Girl Scouts, family, friends, and more from Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) recently gathered on Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, to explore the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago and learn about the historical significance of Chicago’s Black Metropolis! This was the council’s very first gathering in honor of Juneteenth (learn more about the history of the holiday) and one of our first gatherings in person, and we were very excited to see everyone.
Read on below to learn about this awesome event (and see some pictures!).
At one stop on the scavenger hunt, Chicago muralist Chris Devins gave a surprise pop-up talk about the 2020 mural series, “Stations: Scenes from Bronzeville’s Family Photo Album,” and discussed with Girl Scouts the importance of “placemaking” (building art into communities to protect historical memories) in the Bronzeville community.
We were so happy to celebrate and honor Black culture and history on such a significant day and on Chicago’s south side, and we look forward to more neighborhood exploration together!
One of the organizers and Troop Support Specialist Latoya Bearden-Gardner reflected on the event: “To see Girl Scouts from all over the council come together to learn about the rich history in this community was amazing. It represented more than just another program or event and was instead a prolific statement. One that says COVID-19 cannot stop the work that we do to impact the lives of girls; one that says that we are strong enough together to overcome even the greatest of challenges; and one that says to the community and to the city, in big bold GREEN letters, that we are here!”
Scroll through to see pictures from the event!
Didn’t make it to the event? No problem!
You can still participate in the Photo Scavenger Hunt!
Now entering our fifteenth year, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) is excited to bring you a new and improved version of Camp CEO as part of our Zoom into Summer Camp series. We are calling on all high school Girl Scouts interested in developing their leadership skills while learning from women in various high-level careers!
This year, Camp CEO will run July 26-30 and will be a hybrid program, with some days happening in person (location TBA) and some days happening in a virtual capacity. See tentative schedule below!
What to Expect
Throughout the week of Camp CEO, we will focus on the themes of networking, communication skills, self-discovery, and personal insight. We will do this through workshops (in person and virtual) that are hands on and driven by girl and mentor conversations and voices, not lectures.
The highlight of Camp CEO is the opportunity for Girl Scouts to be paired one on one with a mentor who they will work with throughout the week of camp and beyond! The Girl Scout and mentor will be paired after the first day of camp on Monday, July 26. The expectation is that Girl Scout and mentor touch base at least once per day on prompts that will be provided to you.
Through attending Camp CEO, it is our hope that girls in any stage of high school learn the following skills that they will take with them well beyond high school:
Personal development (self-awareness, self-discovery)
Skill development (public speaking, conflict resolution, effective communication, problem solving, etc.)
Exposure to female mentors
Collaboration skills (team and group work)
Opportunities to build lasting mentor relationships
Eligibility
To participate in Camp CEO 2021, the following criteria must be met:
Girl Scouts must register for the program and THEN complete the intake form they will be emailed. Intake forms are due by Friday, June 11. Failure to complete intake form will make the Girl Scout not eligible to participate. In this case, a refund will be issued.
Girl Scout must be entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2021.
Girl Scout and their assigned mentor must check in with each other at least once per day via email, phone, or virtual platform. Prompting questions will be provided.
Girl Scouts must be able to attend all parts of Camp CEO including in person days and virtual workshops. See tentative schedule below for more information.
Girl Scouts must complete a health history form prior to Camp CEO. The form will be emailed once the intake form is complete.
Camp CEO 2021 Schedule (tentative)
Monday, July 26 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in person)
Tuesday, July 27 – 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (virtual)
Wednesday, July 28 – 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (virtual)
Thursday, July 29 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (in person)
Friday, July 30 – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (in person)
Meet some of our mentors for Camp CEO 2021!
GCNWI Board President Sidney Dillard, (Partner & Head of Corporate Investment Banking, Loop Capital Market Former GCNWI Board President Kathy Scherer, Managing Partner, Business Tax Services, Deloitte Tax LLP Mary Bakken, EVP & COO, Silver Cross Hospital Christine Concari, General Manager Customer Service, Celevland-Cliffs Inc Julie Marcello, Managing Director, Marsh Carol Murphy, Managing Director, AON Risk Solutions Monica Weed, Former Executive VP & General Counsel, Navigant Katy Lynch, Co-Founder & CMO, Codeverse Jennifer Montague, VP, Communications and External Affairs, NIPSCO Cynthia Hunt, Career Advisor, WHEN Way of Life Tracy Ardis, VP of Human Resources, Silver Cross Hospital Annie Logue, Freelance Writer, Teacher and Consultant
Strength, resilience, togetherness, and the support of community—that’s what Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is all about. So in this uncertain world, you can count on one thing for sure: today, tomorrow, together, we are on your team. Join Girl Scouts or renew your membership today!
Act fast! Applications are due June 1, 2021 for the 2021 Pinnacle Award class!
For the first time since 2012, we have a new council award, and it’s for girls! The award was created in consultation with our Adult Recognition Committee and council staff who work directly with girls.
The award is called the Pinnacle Award.
The Pinnacle Award honors Ambassador Girl Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their Girl Scout experience.
To qualify for the award, girls must document their experiences by earning at least 7 “leadership points.” The leadership points are achieved through a combination of Girl Scout and other extracurricular experiences.
Various adults will verify the girls’ leadership experiences via email.
Our CEO approves the slate of girl nominations after June 1 deadline.
A Pinnacle Award pin, council recognition at various events. (by budgets)
First “class” of awardees will be announced this summer/fall.
Not quite ready for in-person camp? For Girl Scouts who are interested in participating in camp from the comfort of their own home or backyard, we introduce you Zoom into Summer Camp (ZISC)! See our featured programs below as well as all the information you need to participate.
Program Structure
Hosted by our program and community engagement teams, all program materials will be provided when you sign-up for a week of ZISC. These programs were designed with limited screen-time, to inspire Girl Scouts to learn a new skill, explore a topic of interest further and more!
When you sign up for these multi-day programs, you will participate in a program-welcome webinar on the first morning, daily check-in webinars, a Thursday evening family night activity, and a printable activity guide to follow at home. Featured ZISC programs will have additional webinars taking place that week as well. Girl Scouts who participate will also receive a fun patch that will be mailed at the end of summer!
Featured Program!
Hackathon | May 15-16
Before we get into ZISC, we have one special program for Girl Scouts of all ages! Join us for our first ever hackathon on May 15! Girls will receive a challenge and a STEAM kit, and spend the day creating and designing their solution. Challenges will be age appropriate, so Daisies will work on Recyclable Art, Brownies and Juniors will find creative ways to assist animals, and Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors will create solutions in the areas of health, education, and gender equality. Register by April 30 to receive the STEAM kit in time.
Are you passionate about helping other people, the environment, and animals be healthier? Then join us for this week of virtual summer camp, as we work together to become Earth Defenders. In partnership with the Truth Initiative, girls will learn about leaving the world better than they found it and taking action to get rid of cigarettes in their communities, schools, parks, and beyond! Girls who participate will receive a custom patch and Earth Defenders cape.
Seniors and Ambassadors, join us for a three-day program with Girl Security! During this session you’ll learn cybersecurity skills: ethical hacking, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. All girls will receive a certificate of completion from Girl Security and Microsoft. Register by June 23, 2021!
Since 2007, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana has welcomed high-level professionals and teen girls from across our council geography to Camp CEO®, the premiere leadership camp for teen girls. Now in its 15th year, Camp CEO® continues to provide girls with valuable mentorship and leadership experiences that last a lifetime.
We offer transformative virtual workshops hosted by professionals in our community, open to all Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors! All girls who register and attend Camp CEO will receive a complimentary program box to go along with the program.
A World of Girls: Our Global Sisterhood | June 29-July 1
Celebrate our Global Sisterhood with this Brownie and Junior virtual camp! You will tour different cultures with an arts focus while exploring the A World of Girls Brownie Journey. We’ll explore food, music, and girls’ stories from around the world.
*Even though this is a Brownie Journey program, Girl Scout Juniors will have lots of fun learning about girls around the world!
Anything is impossible through the power of imagination. Throughout the week, girls will explore and create characters, tell stories and learn how movies are made through hands-on, interactive activities. This is your chance to tell your story, or introduce your peers to your favorite characters.
Grab your suitcase, we’re headed on a trip – virtually! Spend the week with the Global Girl Scouts adding to your travel bucket list. We’ll take a virtual trip to all of the WAGGGS World Centres (Our Chalet in Switzerland, Our Cabana in Mexico, Kusafiri that travels around Africa, Pax Lodge in England, and Sangam in India) through music, fashion, food, sports, movies, and more! You’ll hear from our Global Girl Scouts and get the chance to create your own video or presentation on the culture of another country.
Step right up! Join us for our second annual GIRLapalooza Festival! Like every fun festival, we’ll eat tasty carnival-inspired food, play outdoor festival games, and create lots of colorful art. You will learn about famous festivals that take place around the world and create your very own festival booth!
Join or Renew now for $35 and your Girl Scout will be set until 2022!
At Girl Scouts, she’ll practice making the world a better place by doing community service projects, coding, exploring the outdoors, and so much more. And when you sign up with her now, you’ll be covered for the rest of this membership year AND the next, plus she’ll get a Kellogg’s Wellbeing Box!
As a rising kindergartner, your girl will begin to discover her own abilities, emotions and interests—and Girl Scouts is here to help!
Consider Girl Scouts to be your one-stop-shop to building your rising kindergartener’s social skills, boosting her confidence, and providing that extra bit of stability in this ever-changing world with our Girl Scout kindergarten readiness program, also known as Daisy Launch.
Similar to what Girl Scout Daisies do, the Daisy launch readiness program will allow her to make new friends, grow in confidence, and build skills that will help her in school and beyond.
How Daisy Launch will Prepare Her for Kindergarten
Our virtual program is designed to promote successful learning by aligning early childhood instruction with opportunities for exploration, discovery, and problem solving.
The Daisy Launch program also addresses key competencies needed for kindergarten, such as strengthening her social and emotional development and her approach to learning, increasing her motor skills and physical development, and improving her language and literacy skills.
By participating in the Daisy Launch program your girl can:
Spark initiative and curiosity about the world around her
Learn techniques on how to manage her emotions and behaviors
Feel comfortable with following class rules and routines and will learn to do things for herself
Retain information and will be flexible in her thinking in order to perform a task
Let our team of dedicated staff help jumpstart her education and catapult her into lifelong success! Her dreams are our dreams, and we can’t wait to make them come true together.
Instead of just one day during the month of April, we are spending the entire month celebrating!
Today, millions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day by taking action, advocating, and learning how to help the Earth! We invite you to join in with the millions of other people and join in on the celebration–– and we have plenty for you to do.
Catch up on some activities we had to celebrate the day’s 50th Anniversary last year (and some new activities too):
Try the Backyard Outdoor Challenge, where you’ll cross off 15 outdoorsy tasks like fort building, learning about local flora and fauna, or playing with a pet outside!
Learn about the impact of tobacco on our water, crops, and animals, and find out how you can help protect the planet with the NEW Earth Defenders Patch Program for Daisies, Brownies and Juniors. (This patch program includes a free journal, cape, and patch. Reach out to cchristman@girlscoutsgcnwi.org for more information.)
Earn your Green for Good mini patches by completing the activities listed below (or come up with your own activities that fit the themes!):
Power Button – Turn off your lights; unplug your appliances when you go to bed
Recycle – Recycle cardboard, glass and paper; try to buy less plastic; learn to compost
Butterfly – Make a pollinator habitat; raise monarch butterflies
Paw Print – Visit an animal shelter; leave no trace when you go on a hike; pick up trash
Water Drop – Don’t leave your water running; pick up trash around the river
Tree – Plant a tree; identify different types of trees in your neighborhood or community
Bread Tab – Recycle your plastic waste; reuse plastic items and turn them into something new
Bee – Make a bee habitat; go to a farmer’s market to support local farmers
Sun – Hang your clothes in the sun to dry; buy a solar powered item; identify solar powered buildings or structures in your neighborhood
Then, make sure to get the corresponding mini patch (found on our shop site)! Thank you to the Nature Conservancy for the research and information to guide our pledge!
Register for these eco-themed programs:
Junior Girl Scouts are invited to jump start their Simple Meals badge and join Bethany of Ms. Bethany’s School of Cooking for a virtual pizza party on April 23!
Climate change is the single most serious threat facing our planet today. This is why we all have a part to play, and as Girl Scouts, we make a promise to protect the environment. Let’s make good on that promise in 2021!
We know, summer is busy! We have a complete breakdown of all our summer program offerings that can take place virtually, in-person, or a combination of the two. Below you will find a multitude of information regarding summer camp, summer employment, and our NEW program series Zoom into Summer Camp (ZISC).
Sign-Up for Summer Camp
Calling all Girl Scouts! There is still availability at our day and resident camps. Camp has brought girls outdoor adventures full of learning, challenges, a whole lot of friendship, and tons of fun and we want your Girl Scout to join our camp community. Register NOW!
Summer day camp at GCNWI provides an opportunity for girls to meet new friends, learn outdoor skills, and grow in her courage, confidence, and character in a safe environment. She will have fun in the sun playing games, singing songs, and maybe even getting a little messy in the great outdoors!
Campers bring lunch every day except when there is a cookout.
Locations: GCNWI offers Summer Day Camp programs at Camp Greene Wood, Camp Palos, and Vernon Hills Gathering Place. Learn more about each location.
Transportation: Daily transportation via chartered bus* to and from Camp Greene Wood and Camp Palos is available for an additional fee. The bus stop location** and payment must be made at the time of registration. At this time, the Vernon Hills location does not offer additional transportation options
Resident camp programs at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana provide girls with the opportunity to reach the end of their comfort zone and stretch into new opportunities.
Each camp location offers something unique—a different program, sleeping accommodation, tradition, or even state!
Locations: GCNWI offers summer resident camp programs at Camp Butternut Springs and Camp Juniper Knoll. Learn more about each location.
Our camp properties are open year-round! During this time, short, two-hour, in-person programming is offered throughout the year. This short programming is done in small groups and in the outdoors with health and safety in mind. These programs offer troops and families an opportunity to join in the fun of the outdoors. An experienced facilitator will guide your group in the activity from our menu of options, while maintaining a safe environment for all participants.
Before scheduling, please note the following: All custom in-person programs will cost $15/girl. Adult chaperones will not be charged but will still need to register. Each program will have a minimum of 5 girl participants and a maximum of 7-8 girl participants along with 1-2 adult leaders to align with current COVID-19 guidelines. All programs will take place in an outdoor location with access to outdoor bathroom facilities (portable or pit toilets). No buildings will be open for use, including flush toilets. Please be sure to come prepared and dress for the outdoor weather.
When you are ready to meet in-person with your troop, Girl Scout camps will be open! GSGCNWI will open outdoor shelter facilities across key camps and Gathering Places for troops to hold their outdoor meetings. You can reserve these outdoor shelters on our new registration and reservation site.
Locations open for use*:
Camp Butternut Springs (Valparaiso, IN)
Camp Greene Wood (Woodridge, IL)
Camp Palos (Palos Park, IL)
Homewood Gathering Place (Homewood, IL)
Joliet Gathering Place (Joliet, IL)
Merrillville Gathering Place (Merrillville, IN)
Vernon Hills Gathering Place (Vernon Hills, IL)
*Some locations may not be available in the winter months.
Have questions about Summer Camp? Join us at either our Camp Chats or one of our Open Houses!
Camp Chats are an open house for parents/guardians to come and ask any questions about camp this year. This is a non-formal presentation event where attendees will have an opportunity to join a casual conversation with the Girl Scouts GCNWI Outdoor Program Team on all things summer camp! Chat Chats will take place over Zoom every third Wednesday of the month leading up to the summer, you can choose to just hop on for a short time or stay for the whole hour.
Summer Camp Open House: Check out our beautiful camps with your troop or family at our open house! You’ll be able to tour the camp, talk to the summer camp director, visit with the property manager, and experience some of the activities each camp has to offer. Designed for families, troops, or individuals with an adult chaperone. Please register everyone who will be attending this event, including parent/guardian(s) and sibling(s) of the camper(s).
Please note: the majority of the photos were taken in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The two high-ropes photos were taken fall 2020 in a safe, socially-distant manner under special procedure.
Become A Summer Camp Staff Member
Calling All Role Models and World Changers!
Are you looking for a summer job that will leave you with a sense of empowerment, a positive outlook on life, and skills that will benefit you for years to come? Apply for a summer camp position with GCNWI!
Build skills in leadership, time management, communication, decision making, and problem solving, while having the time of your life at summer camp (must be 18+)!
For Girl Scouts who are interested in participating in camp from the comfort of their own home or backyard, we introduce you ZISC! Hosted by our program team, all program materials will be provided when you sign-up for a week of programming and community engagement teams.
Our new Zoom into Summer Camp programs include a welcome webinar on the first morning, daily check-in webinars, a Thursday evening family night activity, and a printable activity guide to follow at home. Featured ZISC programs will have additional webinars taking place that week as well. A fun patch that will be mailed at the end of summer.
Featured ZISC Programs
Earth Defenders | June 21-25
Are you passionate about helping other people, the environment, and animals be healthier? Then join us for this week of virtual summer camp, as we work together to become Earth Defenders. In partnership with the Truth Initiative, girls will learn about leaving the world better than they found it and taking action to get rid of cigarettes in their communities, schools, parks, and beyond! Girls who participate will receive a custom patch and Earth Defenders cape.
Seniors and Ambassadors, join us for a 3 day program with Girl Security! During this three day session you’ll learn cybersecurity skills; ethical hacking, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. All girls will receive a certificate of completion from Girl Security and Microsoft. Register by June 23, 2021!
Join Girl Scouts GCNWI and Exelon as we learn about the future of energy. Each day, we will explore a different form of renewable energy, from wind to solar and more. We will explore how each energy works, what resources it uses, and its benefits and challenges. If you are curious about energy or think you might want a career in energy one day, this week is for you. This program includes an energy kit, complete with the resources for the energy projects throughout the week. Powered by Exelon.
Since 2007, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana has welcomed high-level professionals and teen girls from across our council geography to Camp CEO®, the premiere leadership camp for teen girls. Now in its 15th year, Camp CEO® continues to provide girls with valuable mentorship and leadership experiences that last a lifetime.
We offer transformative virtual workshops hosted by professionals in our community, open to all Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors! All girls who register and attend Camp CEO will receive a complimentary program box to go along with the program.
Participate in one of our other sessions – Global Girl Scouting, A World of Girls: Our Global Sisterhood, Imagination to Creation, or GIRLapalooza. REGISTER HERE
By registering for certain programs on or after March 1, you will be eligible to receive a FREE Kellogg’s Wellbeing Box. Please check your email inbox for a receipt with instructions to claim your free box after you register.
While virtual and in-person camp is taking place, we will have a lot of exciting in-person program opportunities for Girl Scouts and their families this summer.
Family Field Day: Have some outdoor fun with your family and GCNWI! We’ll have activities like dancing, yoga, obstacle courses, and more! As you move through our stations (while safely social distancing) you’ll get to show off your competitive side on our activity brag boards. How many stations or activities will you be able to get to? We’ll see you there!
To the Revolution: Celebrate the Fourth of July and our country’s independence (with a little flair)! You’ll get to walk through stations that represent important moments in our nation’s history leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There will also be science-themed experiments that mimic fireworks to conclude the event.
Don’t forget! We have virtual custom programs that can be booked by a troop or Service Unit. REQUEST A CUSTOM PROGRAM
Recently launched! We have programmatic kits for you to participate in at home! GS @Home Kits provide fun, off-screen, themed items for Girl Scouts and their families to both learn and spend time together. Looking for more ways to Girl Scout at home? Check out our Girl Scouts @ Home Kits.
These kits provide fun, off-screen, themed items for Girl Scouts and their families to both learn and spend time together. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a new-to-you holiday, earn a badge, explore a fun topic, Girl Scouts @ Home Kits are shipped to your home and filled with goodies like fun patches, activity supplies, and a helpful step-by-step guide. Order your kit today to enhance your Girl Scout experience!
Participate in Summer Programs When You Become a Girl Scout
Join or Renew now for $35 and your Girl Scout will be set until 2022!
At Girl Scouts, she’ll practice making the world a better place by doing community service projects, coding, exploring the outdoors, and so much more. And when you sign up with her now, you’ll be covered for the rest of this membership year AND the next, plus she’ll get a Kellogg’s Wellbeing Box!
Join us for Becoming Me, a program inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama!
Finding your voice and becoming your best self? That’s what it means to be a Girl Scout! And through our new Becoming Me program, your girl will explore her story and who she can become, earn badges, and even attend a special members-only virtual event with Mrs. Obama!
You have heard a lot of wonderful stories over the years about how our Girl Scouts make the world a better place through their commitment to service, and even in these unprecedented times, we were able to continue to share these stories with you all. And who better to hear the stories from than from the girls themselves?
Read on for a first-person account from Girl Scout Anne, Cookie CEO who has donated her Disney trip for multiple years and will continue to do so for years to come!
In Her Own Words: A Gift of Joy
When I was in fourth grade, I was listening to a lesson about virtue at school, when I got an idea to be extra kind and generous. I wanted to do something big that would really put a smile on a kid’s face. It was Girl Scout cookie season when this happened, and I thought that maybe I could sell 5,000 boxes of cookies and then give the trip I earned to a kid in need. I thought giving a Disney trip would be good because I went to Disney when I was in second grade, and it was the best trip I was ever on. I had so much fun, and I rode all the rides, and I got to try all kinds of good food. I wanted to give my trip to another kid who might not have a chance to take a trip like this. I also wanted to give them a chance to have fun and not think about doctors.
When I told my parents, my mom thought it would be impossible to sell 5,000 cookies because I usually sold 500. My Nana thought it was a good idea but I didn’t think she was into it. After a few days, my mom called the council to see if it was even possible for a trip to be given away. We had to wait a couple of weeks before we got our answer. We could give the trip to another kid, but not another organization like Make a Wish.
I spent the next few months reading and watching YouTube videos on how to sell more cookies. I started to think about where I could have booths and which organizations I would like to collect donations from. I made arrangements to have booths at my favorite restaurants and I decided I would help local veterans and the Ronald McDonald House.
Veterans are important to me because I have had many relatives who served, and my favorite cousin is in the Army Reserves. I am thankful for what our soldiers do to protect us and I am grateful for what our veterans have done in the past. I have volunteered at the Manteno Veterans Home and I am a member of the Monee Auxiliary Post 1200. In the Auxiliary, I get to help plan events and treats for the vets. I am going to be their Junior Historian for the next year, taking pictures and documenting our meetings when we are in person. I am also going to collect cookies for the Fisher House at Hines and local homebound vets. This year I will use my cookie money to sponsor two service dogs through PAWWS.
I like the Ronald McDonald House because they help families who have kids in the hospital. The Ronald McDonald House is like a second home for many families. When I was small, I was attacked by a dog and had to have emergency surgery, and I stayed at Comer’s in Chicago. I saw lots of kids with cancer and their families too. I did not like being in the hospital and I wanted to go home. Luckily, I did not have to stay in the hospital long. I knew some of those kids were going to be there a long time. I hope they made it home.
When I sold my 5,000 boxes, I felt like, “WOAH.” I could not believe it. Then I started to think about how I would surprise my friend, Lavontae, with the Disney trip. I have known him for a few years. Lavontae is always going to the doctors because he is living with chronic health issues. He is always fun, funny, and he is always hugging everyone. He is always happy and he LOVES to play video games.
My brother’s friend’s mother is the manager at the Chicago Ridge Disney Store. When she found out what I was doing, she offered to help host a reveal party for Lavontae. Her staff created a custom video which was played on their big screen. When Lavontae found out he was going to Disney, he was shocked and then happy. His Papa was excited too. I was excited and happy and grateful. I felt grateful for everyone who helped me and all the kindness I saw over the months.
Reach Your Goals with the Girl Scout Cookie Program
The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls 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.
Every Girl Scout benefits from the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Whether it’s a trip to a breathtaking place they’ve never been, an opportunity to attend Girl Scout camp and revel in the power of the great outdoors, or the chance to try something new, every experience helps them do amazing things for herself and for her community. It’s never too late to join the program. Start today!
Our Spark Day programs are special opportunities for Girl Scouts to take a leap and explore the future with professionals at the top of their fields of expertise. From STEAM programming to career development, Girl Scouts learn the essential steps to take their ideas beyond their daydreams.
More than 30 Girl Scouts from Juniors to Cadettes made the most of their President’s Day off and gathered virtually to learn from MetLife employees about career development, careers paths, and get ahead of the game on resume-writing.
Perfecting the Elevator Pitch
The session began with a robust panel discussion by MetLife employees, and provided a space for girls to ask questions about their career paths, schooling, and other areas of interest. After the panel discussion, girls broke into small groups to tackle a wide variety of activities, including resume writing, elevator pitches, mock accident investigations, and finding out their own “personality color!” The girls were also given the resources to continue practicing these activities in their free time.
Two volunteers reflected on the event: “Working with young women who are passionate about learning and had great questions made my entire pandemic year! I truly enjoyed it!”
“This event was truly rewarding! To engage with our future leaders and provide a positive, impactful experience geared at making a difference in their lives makes my heart smile. I am better for having participated in the Spark Day event.”
Thank you to MetLife and their volunteers for running this amazing and creative Spark Day; these girls are now equipped with even more skills they need to achieve their biggest aspirations!
Update (6/22/21): Kellogg’s Wellbeing Boxes are no longer available.
As part of Kellogg’s commitment to creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030 and inspire healthier eating habits in children, the company is partnering with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) to educate and support Girl Scouts with the steps they can take to stay healthy year-round.
GCNWI has partnered with Kellogg’s to create 5,000 specialty Wellbeing Boxes, filled with fun activities and information focused on educating and nurturing your physical, emotional, and societal wellbeing. The boxes include a Kellogg’s MyBowl, stress ball, journal, Kellogg’s snacks, Girl Scouts GCNWI Wellbeing fun patch and more.
Beginning March 1, 2021—which is the launch of Girl Scout month AND spring/summer program registration—current GCNWI members can get a FREE Wellbeing Box when you register for a GCNWI program!
Not yet a Girl Scout? You can get a FREE Kellogg’s Wellbeing Box when you join Girl Scouts today!
Spring and Summer Programs Open Now!
We are so excited to share with all the amazing programs we have in store including new opportunities in outdoor programming, STEAM, leadership, social-emotional learning and more!
In this box, you’ll get everything you need to start your wellness journey, including a fun patch, yummy Kellogg’s snacks, and more! The Kellogg’s Wellbeing Box was designed to teach girls and their families ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, whether it’s by eating a variety of different foods, providing healthy coping mechanisms, or creating fun and enjoyable experiences with the family outdoors.
In addition to participating in new and fun programs, and earning a fun patch in the process, she will receive:
Promotion available March 1, 2021, while supplies last. Exclusions apply. Current member promotion may not be applied to registration for Summer Day Camp, Resident Camp, complimentary programs, custom programs, and programs for adults as well as any programs registered for before Mar. 1, 2021. Quantity limits: one (1) per girl. Parents or troop leaders of Girl Scouts can reserve and pick up the boxes on behalf of their Girl Scouts.
How to Redeem
Current Members
Register for an eligible program on our program site.
Once the transaction is complete, instructions will be included in your email receipt.
Complete the process listed in your receipt, including selecting a pickup location and time for curbside pickup from one of our regional gathering places/retail shops (except for downtown Chicago).
Boxes will be available for pick-up only starting April 1, 2021.
New Members
Join Girl Scouts as a girl member.
Within 2-business days you will receive a welcome email with instructions of how to redeem.
PICKUP DATES
APRIL 2021 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, April 1
Monday, April 5
Tuesday, April 13
Wednesday, April 21
Thursday, April 29
MAY 2021 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, May 3
Tuesday, May 11
Wednesday, May 19
Thursday, May 27
PICKUP LOCATIONS
GREENE WOOD SHOP 3155 71st Street, Woodridge, IL 60517
HOMEWOOD SHOP 1005 W.175th Street, Homewood, IL 60430
JOLIET SHOP 1551 Spencer Road, Joliet, IL 60433
MERRILLVILLE SHOP 8699 Broadway Road, Merrillville, IN 46410
VERNON HILLS SHOP 650 N. Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
The Chicago Shop is closed until further notice.
Join Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts is committed to being that welcoming community dedicated to the upliftment and wellbeing of our future girl leaders. Whether your girl is a dreamer, comedian, explorer, or something uniquely her own, she’s welcome at Girl Scouts. Find what makes her shine with friends and mentors by her side. Helping girls build their courage, confidence, and character since 1912. JOIN TODAY!
