Girl Scout volunteers show commitment, dedication, and share their time to help girls benefit from the Girl Scout program that Juliette Gordon Low started back in 1912.
Girl Scout volunteers are appreciated, and don’t look to be recognized. Many go above and beyond to help the Girl Scout organization continue its mission. It’s nice to recognize them for their dedication and to show them that they are a valuable asset to the organization.
One way to recognize Girl Scout volunteers is to nominate them for one of the many different Adult Girl Scout Awards. Some of the awards are Girl Scouts of the USA awards, and some are our own council’s awards.
One award, the Years of Service Award, doesn’t require a nomination. It is handed out at a service unit recognition event, or at a council wide recognition event. The council sends out lists to each service unit every year with the names of people that are eligible for a Years of Service pin that year. Years of Service pins are awarded in five-year increments.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Board Approved awards include the Appreciation Pin (instituted by GSUSA in 1976), the Honor Pin (instituted in 1987), the Thanks Badge (instituted in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low), and the Thanks Badge II (instituted in 1987). Each of these awards have different requirements as to how many service units or program delivery areas that the nominee has provided service to, in a way that furthers the council goals. Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II require exceptional and outstanding service to the total council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
The President’s Award is a group award for a service unit, who through the efforts of the service delivery team or committee, has made a significant impact toward the council goals and achieved one or more of the service unit goals and met the criteria listed.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) also have some awards created by our council.
The Hall of Fame award is for an adult member with 25 years or more of service that exceeds expectations for the service that the person had given and has a lasting impact on the Girl Scout organization.
There’s also the DAISY award (Dynamic and Incredible Staff of the Year), for people on staff that work for council and go above and beyond to meet the goals set by council to further the Girl Scout Movement.
Service unit awards include the Volunteer of Excellence (for partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience or for service of the councils mission delivery to girls and adult members), the New Found Treasure (for a registered Girl Scout adult with less than two years of service and has “hit” the ground running as they began working with a troop or service unit), and the Shining Star (formerly known as Hidden Hero), for someone who helps where they are needed and keeps accepting assignments to keep Girl Scouting thriving.
Our council also has community awards, that can be presented to people or businesses that provide space or other things to help promote the Girl Scout Movement.
The Girl Scout Enthusiast award is for people or businesses (eg. schools, stores, or park districts) that provide space for Girl Scout activities. This award is approved by the Adult Recognition Committee. The Girl Scout Hero award is for service provided at the council level for Girl Scouts. This award is approved by the Girl Scout GCNWI Board of Directors.
Nomination submissions are accepted year-round for these two community awards.
For more information on what is required to nominate someone for any one of these awards, go to Girl Scout GCNWI website here.
Remember, each award has different requirements and numbers of endorsement letters required before submitting an application. The website explains each award and what the requirements are, and there are examples as to how to choose a person to nominate and for which award. It also has answers to the frequently asked questions that may be on your mind.
Nominations have different deadlines, so be sure to check the dates that the forms are due. Then plan to attend, next fall, one of the Adult Recognition Ceremonies where you or someone that you nominated can receive their award.
Written by Girl Scout GCNWI Historian, Veronica Pradelski
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.
The Pinnacle Award, a Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana specific award, honors Ambassador Girl Scouts who have demonstrated leadership in Girl Scouting and their communities! We are excited to recognize and celebrate ten outstanding Girl Scouts and young alums as Pinnacle Awardees this year! Continue scrolling to learn more about each awardee and their involvement in Girl Scouts in their own words.
Ainsley G., Lansing, IL Ainsley earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, providing leadership in a service unit and in capacities outside of Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouts has been a valuable part of my life since I was a Daisy. I genuinely believe in the things that Girl Scouts value and spend every day doing my best to embody the Girl Scout Law. I have spent most of my life as a Girl Scout and hope to continue as one even once I have bridged to an adult alum. I have also made so many friends through Girl Scouting that I hope to carry with me through the rest of my life, holding on tightly to the sisterhood that Girl Scouts has aided me in creating. I will always do my best to make the world a better place and be a sister to every Girl Scout.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “My favorite thing that I have done as a Girl Scout is my Gold Award, A Lifetime of Literature. In the post-pandemic world, I noticed how centered on technology education had become and how this change was affecting students negatively, especially the younger grades. To change this, I worked with the kindergarten classes at my alma mater elementary school to help foster a love of reading like the one that I had at their age, as well as assist in dismantling the growing frustration with education that they were experiencing at such a young age. I visited each of the five kindergarten classes multiple times throughout the school year, reading a new book and completing a new craft with them each time. I also handmade 100 reading buddies to distribute to them as an incentive to continue to read. In addition, I built and installed a book box at a local church to make free books more readily available in the community.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world? “Staying involved in my community is what drives me to make a difference in the world. As a very involved member of my town, I see problems first-hand that need addressing. Together with my sister Girl Scouts, I work to solve these problems and hopefully prevent future issues from occurring. The gratification I get from knowing that I have made at least one person’s life easier is reason enough to keep me going.”
Ainsley is currently finishing high school and applying to colleges, planning to major in elementary education. Ainsley plans to stay involved in Girl Scouting as an adult, working with troops and maybe leading a troop one day, too.
Annabel H., Chicago, IL Annabel earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Silver Award, serving as a volunteer-in-training (VIT), being a district delegate and national delegate, providing leadership in a girl-led interest group and in a service unit, and in capacities outside Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Being in Girl Scouts has really allowed me to connect with such an inclusive and supportive community. I want others to be able to share in it because if you need help, your sister Girl Scouts are always willing. I think Girl Scouts has taught me to always care for others and do my best to help those who need it.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes?“I think society needs to be more kind, understanding, and inclusive. These are key traits that Girl Scouts teaches you, and understanding and supporting others’ perspectives and lives gives you so much more insight into the world.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?“I wish others knew that Girl Scouts has so many things that older girls can do. Not only do you get access to this wonderful community full of people who want to help you, you learn how to be a leader, can connect with people from all over the world, explore different fields and career paths, and more.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “I love going to help set up tents at Girl Scout camps with my troop. It is a lot of work, but it’s very fun to help put up and take down these huge tents with a team. I’ve also loved being a national delegate because I got to meet so many people at the National Council Session.”
Annabel is finishing high school and applying to college, hoping to major in chemistry. She hopes to continue in Girl Scouts, helping local troops, mentoring, and encouraging other Girl Scouts.
Calla S., Chicago, IL Calla earned the Pinnacle by earning her Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a counselor in training (CIT), traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a service unit and in a capacity outside of Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouting brought me closer to other girls my age, gave me a love for the environment, and taught me skills I can apply in every aspect of my life. Two of my favorite things I have done as a Girl Scout are plan and take a trip to London with other Girl Scouts and participate in the counselor-in-training program at Butternut Springs.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts? “I wish others knew that there’s more to Girl Scouting than just the stereotype of little girls selling you cookies. It also teaches you so much, and you will become so much closer with the people you do it with. I learned so much from it, and I hope other girls get to do the same.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes? “I believe we need to have more respect for others, ourselves, and the planet. Girl Scouts helped me expand my views on all these things, which, in turn, made me gain more respect for them.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world? “I’m driven by a desire to make the world a better place for myself and others through compassion, a wise use of resources, and respect for others.”
Calla is headed off to college to study environmental engineering.
Dorothy L., Munster, IN Dorothy earned the Pinnacle by earning her Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, serving as a volunteer-in-training (VIT) and girl rep to the board, traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a service unit and in a capacity outside of Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouting has been a major part of my life. As I enter my thirteenth year as an Ambassador Girl Scout, I have been able to reflect upon all my experiences. I found my best friends in kindergarten when I joined Girl Scouts. I have learned so many new things and life lessons. Girl Scouts gives me a place to be myself. I think my experience as a Girl Scout has been priceless. I have earned my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. No value can be placed on my journey these past 12, going on 13 years.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?“I think Girl Scouts is all about the leadership that you have. My mom and one of my best friend’s mom are our leaders. They put in lots of time to make sure we have an amazing time at whatever we choose to do. I wish others would know or have my same experience. I hope they don’t give up in tough times and stick Girl Scouting out. I’m one of ten high school seniors in my troop. I get questioned all the time about my troop. They are mostly amazed at the large number of older girls that we have been able to retain. I think leaders need to think outside of the box. Girl Scouts can have fun in high school, too.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?“I grew up volunteering and doing community service at a young age. It’s now programmed in me. I keep going by helping others, volunteering where I’m needed, and on many occasions, introducing friends to the joy of volunteering. I like to see the results of my hard work. Nothing is better than a little Girl Scout looking up to me or the joy of seeing people smile when you help them. I believe you should help when you can in the world. One day, you may need to ask those same people for help.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes?“One of the biggest things we need to do is upgrade our education system. We are so laser-focused on test results that we miss out on teaching our youth about the importance of humanity and the world around us. In my community, we can use our voices to help make these changes through voting and speaking out. Girl Scouts is a big platform that can be used to help demonstrate how being a well-rounded person in society and helping in your community can help make these changes.”
Dorothy is in her senior year of high school and is applying to colleges to study sports journalism. She has a fun final year of being an Ambassador planned with her Girl Scout sisters and looks forward to getting involved as an adult Girl Scout at the nearest council to her college!
Lia R., Chicago, IL Lia earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a volunteer-in-training (VIT), and providing leadership to a girl-led interest group and service unit, and in a capacity outside of Girl Scouts.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “I have been in Girl Scouts since I was a first-year Daisy, and I have made many relationships and learned many life skills from the activities I have done. Being in Girl Scouts for so long has allowed me to learn how to be a leader and given me opportunities to be in leadership positions within my troop and in bigger group settings. These opportunities also helped me become a leader at my school and in other activities outside of Girl Scouts.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts? “There is something for everyone in Girl Scouts, and there are many more activities offered than what most people know of, such as camping and learning survival skills.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “One of my favorite things I have done as a Girl Scout is participate in “Work Camp Weekend” at Camp Juniper Knoll, where we set up and take down the tents for the summer campers.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes?“One big change that I think needs to happen in Chicago is for the government to work harder toward helping people who are experiencing homelessness, as well as adding accessibility to housing, as one of the biggest causes of homelessness is lack of housing. Girl Scouts can help affect these changes by helping with food pantries and volunteering at shelters to show that people care about what happens to people experiencing homelessness and to destigmatize helping people experiencing homelessness.”
Lia is a senior in high school and is planning to go to college and major in art, education, or psychology. She plans to stay involved in Girl Scouts after graduating and continuing to help with the troop she is a part of.
Madi P., Flossmoor, IL
Madi earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a counselor-in-training (CIT) and district delegate, traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a service unit.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouting has helped me to be more social and outgoing.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout?One of my favorite things I have done as a Girl Scout is going camping.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts? “I wish others knew that Girl Scouts don’t just work on projects and that you are able to explore with your troop.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?“I try to make unpleasant things for me, a little bit more pleasant for others.”
Madi just graduated high school and is now in college. She has continued to stay involved by working at Camp Palos and volunteering with younger troops in her community.
Megan R., Chicago, IL Megan earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, serving as a program aid, counselor-in-training (CIT), and girl rep to the board, attending Camp CEO, traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a girl-led interest group and in capacities outside of Girl Scouts.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “I have learned so many great lessons from Girl Scouts including, confidence, business skills, and creativity.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “My favorite thing I have done as a Girl Scout is travel! I had many travel opportunities through Girl Scouts, including choosing your own adventure trips, Colorado, and London. I enjoyed planning and participating in these trips.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?“A lot of girls quit Girl Scouts early on, but I think the experiences that Girl Scouts offers get better and better as you get older.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?“I have a sense of purpose in helping people and being able to see an impact.”
Megan has started college and is still exploring what she wants to study, but she plans to major in psychology and environmental studies.
Kate L., Glen Ellyn, IL Kate earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Gold Awards, serving as a national delegate, providing leadership in a service unit and capacities outside of Girl Scouting.
Keelin K., Hammond, IN Keelin earned the pinnacle by earning her Silver and Gold Awards, providing leadership in a service unit and a capacity outside of Girl Scouting.
Sydney K., Lake Forest, IL Sydney earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, serving as a girl rep to the board, attending Camp CEO, and serving in leadership capacities outside of Girl Scouting.
Congratulations to our 2023 Pinnacle Awardees!
The application for the 2024 Class of Pinnacle Awardees will open by January 2024. More information will be available on our website here.
Safe, fun, and accessible to all is what Girl Scout programs are all about. Partnering with the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) – another community organization whose mission aligns with Girl Scouts – was game-changing in creating memorable experiences for all.
A volunteer opportunity came from GLASA’s Camp Trek, a camp for youth with disabilities to participate in sports in an inclusive setting, which was looking for camp counselors for their weeklong summer camp, and 10 Girl Scouts answered.
The 10 Girl Scouts from Troop 20450: Aaliya, Aila, Alisha, Alyssa, Arianna, Ayra, Iman, Nuha, Zenia, and Zoha gained valuable leadership skills and experienced life from another person’s perspective, which they will carry for a lifetime.
“It was a great way to build leadership skills and help others while having fun!”
– Alyssa, Girl Scout Troop 20450
Before attending the camp, the girls had to complete training to learn about the responsibilities and duties of being a camp counselor. Camp started on August 1, and the girls worked Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their days consisted of providing day-long one-on-one support to camp attendees, who varied from ages 5-16, assisting them as they participated in every activity.
Take a look below at their activity schedule for each day.
Monday: Wheelchair Softball, Arts and Crafts, and Wheelchair Rugby
Tuesday: Wheelchair Basketball, Yoga, Tennis, Arts and Crafts, and Tennis
Wednesday: Kayaking, Fishing, and a Scavenger Hunt
Thursday: Wheelchair Football, Disk-Golf, Arts and Crafts, Obstacle Course, and Capture the Flag
Friday: Meeting Paralympians, Cookout, Talent Show, and Awards
When the troop was not providing one-on-one support, they assisted with management and administrative work as they shared ideas on marketing future programs for GLASA. The troop also helped with other camp logistics, such as meals and event planning.
Kelly Candotti Habas, Development Director from GLASA, shared that they expanded their programs to more students because Troop 20450 served as camp counselors.
“Camp Trek was a great experience – it helped me grow, learn, and meet many new people, and it was some of the most fun days I’ve ever had!”
– Alisha, Girl Scout Troop 20450
“I think volunteering at GLASA Camp Trek was an amazing experience, I loved meeting the campers, and I was filled with happiness and fulfillment after each day of the camp.”
– Zenia, Girl Scout Troop 20450
Thank you, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, for this opportunity, and the Girl Scouts and leaders of Troop 20450 for being a part of Camp Trek and making great memories for campers this year.
Girl Scouts can do incredible things, especially when they have the drive to do good and make the world a better place with ingenious and creative solutions. Girl Scout Senior Madison is one of these awesome Girl Scouts! Madison shared her story of developing the ThinMints4ThickSocks initiative, aimed at providing support and comfort to community members struggling with homelessness.
Read on to learn more about Madison’s story and her community service efforts, in her own words, and learn how Girl Scout Cookies do good for communities and more!
My Girl Scout origin story started when I was in pre-K. I frequently saw my sister, who is 8 years older than me, leave to go to Girl Scouts. I wanted to be a Girl Scout so desperately, I would often sit in the same room to watch their meeting.
Eventually, I was able to [be] a Daisy and it was the best day ever. I got to do cookie sales, meet new friends, do community service, and spend time with my peers at Girl Scouts. I’m continuing my Girl Scout journey in my freshman year of high school. Girl Scouts has been an enriching experience, providing me with an opportunity to fulfill my full potential in life.
According to several news articles and reports, socks aren’t frequently donated to homeless shelters and are often in high demand. ThinMints4Thicksocks is an initiative that I created to provide socks to the homeless by allowing the public to donate a new pack of tube socks in exchange for a box of Girl Scout Cookies. Rather than buying a box for five dollars, people bought a box by donating a pack of new socks. We then donated all the socks we collected and gave them to homeless shelters.
I created this project because the pandemic presented a challenge for the 2021 cookie season. Because I couldn’t conduct business as usual, I decided to think outside of the box and create a way to combine this cookie season with a charitable drive, assisting people impacted by the pandemic and driven to homelessness.
ThinMints4Thicksocks directly provided socks to the homeless, which aren’t in adequate supply in some homeless shelters locally and across the nation. I was motivated to pursue this project because I realized the positive benefit it would have in the community in helping disadvantaged people, like the residents of Chicago’s UCAN facility, which is social service agency serving over 10,000 individuals annually through compassionate healing, education, and empowerment.
By raising awareness of the shortage of socks, I believe ThinMints4ThickSocks will continue even after I’ve finished working on the project, by inspiring others to continue donating socks, and other much needed items, (like thermal underclothes, toiletry items, etc.). My plan was to plant a seed and my hope is that it will provide an abundant crop of caring.
I wish others knew about how Girl Scouts is preparing me, and other girls, to assume leadership roles in our future endeavors. Girl Scouting gives me a sense of responsibility and community. Girl Scouts is not just about selling cookies, or community service projects. Many of my closest friends are Girl Scouts. We’ve maintained our friendships through mutual respect, trust, and honesty, which are all promoted in Girl Scouting.
Thank you to Madison!
Learn About Cookies
Welcome to the Girl Scout Cookie Program, the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps your girl succeed today and prepare for future success. With every box she sells, she builds on 5 essential leadership skills she can use for a lifetime.
Participating in the cookie program powers Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year as they learn key business skills to excel in future careers and in life. By participating in different sales methods, girls gain more skills, including: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
Stay up-to-date with 2022’s Cookie Program when you register to be a Girl Scout! Join today!
All of us at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) want to say THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers! We appreciate the time and talents you share with our council, and most importantly, with Girl Scouts themselves.
We want our volunteers to hear how much they are appreciated from the people they impact the most! For our Just Say Thanks initiative, we asked girls, families, and co-leaders to share why they’re grateful for their favorite volunteer—whether that’s their supportive troop leader, the cookie manager who always brings their A-game, or their service unit volunteer who comes through when you need them—and what they said melted our hearts! Here are some recent Thank You’s to our volunteers.
Thank you to Julia Jones!
“Julia organized Service Unit 518 Nogs Hill’s first Service Unit Event of the year at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, IL. The Food Bank serves our neighbors in 13 counties by providing over 250,000 meals a day. During this time of the year, the Food Bank also distributes Holiday Meal Boxes. Holiday Meal Boxes contains a turkey/ham, potatoes, stuffing and all of the trimmings for a festive and filling meal for 8 individuals.
Although only two troops participated, it was a wonderful turn out. There were 28 Girl Scout members (17 youths and 11 adults) that helped package items for this year’s Holiday Meal Boxes that will be distributed to provide a meal for 8 to those who need it. Together 2,030 satchels of Cocoa (16,240 individual servings) were packed for these Holiday Meal Boxes.” – Beverly Macrito
Thanks to Bunny Brown!
“Bunny Brown, my Mom, who was also my Girl Scout Leader growing up, has conquered her frustration with Zoom and attended every meeting with both of the troops I lead for my girls (Brownie Troop 45993 and Junior Troop 45530). She has attended Blanket of Dreams with us for the last 4 years. We were not going to let a little pandemic get in our way. So we set the date and bought the kits and we even drove the hour and a half to pick up her blankets in order to donate them for her. She continues to show up as a Girl Scout and encourage generations of Girl Scouts with a type of enthusiasm that is inspirational. I love her and her love for Girl Scouts.” – Nicole Grelecki
Thank you to LaTonya Allen!
“LaTonya Allen is no stranger to Girl Scouting. Her journey started as a Girl Scout Junior, under an unforgettable Girl Scout leader. Then, she guided her daughter and granddaughter into Girl Scouting as Daisies. Her daughter has since become a Girl Scout volunteer. And, her granddaughter has taken strong leads in excitement, dedication and product goal achievements.
LaTonya has been dedicated and supportive to the cause each time, wherever it leads. We would like to thank and show this appreciation to her. She is an asset to our sponsorship and any group she participates.” – Jessica McDonald
Thank you to Rebecca Resman and Jena Farnsworth!
Rebecca and Jena co-lead Troop 25774! For Rebecca, GS was a refuge from school life and the hierarchy that often comes from school. Jenna agreed, and because of this, run a community based troop. They often meet with girls coming from six different schools at a time. They hope that the friendships the girls make can last a long time and grow with the girls, even if they change schools or move to another part of the city.
On being a leader, Jena advises, “Don’t over think it. A lot of people don’t do it (become leaders) because it’s another commitment and they feel like they can’t add another thing in. Communicate and find the right partner to do it, a person who cares and wants the same thing for the girls.”
Thank you to ALL of our volunteers!
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every volunteer involved with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Your commitment and care for our Girl Scouts keeps the organization going and is what makes it possible for so many girls to achieve their dreams and become compassionate citizens of the world. Thank you.
“I volunteer for Girl Scouts because the opportunities for girls seem limitless. Girl Scouts empowers girls to explore their interests and dreams.”
Thanks to the mentorship, support, and leadership provided by volunteers, Girl Scouts are getting ready to change the future and make the world a better place! We can’t thank you enough for the work you do to champion our Girl Scouts, which is why we dedicate a spotlight to a volunteer who has made an impact on girls’ lives in Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI). Read on to hear Monica Reed’s story!
“I have been a volunteer since 2004. I started a Pre-K Daisy troop and was the girls’ leader through 12th grade. I’ve been all levels of Girl Scout leader, Membership Coordinator, and Fall Product and Cookie volunteer. I began my current troop as a way for the girls to be involved in Girl Scouts during an unconventional school year. We were 100% online and the girls’ Zoom skills were unparalleled. I often commented that they had better manners than most adults on Zoom calls. We earned all our Daisy petals last year. Now we are working on our badges. We are also sending our Flat Daisies around the globe (this was a great activity so we could travel vicariously with our Flat Daisies)!”
“I fondly remember seeing my daughter singing “ The Camp Greene Wood Song” to a Grant Park crowd during the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts. Overall, seeing the “A-HA moments” when the Girl Scouts try something new is very rewarding. (I learn new things too!).”
“I can’t say enough about our troop leader, Miss Monica! We have been so privileged to have her as our guide. She goes way above and beyond to bring not just the girls, but the families, together. She puts so much effort in all that she does, and it shows from all the little personal touches she puts on things, and personalized cards and photos. It also amazes me how she has gotten to know each one of the girls and their unique personalities in just a brief amount of time. This is no small feat as most of our time together has been spent on Zoom, due to COVID. That’s another thing, she has always made sure to make everyone feel safe and comfortable during these very uncertain times,” shared Girl Scout parent Sabrina.
Thank you for all you do, Monica!
You have the power to change girls’ lives as a Girl Scout volunteer, helping to craft their experiences from the way they run their cookie business to the way they speak up in meetings. As girls learn, grow, and lead, you’re there through it all—shaping the future right along with us.
Working to make the world a better place, and protecting our natural world and resources, is part of the Girl Scout DNA and founder Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy. Girl Scouts are an integral part of the mission to serve and preserve our environment, and a few Girl Scouts from Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) have been recognized for their efforts by receiving the Phillip J. Becker Eco-Advocacy Endowment.
The Philip J. Becker Eco-Advocacy Endowment Fund honors the memory of Philip J. Becker, a life-long educator who was devoted to inspiring young people to embrace careers in the sciences, especially physics, energy, and astronomy. He felt a deep calling to help his children, grandchildren, and all young people understand the urgency of transitioning to innovative, renewable, and sustainable energy sources. His family, with strong Girl Scout ties, honors his memory and his passion for the environment by funding these grants to inspire girls to take action to make the world a better place.
Our Becker Eco-Advocacy Grant recipients are Girl Scouts currently working on a service or highest award project exclusively dedicated to environmental issues. Congratulations to this year’s Becker Eco-Advocacy Award grant recipients, Natalie, Sofia, Ava, Sloane, Rebecca, and Rachel from Troop 70748 and Ariella, Harper, Hailey, Olivia and Abby from Troop 50367! Read about their efforts toward making the world a better, healthier, and safer place for all.
Pollination Station
Girl Scout Ava from Troop 70748
Natalie, Sofia, Ava, Sloane, Rebecca, and Rachel (Cadette Girl Scouts from Troop 70748) will use their grant funds to plant a pollinator garden and distribute seed packets, to help bees, butterflies, and other pollinators pollinate, and to teach others about the importance of pollination. “This will also help put more oxygen in the air,” Ava explained.
“We hope to encourage more people to start planting from our seed packets, bring people to see our pollinator garden, help pollinators live a better life, and last, grow healthier plants for a healthier environment,” Sloane shared. “We are very excited to be given the chance to share more about the importance of pollinators and help our environment to be a more nature friendly area for pollinators and people to enjoy their surroundings.”
“I love animals and I know bees and other pollinators are important, but their numbers are decreasing. I am also worried about climate change, and the more plants we plant, the better,” Ava also shared. “We need to start thinking about the effects of what we do. The more people that reduce, reuse and recycle the better, [because] we only have one earth. I think Girl Scouts will help in many ways like spreading the word and doing projects that help the earth.”
Cleaning up the Beaches
Ariella, Harper, Hailey, Olivia and Abby (Cadettes Troop 50367) have a history of doing park, beach, and local waterway clean-ups, and want to start encouraging others to join their mission. They will use their funds to set clean up stations at local lakes to facilitate voluntary trash pick-up to keep our beaches clean: “Trash at beaches and rivers and parks can accumulate, harming the animal habitats, hurt wildlife and aquatic life, and interferes with our enjoyment of the nature that surrounds us.”
Their troop leader Keri shared, “This troop has been a set of girls that are passionate about animals and wildlife. They have donated to local shelters and Willowbrook Wildlife Center, and just have a pure love of animals and therefore their environment they live in. For example, as part of [earning] their Silver Award they collected thousands of bottle caps to turn into a bench. The bench they donated to their middle school. This exemplifies the Leave No Trace while enjoying nature’s beauty.”
We are so proud of your accomplishments, Girl Scouts! Thank you for sharing your stories and for making the world a better place.
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!
Illinois’ first all-women veteran honor flight to Washington, D.C. took off from Chicago Midway International Airport last week, and Council Delegate, volunteer trainer, and Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Historian and alum Carol Macola was among the 93 honored veterans who participated. Carol’s service to Girl Scouts GCNWI has spanned over 40 years, and we are incredibly proud to share her story about her military service and Operation Herstory with you, in her own words.
I was a Girl Scout for 10 years (Brownie through Senior Girl Scout), and after my military service, I became a leader for the different age levels over the years, as well as Service Unit Manager. I have been an adult volunteer and Liftetime Member now for over 40 years.
I learned many things as a Girl Scout: how to cope with changing conditions at camp, how to make new friends, how to work as a team, and how to turn a disaster into a learning experience. Most of all, I learned how to put on my “Brownie smile” when grumpiness would have been easier.
I was a Second Lieutenant Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army, and as a female at that time, with a platoon of 42 men, I was challenged. I led by example. I had to know each person in my platoon. I had to put my best foot forward — usually in a spit-shined boot rather than polished pumps (ladies small heeled shoe).
The same is true for every Girl Scout. As a Girl Scout, one moves through levels, always mindful of being a model for those younger, and always building leadership skills. As a Girl Scout, one knows what is right and what is wrong, what will help another girl, and what could damage a girl’s self-esteem. Every person counts and is valuable. This translates into a team spirit that can improve the world around us—be it at home, at school, in our community, or beyond.
I laughed when I returned to Chicago after my military commitment and referred to Girl Scouts as the “mini-militia.” Like the military, Girl Scouts serve in so many ways and Girl Scouting sets values that are forever.
That courage, confidence, and character from my Girl Scouting years led me to my service in the U.S. Army, and still guide my life today.
Thank you, Carol, for your service to Girl Scouts, our council, and for being a shining example of courage and strength for all of us.
Our volunteers are clearly incredible — you can be a part of an organization that works to develop girls’ dreams, from the time they’re starting their first cookie business to the time they’re getting their first diploma. Whatever they want to do, you can support them. Learn more about volunteering with Girl Scouts today.
