Meet the Associate Board!

Hello from the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) Associate Board (AB)! We want to introduce you to some of our members and share some of what we’ve been up to this year.

We are always welcoming new members! If you, or someone you know, are passionate about the Girl Scout Mission, looking to build professional networks and enhance your leadership skills, and interested in supporting our council, check out our application!

Comprised of more than 20 early- to mid-career professionals, the Associate Board supports the council through volunteerism, fundraising efforts, and social amplification of council events and the Girl Scout Movement. Formed in 2017, our council’s Associate Board is one of the only ones in the country. We are proud to have maintained a strong, consistent, and engaged group that functions as an additional support for our council.

Read on for short stories from a few of our members about this year’s past events and what motivates them to serve on the Associate Board.

Supporting young individuals in their personal and professional development

“Associate Board members served as mentors at this year’s Camp CEO, a weekend retreat held at Camp Butternut Springs focusing on leadership and career preparation for middle- and high school-aged Girl Scouts. New and returning AB members served as 1:1 mentors to their assigned Girl Scout and also interacted with all 30 Girl Scouts and other mentors in attendance, celebrating women empowerment and helping prepare our Girl Scouts for success!” -Yaqoota Aziz

Volunteering and service

“I was able to volunteer recently to support the Girl Scout Chicago Marathon team. I joined the Associate Board because I believe an investment in the girls of today is an investment in the female leaders of tomorrow. I am excited to support programming that empowers and equips young women to challenge the status quo and achieve beyond society’s expectations.”

-Samantha Affram

Connecting with girls and your inner child

“At our volunteer weekend at Camp Juniper Knoll earlier this year, we worked alongside a Brownie troop that was camping, to help clean up large sticks, making the campgrounds safer and more enjoyable. Afterward, we helped camp staff install smoke detectors in several of the tents to ensure a safer environment for future campers. And you can’t go to camp without a little fun as well! We were able to paddle on the lake and connect with the outdoors just as the girls do. I love being on the Associate Board. GSGCNWI is my home council and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact Girl Scouting can have on a girl’s life.” -Amy Scholz

Building a network and gaining leadership skills

“I thoroughly enjoyed attending Development Day, led by Board of Directors member Shannon Fuller, where I gained critical skills to enhance my leadership abilities. The insights on emotional intelligence and conversations with successful women leaders were particularly impactful for my career development. I appreciate Shannon’s passion for fostering young professionals, and I’m grateful to be on the Associate Board, participating in events that support my ongoing growth both personally and professionally!” -Kennedy Burrell

Raising funds so every girl can have the resources they need to thrive

“Smart Cookies is the Associate Board’s annual event with interactive girl-led booths, a silent auction, and of course, Girl Scout cookies! This year, through Smart Cookies and other fundraising efforts, the Associate Board raised more than $60,000 for the council, including nearly $20,000 in personal donations. I volunteer on the Associate Board because I want to support the next generation of female leaders and give back to the Chicago community with a desire to see a direct impact.” -Mary Kate Barron

Making new friends (and eating lots of cookies!)

“I enjoy being on the Associate Board because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people. Expanding my professional and social circles allows me to learn from others’ unique experiences and make new friends! It’s inspiring to collaborate with others who share a passion for empowering young girls, and I value the lifelong connections we are building through our shared commitment to the Girl Scout Movement.” -Juliann Krupa

Join us! If you, or someone you know, are passionate about the Girl Scout Mission, looking to build professional networks and enhance your leadership skills, and interested in supporting our council, check out our application.

Thank you to all the volunteers, council staff, caregivers, and members who provide critical support to girls every day. We are grateful for all your work towards our shared commitment of building girls of courage, confidence and character.

Associate Board Reached New Heights at Camp Butternut Springs

From May 6-7, 2023, ten members of the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Associate Board gathered at the beautiful Camp Butternut Springs to recharge, strategize and enjoy each other’s company. They enjoyed lunch with fellow Butternut Springs campers in the main mess hall to kick the weekend off. The associate board then trekked up to Cedar Cabin, their home away from home for the weekend. Everyone settled in, unpacked groceries, and were ready to begin the weekend’s adventures.

The associate board started with a property tour from the Director of Camp Properties, Peggy Brothers. Associate board members were able to see both the growth and development of the property as well as the wealth of beautiful natural scenery.

After a walk around the property, it was time for something more daring – the zipline and High Ropes Adventure Course! The campsite motto was “challenge by choice,” so while not all members of the associate board made it through all the obstacles, they all participated to the extent they were comfortable with. They cheered everyone on, strategized on the best ways to help everyone reach their individual goals, and supported one another along the way.

At the end of all that fun, the associate board had worked up an appetite, so in true Girl Scout fashion, they started a fire and cooked a delicious fireside meal with s’mores, campfire songs and games, and more bonding.

The associate board started Sunday bright and early with a strategy session – discussing their goals as an associate board and how those goals align with the council’s strategic plan. They came up with some great ideas, and they can’t wait to develop their ideas into action items and share them with the council. As always, the associate board talked about Smart Cookies – the associate board’s flagship fundraiser (which will be held on September 21, 2023, at Cafe Brauer). The associate board took a break from brainstorming for a service project. For reasons unknown to anybody, there was a section in the woods with piles of old glass – pottery, crystal, pop bottles, and any other type of glass you could think of – it was all there in the mud just off one of the camp roads. The associate board rolled up their sleeves, threw on some gloves, and went to work. In about two hours of work, they cleaned up more than five large barrels of glass, and while that area will likely still be out of bounds for a bit, there’s now one more reason to expand the extensive trails of Butternut Springs.

The associate board took one last walk back to Cedar Cabin, finished their strategy session, had lunch, and packed up. It was a great weekend full of team building, adventures, and all things Girl Scouts!