyond just November: we invite you to take this opportunity to learn more about the cultures of the Indian Nations in your state and across the country by earning the Native American Heritage “I am a Girl Scout!” Fun Patch. We’ve got plenty of activities to choose from, so you can make new discoveries and have tons of fun learning.
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!
It was such a joy to be at camp this summer, in a year where Girl Scouts needed the fresh air and connection the most!
Summer camp 2021 with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) was a blast because nothing could stop our Girl Scout friends from having the best summer ever! Our staff shared some of their stories from spending the summer with the campers at several locations across our council: gather around the campfire and read on to reminisce.
Written by GSGCNWI Staff Members
Le’Claire Park Summer
“During the summer, Community Engagement partnered with the Chicago Park District for a 6-week summer camp program. The Park’s focus area for this week was about kindness and Hippie Day. The girls started with art and crafts; they all got a chance to create world peace signs. After that, we decided to focus on the Science of Happiness badge, which highlights the scientific method behind happiness. We asked the girls questions, like what makes you happy? What are you grateful for? How could you make others happy?
Then we played a game called ‘Don’t make me laugh’; each girl got a Laffy Taffy candy and we had them stand up and say the joke on the wrapper out loud, it helps with their public speaking and gets them out of their comfort zone. Lastly, we closed with self-portraits. We wanted the young ladies to understand that it’s important to love yourself and most importantly to figure out what makes you happy in that process. We had lots of fun!
About a week later, one of our summer camp girls Kay-C came up to me and said, ‘Miss Diamond, I had my mom go to the store to buy me Laffy Taffy candies, so I could tell her the jokes on the back of them to make her happy.’ I was so excited to hear this because that’s exactly what we wanted the girls to gain from that session. We wanted them to learn self-regulation, so they can go home and use those skills, not only for themselves but others they love as well.
With the past year that all of us have had, it’s important that we all must try to intentionally make ourselves smile but others as well, when we can. Girl Scouts does an awesome job with giving girls those hands-on skills and now we can make a difference in their emotional learning as well.”
Diamond Franklin, Director of Service Partnerships
Flying High
“The Albert C. Hanna High Adventure course is a place where girls find their courage, by taking part in ‘challenge by choice’ — girls go as far as they want to go, and while they are encouraged to stretch outside of their comfort zone, we understand that for some, even a small step can be a huge deal. That was the case with Paige. She was a little nervous about the high ropes tower, and for her, every step up the ladder to enter the course was a BIG DEAL. Slowly she made it to the top of the ladder, then to the first platform at 25 feet up in the air. Each step up, she visibly challenged herself beyond her comfort zone and found her courage. She even took a step out onto a cable, and then decided that was her challenge for the day. On her way down, to the cheers and applause of her fellow campers, she was very emotional. When asked at the bottom (after catching her breath) if she was proud of herself, she had a little smile and said, ‘Yes.’
Early this summer, a tornado touched down in Woodridge/Naperville close to Camp Greene Wood. While the camp was not impacted, the decision was made to cancel camp for the day to allow emergency services open roads to assist in cleanup efforts. One Brownie, seeing what had happened, decided she wanted to help. She (with mom and camp director Sprout’s help) organized a canned food drive during day camp check-in that Thursday, leading her other fellow campers in helping make a difference for families in need in the camp community.
That same week in resident camp world, it was a very stormy week, leading to a lot of activities girls were looking forward to getting rescheduled. One girl at the end of the week shared that while they hadn’t gotten to do everything they wanted to do, in the order they wanted to do it, she didn’t really mind because of the friendships she had made with the other girls in her group throughout the week.”
Katie Young, Director of Outdoor Programs
Biking for Days
“I spent 6 days over 2 weeks leading middle school girls in the resident camp biking unit. Middle school girls get a bad rap — these girls could not have been more supportive and respectful of each other! They were master negotiators, easily navigating the difficult conversations about who should ride in what order and why. Adults could learn from them — they clearly knew each other well enough in a short amount of time to discuss the riding order with respect for each individual girl’s abilities and desires.
These girls were resilient, too. We weathered a flat tire, riding past many dead animals and a girl who on the last day realized she’d been riding in a difficult low gear all week! Not to mention that only two of these girls had EVER ridden their bike on a real road or highway.
They loved to talk — and were not shy about it. Conversations surrounded books they loved to read (they begged for more library time on each of our trips that included a library destination), who took what meds for which conditions, menstrual cramps and sexual identity. I saw high fives between girls who shared learning disabilities and anxiety issues.
These girls still need supervision and guidance but truly, we adults can learn a lot from them about respect, support and caring for one another.”
Julie Gilmartin,Director of Volunteer Services
All Kinds of Girls
“Camp was very introspective for me as a newer employee to GSGCNWI. It really helped to personify a lot of the key phases we use when talking about Girl Scouts, like ‘make new friends’ and ‘a place for every girl.’ And I did meet a variety of girls: girly-girls, sporty girls, girls that were into sci-fi fantasy and anime, girls that loved bugs and nature, shy girls, and girls with personalities perfect for reality TV.
The main thing that stuck out for me during camp was the formation of the ‘buddy line.’ Anytime we had to move from one location to the next, girls had to find a buddy that they could partner with while they walked in line to the next activity. The counselors were often strategic with how the buddy line was formed, encouraging girls to partner with someone they haven’t partnered with before, or find a partner who you have something in common with. The random selection prevented cliques from forming and indeed helped girls ‘make new friends.'”
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 together.
Written by Global Action Volunteer Team Member Maureen Ewing and Senior Manager of Travel Programs, Ashley Christensen
As you start to plan what your troop will be doing this Girl Scout year, have you considered planning a trip? The trip doesn’t have to be big or long or even very far away – just enough for girls to practice planning, making girl-led decisions, and working together as a team.
Want to take your girls on a local trip but not sure where to start? Try one of these local sights in the Chicagoland area!
Enjoy a night or weekend in downtown Chicago. Stay at HI Chicago, right downtown, and reserve a dorm room just for your girls. Explore our wonderful city from museums to outdoor parks to public art.
Take a hike at Starved Rock State Park. The park boasts beautiful trails, picturesque waterfalls, and a great view of the Illinois river. The fall is beautiful at Starved Rock! There is a lodge at Starved Rock and local campgrounds if you want to stay the night.
Visit a pumpkin patch and plan a pumpkin carving party! There are many pumpkin patches around Chicagoland where girls can choose their own pumpkins and enjoy outdoor activities.
Keep your girls excited about travel, reminding them what lies just outside their doorstep. From planning where to go, how to get there, and what their budget is, girls learn leadership skills as they become travelers.
The Global Action Volunteer Team produced a series of videos showing off their neighborhoods! Watch the series on our YouTube, then check out these neighborhoods with your troop or family.
Help make travel adventures like these possible for more Girl Scouts through the GCNWI Travel Scholarship! Scholarship funds provide girls facing financial hardship with the resources to plan and pursue travel, from council-sponsored day trips to international journeys through the Destinations program. Together, we can help Girl Scouts become more knowledgeable, compassionate citizens of the world through global programming and travel opportunities.
This is a very exciting opportunity for Girl Scouts and volunteers to share their voices and make change in our national community. National Delegates play a vital role in providing strategic direction to the Girl Scout Movement, and last year, two proposals authored and presented by GSGCNWI were passed, so your input is especially important. No experience is necessary!
To be a National Delegate for GCNWI, you must:
Be available to attend the National Council Session/56th National Convention in Orlando, Florida, July 2023* (at no expense to the Delegate)
Be a citizen of the United States (this is based on our Congressional Charter, not GSUSA policy)
Be 14 years of age or older at the time of election (GSGCNWI Annual Meeting April 7, 2022)
Be committed to participating in National Delegate training and preparation sessions offered by the council
Be committed to a three (3) year tenure as a National Council Delegate (April 7, 2022 – April 2025)
Be committed to participating in National Council Session follow-up activities sponsored by the council
Be committed to participating in GSGCNWI Delegate Meetings, including Delegate Quarterly Meetings and the GSGCNWI Annual Meeting while a National Delegate
*Exact dates of the National Council Session will be announced soon. Historically, it takes place over three days.
Applications are being accepted through November 3, 2021!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to be a National Delegate?
Any registered member of GSGCNWI (youth or adult) who is 14 years of age or older by time of election (April 7, 2022).
What is the application process?
National Delegate Applications will be open online between September 1 and November 3 2021. National Delegate Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be asked to attend a virtual interview in November or December. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application in early 2022.
Do I need any previous experience to be a National Delegate?
No previous experience is required. Training will be provided to all National Delegates on Robert’s Rules of order, parliamentary procedures and items of business prior to the National Council Session.
What is the time commitment?
National Delegates and Alternates serve a 3-year term, from April 2022-April 2025 and must be able to attend the National Council Session (NCS) in Orlando, Florida, July 2023 (Exact dates TBD). Typically, the National Council Session takes place over 3 days. Prior to NCS, National Delegates and Alternates will be expected to attend training and webinars offered by GSGCNWI and GSUSA to prepare for NCS. They will also be asked to read and review materials on their own to be informed on important topics related to NCS.
In addition to NCS related meetings, National Delegates are asked to attend and vote at the GSGCNWI Annual Meeting and Delegate Quarterly Meetings. Many of these meetings happen virtually via Zoom or other webinar/conference call methods. National Delegates and Alternates should expect robust engagement in the 6 months leading up to the National Council Session, with occasional engagement outside of that time frame.
I am graduating high school between April 2022- April 2025. Can I still apply?
Yes! If you are graduating during the 3-year term, you are still welcome to apply! We just ask that all Delegates keep an active registration with our council.
Is there a cost to being a National Delegate?
GSGCNWI will cover many of the costs associated with travel and attendance of the 56th National Council Session. There may be additional minimal costs for Delegates. For example, Girl Scout Uniform is typically worn at certain National Council Session meetings, which is the responsibility of the National Delegate (Financial Aid is available to assist with certain uniform needs).
What is an Alternate National Delegate?
Each council is allotted a certain number of Delegates based on their membership numbers the year before NCS. GSGCNWI always selects multiple Alternate Delegates in case a National Delegate is no longer able to serve in their role. Alternates will be called up to replace National Delegates as needed and are an important part of our democratic process and making sure the voice of GSGCNWI is heard.
Due to changes in when the National Delegate Application process happens, councils will be electing their delegates before they know the exact number of delegates they are allotted. For this reason, GSGCNWI will be bringing on additional Alternates with the hope that they will be able to move up to National Delegate once the allotment is received. Alternates will participate in training and meetings to be informed on the process and prepared to step into the role should they be pulled up. Alternates are not allowed to vote on council or national issues until they are pulled up and they do not attend the National Council Session unless they are pulled up as National Delegates. In the case an Alternate is not pulled up, they may attend the National Council Session at their own expense.
Alternates are welcome to attend local governance meetings, such as the Annual Meeting and Delegate Quarterly Meeting.
Last Thursday, Sept. 23, community members, leaders in Girl Scouting, and supporters gathered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago to celebrate and garner excitement for the Girl Scout mission at our annual fall fundraiser, Smart Cookies Badge Bash, hosted by our Associate Board!
Attendees got a first-hand look at what Girl Scouts really do through interactive booths led by staff and alums from our council. These former Girl Scouts taught booth participants about fundamental Girl Scout experiences, from testing their speed at tying a bowline knot to putting their crafting skills to the test by designing a face mask. At a STEM-based booth sponsored by InventorCloud, attendees also got a chance to make their own Newton Disc to learn about color-light interactions.
All of these booths showcased exactly why investing in Girl Scouts matters: we provide Girl Scouts with experiences that help them find their voice, their interests and passions, and make an impact. Girl Scouts empowers young people who can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class.
Thanks to your support, we raised $67,000 and counting!
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!
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 Bronze, Silver, 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.
Inspired by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama’s book Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers, our Becoming Me workshops help you explore the truth of your own story, use the power of your voice, and introduce you to unique experiences!
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.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Today and every day we celebrate the rich diversity of the Latinx community and its contributions to our beautiful nation. During Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15 and continues until October 15, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have some awesome ways to celebrate and show your pride!
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Hoy y todos los días celebramos la rica diversidad de la comunidad Latinx y sus contribuciones a esta hermosa nación. ¡Durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que comienza el 15 de septiembre y continúa hasta el 15 de octubre, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago y Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) y Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) tienen algunas formas increíbles de celebrar y mostrar tu orgullo!
Patches and Fun Activities | Parches y Actividades Divertidas
Using the clues in this neighborhood walk Patch Program, get to know Pilsen, a neighborhood rich in Mexican culture, including its great art, music, food, and people.
Sept. 24: Virtual Latin Dance Night | Clase Virtual de Baile Latino
Are you ready to get your feet moving and your hips shaking? Kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month with this virtual Latin dance class, including samba, salsa, and a traditional Mexican dance. This family-friendly program will sample a variety of dance moves and music. Register here!
¿Estás lista para mover tus pies y tus caderas? Comience el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con esta clase virtual de baile latino, que incluye samba, salsa y un baile tradicional mexicano. Este programa familiar mostrará una variedad de movimientos de baile y música. ¡Regístrate aqui!
Oct. 16: Trunk or Treat and Day of the Dead Celebration | Trunk or Treat y Celebración del Día de los Muertos
Celebrate Day of the Dead at our second annual Trunk or Treat on October 16 at Camp Greene Wood! Day of the Dead is a two-day dedication to family, friends, and loved ones that have passed. Altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and favorite foods and drinks of those honored. There will also be several trunks for trick-or-treating, calavera decorating, marigold flower making activities, and much more for Day of the Dead, as well as a Halloween craft.
¡Celebre el Día de los Muertos en nuestra segunda colección de golosinas annual el 16 de octubre en Camp Greene Wood! El Día de los Muertos es una dedicación de 2 días a familiares, amigos y seres queridos que han fallecido. Los altares están decorados con cempasuchiles brillantes, fotos, de los difuntos y las comidas y bebidas favoritas de los homenajeados. Habrá varios baúles para pedir dulces, decoración de calaveras, actividades para hacer flores de caléndula y mucho más para el Día de los Muertos, e una manualidad de Halloween.
Day of the Dead Cultural Celebration @ Home Kit | Caja para Celebrar Día de los Muertos en casa
Nov. 13: Dual Language Democracy Badge Workshop | Programa de Parche de Democracia Bilingüe
Brownies, Juniors, and families, join us at the Joliet Gathering Place as we dive into the Democracy badges and learn about voting, the path to citizenship for immigrants, and how important voting rights are in the United States. Brownies and Juniors will work towards their age level Democracy badge. This program will be dual language in English and Spanish.
Las Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, y Juniors, y sus familiares, pueden acurrucarse alrededor de una fogata (¡y la computadora!) Con chocolate caliente en la mano y celebrar los dias festivos de alrededor del mundo. Únase a nosotras el 11 de diciembre para aprender más sobre el Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y Las Posadas, fiestas que se celebran en México. Este programa incluye cantar canciones, cocinar buñuelos y mucho más.
At Girl Scouts, girls will learn new skills and develop value and self-confidence. We invite you to be part of the Girl Scout Exploradoras! Your girl will participate with other girls her age as they explore and discover new interests in a fun way.
En Girl Scouts, las niñas aprenderán nuevas habilidades y desarrollarán valor y confianza en sí misma. ¡Los invitamos a formar parte de las Girl Scout Exploradoras! Su niña participará junto a otras niñas de su edad mientras exploran y descubren sus intereses de manera divertida.
En 2017, GSGCNWI organizó un Viaje a Nuestra Cabaña en Cuernavaca, México (¡lea sobre su viaje en nuestro blog!). ¡Y ahora estamos emocionados de volver en 2023! Si está interesado en aprender más sobre este viaje, comuníquese con Ashley en achristensen@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
Don’t forget!
Our Welcome Girl Scout Daisy Kits are available in Spanish and English!
¡Nuestros kits de bienvenida de Girl Scout Daisy están disponibles en español e inglés!
Show off your Latina Girl Scout pride and share your story with us! Tell us how you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, share some throwback photos, or tell us your Latina pride story! Submit on our website.
¡Muestre su orgullo de Girl Scout Latina y comparta su historia con nosotros! ¡Cuéntenos cómo está celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, comparta algunas fotos o cuéntenos su historia de orgullo latino! Envíe en nuestro sitio web.
It’s time to get back to Girl Scouting with new programs that just launched!
We’re so excited to launch our programs for Fall, 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 Girl Scout year off right, from Becoming Me workshops to celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month and so much more!
Inspired by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama’s book Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers, our Becoming Me workshops help you explore the truth of your own story, use the power of your voice, and introduce you to unique experiences!
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 Bronze, Silver, 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.
Join us for a Pumpkin Smash!
It’s pumpkin smashing season! Join us for our third annual Pumpkin Smash event (various times between November 5-7) and unite with others in the effort to help divert compostable material from landfills. Bring your old pumpkins to compost…and SMASH!
Want to do more? Attend our fun Fall Fest either before or after you smash your pumpkin! Participate in various activities that include making fall themed crafts, adventuring through the forest, either on a spooky or glow hike, playing games, and enjoying a pre-packaged snack around the campfire’s glow.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15 and continues until October 15, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have some awesome ways to celebrate and show your pride!
Look out for a bilingual blog post soon, where you’ll get the full scoop on everything we have planned to celebrate!
The Leader Enrichment Activity Program is a valuable experience for all Girl Scout volunteers: take it from one volunteer, Robin! “LEAP is a fun weekend with old friends and learning new ideas, programs, crafts, and information at one of our favorite GCNWI camps! Give it a try, I am sure you’ll love it!”
Girl Scouts and community leaders gathered at Camp Greene Wood for the fifteenth year of our premiere leadership program Camp CEO! Influential women making waves in their own careers met with high school Girl Scouts for a hybrid in-person and virtual week full of networking, leadership challenges, inspiring dialogue, and some fun in the sun.
At Camp CEO, Girl Scouts focus on self-awareness and self-discovery, learning public speaking, effective communication and collaboration skills, all while getting exposure to professional women in their community. Camp CEO mentor and SVP and Chief Customer Officer for NiSource Jennifer Montague shared: “During the week several senior executives shared our journeys with the girls and focused on exercises and topics ranging from leadership, teamwork, personal branding, listening with intention, networking and interviewing. Great fun!”
Girl Scout Courtney reflected on the experience: “The leadership challenge was amazing! It was so fun to be with girls I didn’t know that well, and by the end, we were the best trio ever.”
The Girl Scouts took away plenty from the experience; Courtney shared, “I learned that networking is a really great skill to have. Also hearing from a lot of the mentors that you should follow your heart [was] really inspiring.” Girl Scout Sydney added, “I always thought [networking] was something fancy when in reality it is just talking and meeting new people.”
Girl Scout Corrine continued, “I think Camp CEO provided me with many life skills. I learned that being a leader doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room; you need to be an understanding and adaptable leader that can help your whole team succeed.”
CEO/Founder of Driver’s Seat Tiana Clark shared, “I had a great time at Girl Scout’s Camp CEO. At Camp CEO, mentors like myself spent time with Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana teens engaging in discussion and activities around leadership, branding, networking, navigating challenging situations and everything in between! I had a blast!”
Managing Director and Head of Office for Marsh Julie Marcello added, “Loved being part of Camp CEO and joining all these great mentors and mentees. Full steam ahead for all these amazing high school Girl Scouts!”
Thank You!
We want to thank all of the incredible women involved in making Camp CEO a success, from our sponsors and community partners, to the mentors, to the staff, to the Girl Scouts themselves!
Open the door to amazing opportunities!
It’s not too late to join or renew your membership with Girl Scouts! Join today and get access to amazing leadership experiences like Camp CEO and so much more.
