There Was a Wider Opportunity for That!

The Variety of Travel and Learning Experiences Offered with Wider Opportunities

Before there were Destinations for older Girl Scout travel possibilities, local Councils and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) offered Wider Opportunities (Wider Ops). These were programs that presented Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors with the prospects of traveling to locations within the USA or around the world, much the same as Destinations do today. The Wider Ops had various themes, so a Girl Scout had the ability to find an agenda with activities that interested her. This innovative program gave Girl Scouts amazing experiences that they might never have had if it weren’t for Girl Scout programing. So let’s take a look at what some of our Girl Scouts encountered through the Wider Opportunities program.

Denise (Schillings) Roche, Legacy South Cook County Council

In 1988, legacy Raintree Council of Evansville, Indiana (now the Southwest Indiana Council) hosted Studio ’88. Denise Roche was a Cadette in Troop 147 of Homewood at the time and very interested in attending this Wider Opportunity. It was a two-week fine arts Wider Opportunity that was being held at the University of Evansville. Girl Scouts could choose their course of study: instrumental music, vocal music, drama, dance, or visual art. Denise was an oboist and decided to apply for the instrumental music. Along with completing the paperwork, she had to have recommendations from her band director and also from the South Cook County Council staff and volunteers who knew her character and intent. Denise was thoroughly excited when she received the news that she had been chosen to participate in Studio ’88. Since Evansville is near her Dad’s hometown, Denise’s parents drove her there. The Raintree Council partnered Denise with a host family that took her around Evansville, so she could become familiar with the city before the event started. Then the girls moved into dorms at the university. The girls were from all over the country, and Denise recalls that her roommate was a ballerina who studied dance for her fine art. During the day, the girls spent their time attending classes. Besides her music classes, Denise also chose to do visual arts – a good choice since she is now an elementary art teacher. In the evenings, the girls had various social events in which they could participate. At the end of the two weeks, families and friends were invited to attend a full production of all the performing arts, along with visiting an art exhibition that highlighted the visual arts.

*Here is Denise holding her Senior Girl Scout vest, pointing to her Studio ’88 patch.*

This initial experience with Wider Ops prompted Denise to apply again in 1991. This time, she decided on an event called Together We Stand that was being hosted by the Girl Scouts of Philadelphia (now the Eastern Pennsylvania Council). This Wider Opportunity was more of a conference-style workshop. Again, Denise had to complete a substantial amount of paperwork and have recommendations for her application. For this event, the girls stayed in dorm rooms at the University of Pennsylvania. Having the chance to stay at an Ivy League School really impressed Denise. The girls explored all the educational and historic sites around Philly for the four days they were there. One evening was all about trading SWAPS. Denise took rocks from the Thornton Quarry for her SWAPS. She considers the volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens to be the best SWAPS she received. Denise was 15 that summer, and it was the first time she had travelled by plane alone.

Denise went on to earn her Gold Award, is a Lifetime Member, and currently serves as the Fall Product Manager for her daughter Giovanna’s Senior troop, a position she has held from the time the girls were Daisies.

*Instead of a patch, the participants in Together We Stand were given a button.*

Tamara Anderson, Legacy Chicago Council

As a Girl Scout Senior in Troop 178, Tamara Anderson was chosen to participate in a Wider Opportunity called Music and Medicine that was held in July of 1990. It was hosted by legacy Mid-South Council (now Heart of the South Council) located in Memphis, Tennessee.

Tamara arrived in Memphis on July 20. She had visited Memphis during previous summers, spending time with her uncle’s family, but this time she went directly to Rhodes College where the participants of Music and Medicine were housed. Tamara remembers becoming close friends with two of the other girls joining in this Wider Opportunity. One was there for medicine and grew up on a farm. The other was there for music, the same reason Tamara was interested in attending this program. She also recalls that the meals at Rhodes College were undeniably GREAT and that she never ate so good while being away from home. Since Tamara celebrated her birthday two days after her arrival in Memphis, the girls had a party for her with balloons and cake.

The activities that Tamara experienced were so exciting for a girl who was interested in music. She was able to visit Beale Street, the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the home of the Blues. It was on Beale Street that Tamara purchased her first harmonica, which she taught herself to play. The girls also went to the famous Peabody Hotel to see the legendary duck march to the fountain in the hotel lobby. Additionally, the group went to Sun Records studio, notable for being where Elvis and Howlin’ Wolf recorded their music. Tamara was even able to play her harmonica in that very studio. The girls then travelled to Nashville to experience the medical and music scene there. While in Nashville, Tamara recorded an original song that she wrote. She also shadowed two doctors.

As with so many Girl Scout gatherings, SWAPS were exchanged at this Wider Opportunity, too. Some were handmade by the participants, while others used council patches for their SWAPS. Tamara’s Mom sent her with SWAPS from the Chicago Council and the city itself.

This experience has stayed with Tamara. It was a steppingstone to what she is now doing, since she is a professional artist who acts and sings, along with writing music and plays. And by the way, she can still play a mean harmonica.

*Program patch and SWAPS that Tamara received at Music and Medicine Wider Op*portunity.

Ruth Caragher-Stiles, Legacy DuPage County Council

Ruth Caragher-Stiles went through the Wider Opportunities application process when she was part of Senior Mariner Ship 167 in legacy DuPage County Council. She was chosen for a program sponsored by the Utah Council during July of 1999. Ruth feels that being selected gave her the chance to mature and grow as a young person. She also saw Wider Ops as a way to explore new experiences that would broaden her horizons.

For Ruth, there were many firsts related to this journey. During the application process, it was her first encounter with sitting down for an in-person interview. Additionally, it was her first time to be on a plane, to see a mountain, to be away from home by herself, to be responsible for herself as a person, along with so many other firsts that are too long to list. It all led to Ruth being more aware of who she is as a person and her ability to recognize her strengths, weaknesses, and maturity level.

When July finally arrived, Ruth flew to Salt Lake City and was greeted by the family who hosted her. She appreciated the family’s kindness and their willingness to take her up into the mountains after they learned Ruth had never seen a mountain before.

The day after her arrival, Ruth met up with all the Wider Op group of Girl Scouts from around the country. The girls had a day of talking and visiting with each other, doing trust games, touring downtown Salt Lake City, visiting the Mormon church, and being together as a group while preparing for the rest of the week.

The participants traveled by tour bus around the state of Utah for the week. They started out driving to Zion National Park near the Arizona border. Ruth remembers it being quite a long drive, but worth it because of the spectacular view. For Ruth, one of the more rewarding experiences was getting to know the other Girl Scouts during the drive. She recalls that one of the girls was vision impaired and used a walking cane to get around. The other girls were all inspired by her bravery, since this Wider Opportunity was going to include a lot of hiking, camping, and rafting. She was very trusting, and all the girls surrounded her with support.

After a day of hiking and swimming in the river at Zion, the girls set up camp for the night. Ruth remembers how a thunderstorm rolled through. Since the camp was in a valley between two mountain ranges, the thunder would start at one end and roll like a bowling ball to the other end of the valley and back. The girls sang songs and cooked over a campfire before the rain came, enjoying all the fun.

The following day, the group headed to Bryce Canyon National Park and set up camp again. There was lots of hiking and helping the vision impaired Girl Scout who was so brave, and the group all really built up their friendship during this time.

The next stop on the tour was Moab, where two national parks are located, Canyonlands and Arches. At Canyonlands National Park, the girls saw the beautiful Angel Arch, while at Arches National Park, they saw the magnificent Big Arch. While in Moab, the girls enjoyed white water rafting down the Colorado River.

For the first night in Moab, they stayed in cabins with six girls to a cabin. The other two nights were spent camping under the stars next to the Colorado River. Coming from the Chicago area, Ruth couldn’t get over how quiet it was at night, how beautiful the stars were, and how she had never seen so many of them before in her life. The girls had big bonfires at night and sang songs. They each took turns talking about their lives, homes, and families. Ruth remembers the girls with whom she became close, and how they would lie together under the stars in the long, tall grass of a field, counting the falling stars until they were fast asleep and not waking until the morning.

During the time in Moab, Ruth had her sixteenth birthday. The rafting tour guide company had bought her a cake. It was the first time Ruth had a birthday away from home, and everyone sang Happy Birthday to her. This was quite a happy time for Ruth.

The blind girl continued to demonstrate her bravery during the hikes in Moab. There were times when the girls had to traverse huge rock faces. At one point they were all completely horizontal and shimming up between a crevice in the rocks, and the blind girl became afraid. The group refused to let her give up and after some time she continued on. The girls all rallied around her, telling her how proud they were of her. Looking back now, Ruth is proud of the entire group she was with.

Through all the hiking and swimming, the cooking and rafting, seeing all new mountains and rivers, the beautiful scenes at all the national parks in Utah had a profound effect on Ruth. She believes that she became a bit more in tune with who she is as a person because of this Wider Opportunity, which sparked in her a lifetime of curiosity and adventure. There are many times during hikes that were quite challenging that Ruth didn’t think that she could do them. However, after completing these challenges, Ruth’s confidence improved. She considers her experiences during the Wider Opportunity to have been completely positive. The Girl Scout leaders, the Girl Scouts who attended from around the country, and even the family who welcomed Ruth into their home, all started out as strangers, but they left Utah as friends. Ruth is very proud and grateful to have had this experience.

Beth (Pradelski) Kosiba, Legacy South Cook County Council

As a Cadette Girl Scout in legacy South Cook County Council, Beth Kosiba was chosen for a ten-day Wider Opportunity called Porpoises, Patents, and Polymers that was offered by legacy Western Reserve Council (now Northeast Ohio Council) in Akron. During this July 1999 Wider Opportunity, Beth participated in numerous activities, along with 50 other Girl Scouts from 29 states who were also interested in biology, physics, and other science activities. Beth has always had a love for animals, and this was a perfect match for her to explore the many options for her future.

Program patch for Porpoises, Patents, and Polymers

Before heading to the program, Beth made SWAPS to exchange with the other girls. She made a key chain out of fun foam in the shape of Illinois, painting a tulip on it to show where her hometown of South Holland was located.

To start this journey, Beth flew into Cleveland, Ohio and was met at the airport by her host family. She stayed with the host family for two days before being taken to Camp Ledgewood, the home base for the program. Most of the mornings were spent at camp where the participants could enjoy scavenger hunts, snorkeling, rock climbing, or activities planned by different patrols. The girls slept on bunk beds, went on hikes, and used the pool to cool off. However, one thing that Beth found different at Camp Ledgewood was “timing the showers”, turning the water on and off to make sure that there was enough water for everyone. There were additional activities, such as campfires in the evening, a pool party, and a tour of the Council office that included a pizza party.

The Girl Scouts spent five days at Sea World, investigating the animals and learning from the instructors. There was classroom education and behind the scenes exploration. They even had close access to dolphins, penguins, and whales, along with interacting with the handlers who cared for or worked with the animals. They learned how to walk with flippers on, and they were able to try out scuba gear in a swimming pool.

A trip to Kent State University let them explore the Liquid Crystal Institute and the displays there. Here the girls learned a bit about physics and what careers it could lead to. They toured Inventure Place and the Inventors Hall of Fame, where they were able to research and learn about the marvels of invention.

Another outing took the girls to the University of Akron. Here they learned about the Polymer Science Program at the state-of-the-art facility, the Polymer Research Science Center. At the research center, the girls were able to make something with plastic.

There were also fun times not related to science. They went to the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and to the Great Lakes Science Museum where they saw an IMAX movie. The participants also explored the natural wonders of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation area. They went to Geauga Lake for an afternoon of fun and had a picnic dinner there.

Beth really enjoyed this Wider Opportunity program and found it to be a lot of fun. It reinforced her love of science careers and education, along with service to others. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals behind the scenes, and this program helped her to decide on what she wanted to do in the future. Beth has worked at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and now at the Indianapolis Zoo in the education department. While working at the Shedd Aquarium, Beth became friends with co-worker Juliann Krupa and discovered that Juliann’s mom was the person who organized the PPP Wider Opportunity Program for Western Reserve Girl Scouts. And now, Juliann is currently involved with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. The Girl Scout sisterhood touches us in a variety of ways!

Beth continued her Girl Scout journey and earned her Gold Award. She is also a Lifetime Member.

*These are some of the SWAPS Beth collected during her Wider Opportunity.*

Amy (Heyse) Mantuori, Legacy South Cook County Council

Amy Mantuori was fortunate to be chosen for four Wider Opportunities during her time as a Girl Scout Senior with legacy South Cook County Council.

In 1998, Amy went on her first Wider Opportunity, which was hosted by the Nation’s Capital Council in Silver Spring, Maryland. Rocks, Caves to Comets offered spelunking, fossil digging, rappelling, panning for gems, and whitewater rafting, along with a visit to the Smithsonian. The participants camped in tents most of the time, but also stayed in hotels and on college campuses as they traveled around.

Legacy Michigan Pine and Dunes Council in Grand Rapids, Michigan (now Michigan Shore to Shore Council) offered the Wider Opportunity Ecoventures in1999. Amy felt fortunate to be chosen for this Wider Opportunity thatwas all about learning science and math, along with how to make it fun to encourage younger girls to become interested in STEM. She was taught all kinds of interesting experiments and how to recreate them. Learning how to write grants, press releases, and proposals was also part of the program. Additionally, the girls acquired the knowledge on how to set up STEM kits for their councils. Amy took this idea and made it the focus of her Gold Award project. A highlight of this Wider Opportunity occurred when astronaut Sally Ride spoke to the participants about the importance of getting girls interested in math and science.

For her next Wider Opportunity, Amy headed to Modesto, California in July 2000. Legacy Muir Trail Council (now Heart of Central California Council) offered On the Trail for Gold. During her time there, Amy panned for gold, hiked through Yosemite, crawled through a cave, explored San Francisco, and visited old west towns. The lodgings included camping, hotels, college campuses, and even homestays with host families as the girls traveled across the west in search of gold.

Amy’s last Wider Opportunity took her to Portland, Oregon in July 2001. Great Northwest Adventure was hosted by legacy Columbia River Council (now Oregon and Southwest Washington Council). Amy had the chance to do all kinds of amazing things, such as hiking up Mount St. Helens, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, and hiking through waterfalls. She also went to museums, the aquarium, and on boat trips and light house tours. There was plenty of time spent on the beach, too.

Amy really enjoyed these experiences for so many reasons. Although she found it to be a little nerve wracking getting on a plane (sometimes by herself) and heading to another state, not really knowing anyone, Amy also realized that she was going to have an exceptional experience at each of these Wider Ops. When looking back at these four amazing adventures, she realizes that the most memorable aspects of each trip were the people she met. She is still in contact with many of the girls who were on the trips with her, some she has seen many times since the trips. One girl even stood up in her wedding, while another was in attendance. She reached out to some of her friends to ask about their memories of their Wider Ops. Most of the memories centered around just getting to know each other, playing games, having new experiences, and having fun.

Amy went on to earn her Gold Award, and she is also a Lifetime Member. She recently became the leader of her daughter’s Daisy troop.

After learning about the Wider Ops experiences of these five women, it is quite evident that the Wider Opportunities program had a profound impact on all of their lives. Girl Scouts helps develop girls of courage, confidence, and character through all of the programming that is offered. However, Wider Ops was proven to be one of the most influential in girls’ lives, and Destinations is carrying on that legacy.

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.

Campus Girl Scouts

It was well known that for many years former Senior Girl Scouts, upon entering college, wanted to continue in Girl Scouting. However, the only activity for these girls was to become an adult volunteer and/or become a troop leader.

In the late sixties, college students were showing an interest in campus service activities and service careers. In 1967, the National Board of Directors approved a plan for giving official recognition to Girl Scout campus groups. This new group of Girl Scouts was called Campus Gold. 

As Campus Gold groups were organized, individual councils were given the authority to officially recognize campus groups within their jurisdiction. In the 1970’s these groups became more popular. Girls from small colleges to large universities were organizing. They came together to support the communities they serve through various activities. Another way to serve the community was to become a leader of a troop within the campus’ area. 

Early in the 1970’s there was a national convention of Campus Girl Scouts, held in Chicago, IL. Girls from various universities came together to share their experiences and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Girl Scouts.

Today, there are many universities all over the United States that have an organized and recognized Campus Gold Girl Scout groups. 

For further information about Campus Girl Scouts go to the following link: 

Campus Girl Scouts | Girl Scouts

Outdoor Fun at Cadette-Senior Jamboree

This month’s blog post will introduce you to an older-girl activity held at Camp Greene Wood from 1981 to 2003. It was simply called Cadette-Senior Jamboree and was a weekend of testing outdoor skills and plenty of fun. Attendance in the early years was limited to DuPage County Council troops. But word spread and participation was opened to other councils. Almost 500 girls participated in 1994.

The weekend began as troops gathered on Friday night. Tent set-up for the hardy, and cabin check-in for those first-timers. A walk around the camp to spot the event set-ups helped to prepare for the morning’s challenges.

The flyer from 1981 gave the following details: Each troop is responsible for its own food and camping equipment. Keep your meals simple. Bring a troop flag. A first aid tent will be set up. Each troop receives a ribbon for participating, each girl a patch, and a ribbon for the winning troop for each event.

Here’s a keepsake collection of participation and award ribbons collected by Troop 2675 from Illinois Crossroads Council who participated in Cadette-Senior Jamboree in the 1990s.

The events evolved over the years, but there were always outdoor skills – fire-building, compass, first aid, tent pitching – as well as art – designing the patch for the following year – food contests, and flag folding. “Most events are timed. Participation in each event is limited to a specific number of girls from each troop, except Tug of War which is by accumulative weight. Choose events according to your girls’ interests and qualifications.”

There were always weeks of prep to find the troop’s best candidate for each event. From Ann, leader of Troop 2675: “There was a LOT of strategy that went into the girls choosing which Girl Scout represented us in each event. (She knows her knots, she’s strong enough for the tug of war, she’s artistic for the patch design, etc.) We also practiced in the late spring, and they became pretty good at lashing and tent pitching.”

Cadettes competed against Cadettes, and Senior against Seniors. A Super Troop from each level was crowned on Sunday after the tug of war, and bragging rights were carried through the year.

In 1988, water events were added, and the troops traveled to Woodridge Lakes for the competitions. As with the land events, there were skills and fun competitions – canoeing on the lake, filling a bucket with a sponge and fishing for plastic ducks among them!

Recipes from the food contests were shared in the Cadette-Senior Gazette newsletter. In 1989, the theme was Hot Diggity Dog – among the entries – Minced “Weenie” Pie, Jean’s Jello Junk and Hot Pocket Dog.

Adults had a part in Jamboree. As attendance grew, each troop was asked to supply an adult (not a troop leader) as a judge for the Saturday events. And the troop leaders engaged in some friendly competitions as well. Again, from Ann, “It was an EXCELLENT way for them to learn skills, and then use them. AND of course, they relished the opportunity to make costumes for their leaders.”

The patch design contest each year showed talent and thought. Here are the patches in our collection. We are missing a couple of years – 1987, 1994, 1997, 1998 and 2001. If you have any of them – and are willing to donate them to the council collection – please fill out our Deed of Gift form, and mail it with your patches to GSGCNWI Vernon Hills Gathering Place 650 N Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Attn: Historians

Memories from Camp Hickory Hill, Wild Rose Program Center, and Camp Norwesco

Camp Hickory Hill, 1929-1964

In 1929, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fredrick Loesch purchased a track of land that was originally a land grant signed by President Martin VanBuren.  It is in Edgerton, WI, located on Rice Lake.  In October of 1931, the land was deeded by the Loesch’s to the Des Plaines Girl Scout Council and the Girl Scouts of America (GSUSA), Region 7, and became Girl Scout Camp Hickory Hill.  Mrs. Loesch was the first commissioner of the Des Plaines Girl Scout Council, and Mr. Charles Fredrick Loesch was the maintenance director of Hickory Hill for many years. Miss Marian Hodgins was the first camp director of Hickory Hill. The first building on the property was the dining room/kitchen, named Loesch Lodge. “Grigsby,” a recreation building donated by Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Grigsby, was the second one built; the last two were the staff house and office building. These buildings were built with dollars contributed by former campers. Outpost, the pioneer unit, was formed in 1935.  The camp had five units: Merriwood, Hilltop, Outpost, Trails End, and Sea Scouts.   All campers lived in platform tents except Outpost. 

The camp was transferred to Girl Scouts of Northwest Cook Girl Scout Council when the Des Plaines Girl Scout Council merged with Illinois Prairie to form Northwest Cook Girl Scout Council. Deeds were finally recorded in Dane County, Wisconsin, on January 26, 1956.

Barbara Coyle attended Camp Hickory Hill in the late 1940s.  Her favorite memory is the songs the Merriwood Unit sang every day, and she still sings them today.

Wild Rose Program Center, 1952-2012

Camp Lindenwood, located in Thatcher Woods, was returned to the Forest Preserves in 1945. The Forest Preserve tore it down in 1949. The Finance Committee of Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council recommended to the Board of Directors that a savings account be set up to purchase a permanent campsite for day camping, overnight camping, and Brownie camping.  In March of 1952, Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council purchased 80 acres of land that was part of the Crane Estate, which was formerly called Wild Rose Farm.  The council originally named the property Camp Wild Rose.  The first house built on the site was in 1953 and named Ridgetop House, but many referred to it as “the Brownie House.”  In 1975, Lone Tree Area sold their camp in Three Lakes, WI, and Wild Rose became their resident camp. 

Strawberry Lodge and the caretaker’s residence were built in 1958.  Strawberry Lodge was later converted into an administrative building. Also, two platform camp areas named Aspen Grove and Tall Oaks were built, and two advanced campers’ sites were developed, Happy Hollow and Hawthorne Trail.  In 1967, a storage house and workshop were built.  In 1969, an octagonal lodge was built, and Westchester Troop 493 had the honor of being the first troop to use the lodge. 

In 1979, Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council saw a need for many renovations to Camp Wild Rose and a task force led by Marge Gray converted the camp into Wild Rose Program Center where activities for girls and leader training could be held year-round.  Major changes were the building of Blueberry Patch Lodge in the shape of a cross so it could house three troops at a time. 

Sandy Cervenka remembers taking her Junior troop to Wild Rose and going to the marsh to do water sampling for their badge work.  Among the girls on the steps is Sandy’s sister, Bobbie Krivanek.

Sandy also remembers being one of four counselors in the Tall Oaks unit during a 4-day resident camp experience.   “Two of us wore glasses and two hearing aids.  We were sleeping soundly with all the tent flaps up when the site manager came up in her car to wake us.  There was a storm coming with possible tornadoes.  None of us heard the walkie-talkies go off.  Being blind or deaf, we had to get the girls from their tents and take them to the unit’s shelter.  We had to drag some girls asleep in their sleeping bags through the rain and mud to the shelter,” said Sandy.

Debbie Kidd shares memories of taking her Troop 1750 camping for the first time in 1995, and it was at Wild Rose.  “It has become a cherished memory for the girls and me.  We hiked, made tie-dyed t-shirts outside, made homemade ice cream in a “coffee can,” played sticks, cooked our meals, made napkin rings from nature, sang gracefully around the campfire, made s’mores, and sang songs.  One of the girls on that campout, Jenica Janos, told Debbie that Girl Scouts didn’t just teach me to build a fire; it taught me to untangle challenges, navigate the wilderness of life with confidence, and always leave the campsite better than I found it,” said Debbie.

Camp Norwesco, 1958-1983

In 1955, the Northwest Cook Council saw the need for another established camp since Camp Pine and Camp Hickory Hill always had waiting lists.  A committee was formed to investigate properties in Wisconsin. The committee decided on a 700-acre site on Herde Lake adjacent to DuPage County Council’s Camp Chippewa Bay on Long Lake.  The Board approved the purchase of the property on October 23, 1957. During July 21 – 31, 1958, 12 girls were chosen to primitive camp on the property.  They were accompanied by two leaders and a camp nurse.  Road construction began in June of 1959.  The remainder of the camp was completed in 1960.

Copied from the log of July 21-31, 1958, primitive camp: Friday, July 25 – Tuft’s (leader) turn to town.  Girls dug another latrine – still not satisfied! The third one, finally deep enough, was considered satisfactory, so girls lashed a seat.  I took down the damaged tent, replaced it, and decided to add one more tent so that all tents would house just two girls.  The girls continued during the day on various chores – peeling bark for the flagpole, splicing the rope, and rigging the pulley.  Some of the girls lashed a table near the baker’s tent for use in getting meals and doing dishes—more clearing and shopping.  The new beach spot started near Cotton’s (leader) tent, and steps cut down the hill.  A better path cleared to the boat – stones removed, bean holes for Sunday dinner were dug.  Two girls lashed a table near their tent to hold a washstand and personal gear.  At the campfire, the girls sang us their completed camp song:

Michele Herman spent the first of seven summers at Camp Norwesco in 1970.  The first year, she went for one session that was two weeks long. After that, Michele insisted she attend two sessions. Her first five years of experience included swimming, boating, hiking, crafts, flag ceremonies, and morning watch.  The following year, Michele was in the mounted unit (horseback riding), which is what Michele calls the crème de la crème. “Boundary Waters spending ten days in the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, canoeing for hours, portaging between lakes, carrying packs heavier than she was, digging holes to make a toilet, securing food so bears would not get it, and keeping pie pans handy to scare off bears.  We sang quiet songs around the campfire and knew no one was within miles of us.  It was filled with majestic views of nature.  I often told my daughters I would still go if they let me!  Camp Norwesco is my happiest place on Earth,” said Michele.

Elise Gould said, “Camp Norwesco was my happy place for me! For many summers during my childhood and teenage days, I would go up there and find peace, friendship, and fun with other girls my age.  It was magical!  With the sale of Camp Hickory Hills, units were added, and some unit names changed. The new unit for older girls was called Marion. It is here that I became a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and then a full-time counselor.  Memories are abounding when it comes to Norwesco.  The counselors, the girls and future friends, and the fun activities kept me coming back summer after summer.  I am still friends with many of the girls and counselors.  There were several reunions where we gathered to reminisce and sing songs as if we were kids again.”

2023-2024 Cookie Season Recap

The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches Girl Scouts life skills such as goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Through selling cookies, Girl Scouts gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, setting them up for success in all aspects of their lives. We are so proud of what our Girl Scouts accomplished this cookie season!

First and foremost, we’d like to introduce you to this year’s top cookie sellers. Please join us in congratulating our new Cookie CEOs.

Giada G.
Giuliana G.
Bristol S.
Syd B.
Elizabeth R.

Our cookie season started on December 15, 2023. Girl Scouts were quick to create their Digital Cookie online site and send emails to their customers. Did you know Girl Scouts in our council sell about 300,000 boxes within the first two weeks of cookie season? Those first few weeks are crucial in reaching sales goals. Check out Girl Scouts Zoe and Syd who appeared on Fox 32 Chicago to share the news that cookie season had started.

On January 6, 2024, Girl Scout family and friends celebrated the start of cookie season at the 2024 Cookie Rally. Carnival games, face painting, cookie-inspired treats, and more lined the halls of the Allstate Arena. Attendees then hit the ice for a cookie pep rally before the Chicago Wolves game hosted by Girl Scout, Anne. Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated our cookie kickoff with us!

In February 2024, Girl Scouts brought cookies to neighborhood storefronts with their cookie booths. They braved the cold weather and enjoyed the sunny days as they went out to reach new customers. Over 50 troops participated in our Bling Your Booth Contest. It was so awesome to see each troop’s blinged-out booth. Thank you to all the troops who participated, and congratulations to Troop 75916, who won the contest.

National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend took place from February 16-18, and Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana partnered with PAWS Chicago to promote the spirit of volunteerism and service. Girl Scouts participated in an orientation detailing the work PAWS does at the facility and participated in light cleaning, organized donations and socialized with the dogs and cats.

The end of Cookie Season was announced and celebrated during Girl Scout Week with local troops. Girl Scouts joined local broadcast stations to share what they love about being a Girl Scout and what their troop plans to use the cookie funds for, like going to Paris! On CBS, Girl Scout Jocelyn shared how she feels empowered being a Girl Scout by trying new things, and Amalia said she loves going to summer camp with friends in a judgement free zone and learns a lot of real-life experiences on ABC.

After all the hard work from Girl Scouts this cookie season, it was only fair to celebrate! Girl Scouts who reached certain cookie sale levels received rewards such as a visit to Brookfield Zoo, the iconic Cookie Cruise, and even a trip to New York City! Way to go, Girl Scouts, on earning these incredible experiences.

We want to thank all Girl Scouts, troop leaders, cookie managers, volunteers, and all those who participated in the 2023-2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program. You made a difference, one cookie box at a time! Thank you for your countless hours of hard work and determination in making this year’s program a success.

We’d love for you to meet some more goal-crushers from this cookie season:

Meet Girl Scout Samantha, who had big goals set for this cookie season. She was on a mission to sell 5,000 packages to earn a trip to Denali National Park in Alaska, and she did just that!

So, how did she accomplish this mighty feat?

5-7 days a week, Samantha would work cookie booths or take her wagon of cookies out to sell. She started planning in October, writing out ideas to sell more cookies. Taking examples from other high sellers, she wrote a Zoom presentation, created a Google phone number to text previous customers, and designed a business card to hand out and leave at neighborhood doors. She wrote down her goal and tracked it every night on a goal thermometer. It was not always easy for Samantha. Many weekends consisted of bouncing between cheerleading at basketball games and cookie booths, but she persisted and worked towards her goal.

Meet another goal-crusher, Girl Scout Megan, who took her cookie business nationally and was determined to sell Girl Scout Cookies in all 50 states. Megan accomplished this by sharing the word with her friends and family and sharing flyers with everyone who stopped at her cookie booth. The more she shared about her goal, the more support she received. As Megan checked states off her list, she noticed North Dakota still lingered. Megan didn’t shy away from this challenge. Instead, she rallied with help from her family and friends and finally found a customer in North Dakota. It happened to be a friend, of a friend, of a family friend. WOW, talk about the power of networking!

Last but not least, meet Cookie CEO Bristol, who, on March 20, 2024, officially sold her 100,000^th cookie box! Bristol accomplished this impressive milestone after 7 years of hard work.

“Keep trying, even if you fall down. Keep going because you’ll eventually get there someday,” said Bristol. Bristol spent long hours going door-to-door and selling at cookies booths. With strong family support, Bristol also used her cookies proceeds for various philanthropic efforts, including purchasing a service dog for a veteran with PTSD. In an interview with Chicago Sun-Times, Bristol shared she wants “to be a veterinarian, a police officer, a firefighter – or everything combined.”

Congratulations again to all our goal-crushers. You definitely owned your magic, and we can’t wait to see how you embrace all the possibilities ahead.

Camp Juniper Knoll Stories Over the Years

This year, we’re celebrating 100 years of Camp Juniper Knoll (JK). In honor of recognizing this legacy camp, former campers, current campers, camp staff, and friends of Camp JK have shared some of their favorite memories. Read on to explore how this camp has impacted Girl Scouts throughout the years.

To submit your Camp JK story, click here.

To register for our Camp JK Birthday Party on September 7, click here.

Debbie M., former camper, current camper, and volunteer, shared:

“My first memory of JK was in 1972 when my troop went there for the first time. We were in Voyager (gone), and it was dark, the leaders couldn’t find all the tents, and it was raining most of the weekend. We learned to cook on an open fire in the rain. We burnt our spaghetti but ate it anyway. Stan made us clean out every pot before we could leave, even if we knew we didn’t use it. And some of us continued going there after that for years. I still do and plan on it for a long time. My family has had four generations attend JK, and three generations will be at the 100th. It’s one of my Happy Places.”

Denise U., former camper, shared:

“In the Summer of 1986, my troop, Troop 433 of Illinois Prairie Council, camped for a weekend at Juniper Knoll. It was memorable for the friendships that were solidified as it was the first camping trip this Girl Scout Senior Troop was taking. It also became memorable as it was during that trip in the late hours when we all squished into one platform tent that we decided we wanted to visit the Juliette Low Birthplace in Savannah. After a year of planning and fundraising, our troop made that dream happen by traveling to Savannah in August 1987. That dream would not have been possible without Juniper Knoll!”

Denise added, “Troop 40172 grew up at Juniper Knoll. I was the leader of this troop, which traveled from Girl Scout Daisy to Girl Scout Ambassador, spending many outings at the Promise Center. After spending time in the spring on weekend outings, sometimes with all the troops from Fairview School in Hoffman Estates, we started spending weekends during winter break cooking, baking, watching movies, and decompressing from high school.”

Natalie S., former camper, shared:

“So many trips to, and great memories from Camp Juniper Knoll. My first camping trip ever was to Camp Juniper Knoll with Brownie Troop 762 led by Peggy and Katie. I was born and raised in Chicago, new to Girl Scouts and camping. That first trip opened up a whole new world and I was hooked for life.

Happy Birthday, Camp Juniper Knoll!”

Katie N., former camper and camp staff, shared:

“My favorite camp memory was meeting my life long best friends there. We met one summer and as campers and have continued to grow into young adults while enjoying many summers together at JK. We always cherish the moments and memories together and look back on all of it fondly.”

Tracy B., volunteer, shared:

“I’ve been a Girl Scout leader since 2012, and was a Girl Scout as a kid who loved to go to Girl Scout camp in the summer. I have a deep understanding and appreciation for what a special place like JK is. I have fond memories of taking my troop to Juniper Knoll over the years, from Spring time “mom and me” trips with our service unit, where one year it got down into the 20s overnight as we slept in Yurts, to winter trips when the troop was older and we stayed in Promise in January.

The winter trips are most memorable, as we cooked and baked to our hearts content in the sun-filled kitchen at Promise. We had an Iron Chef type of competition of sandwich making and shared/baked family cookie recipes. We snowshoed among the barren trees and made snow angels on the icy lake after a snowstorm–simply magical. We earned badges through activities like book making and wood carving, painting winter scenes with watercolors and making friendship bracelets. We made s’mores by a campfire despite the bone-chilling cold. One of my warmest memories is when one of my scouts, who has a medical condition that confined her to a wheelchair and a breathing machine–and who also couldn’t speak, went sledding. A few of the girls (with the help of the other girls’ mom) gingerly placed her in a plastic sled and pulled her around the gently rolling hills in the front of Promise. Even though she couldn’t speak, you could hear her unmistakable squeals of joy as the girls ferried her around the snow. The freedom and friendship of that moment are seared in my mind, and was probably one of the most rewarding things I experienced as a leader. This was a time when cell phones were owned by just a few of the girls — and attention was being challenged. The opportunity to just “be” at camp, have a safe social space to interact with pre-teen/teen peers, and try new things and spread the wings of independence were priceless.

My two daughters also have special memories of JK as campers over many summers the past decade. My oldest, Winnie, went full circle this 100th anniversary year as a first-time counselor–one of the youngest at 18. I’m so proud of her, and thankful to JK and Girl Scouts for providing the opportunity for her to grow as a person and give back to others in her latest role. I appreciate how camp allows her to develop her independence (even now as a young adult) and share her knowledge and love of nature with the next generation of campers. JK has been a big part of her life–a comforting constant as she has grown up and the world changes.

It’s also been a place where my youngest daughter has grown up as a camper. She learned to canoe, kayak, and now sail. She’s gone to camp without knowing anyone and has made new friends. She’s learned so many life skills–socially, emotionally, physically. JK has given both my girls, and also my troop, the space to develop their confidence, character, and courage. It is a special place — and I’m truly grateful for it, and all the people who make it possible for it to continue to thrive for the next generation. We need a place like JK now more than ever. Happy 100th Juniper Knoll!”

Roxanne K., former camper, shared:

“I went to JK many times while I was in Girl Scouts from age 8 to 17. It was my favorite place to go in summer, and I spent many weekends there too. I learned swimming, canoeing, sailing, and so many more skills. JK will always have a special place in my heart.”

Barbara S., former camper, shared:

“Over the many summers I spent at JK in the late sixties and early seventies, I learned many things about friendship, teamwork, diversity, strengthening myself, etc. I loved camp songs, campfires, s’mores, open fire cooking, swimming, boating, sailing, quality time being in and listening to nature. Hearing the gong at 7am. Singing taps at night. Gaining pen-pals from different places in Chicago than from where I lived.
One of my biggest camp accomplishments was overcoming my fear of water and eventually becoming a white cap swimmer, earning all my advanced red cross swimming cards. I also treasure my canoeing and sailing skills learned at JK. All the water safety skills developed me to later become a lifeguard at North Avenue Beach for a few summers and a competitive swimmer in high school and college. But to this day I still sing the camp songs we sang around campfires and in the dining hall.

Happy 100, Camp Juniper Knoll!!”

Wendy J., former camper and camp staff, shared:

“My first memory is of boarding the Greyhound buses in downtown Chicago for the ride to camp. After that it was swimming (many years a red cap), yachting (rowing), campfires, cookouts, hiking, games, kapers, trading post, singing on the steps before meals and lifelong friends.

Later there was canoeing and then sailing as my swimming improved. The dreaded tip tests. A canoe trip down the Fox River, camping at Scuppernong and Nataqua, and more friends.

The staff were energetic and fun. Foreign staff added a new perspective. Camp director Ness pulled it all together to deliver a high quality traditional Girl Scout camp program.”

Carol M., former camper and camp staff, volunteer, and council historian, shared:

“As a Senior Girl Scout, I attended Metro Planning Board’s Senior weekends (1962-1965). At one, we were taught a song “The Ink is Black, the Page is White” written by Senior Girl Scout Tracey Polk, who later sold it to Three Dog Night. Our song fests were on the beach are at JK with a floating campfire out in the lake. Friendships made across the city that I still cherish.”

Meet the Innovators, Leaders, and Everyday Champions: Celebrating the 2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts

This year’s Gold Award Girl Scouts are innovators, leaders, and everyday champions. To achieve the Gold Award, Girl Scouts must commit over 80 hours to leadership, project management, and community service, making lasting, meaningful changes locally and beyond.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is thrilled to announce that over 50 Girl Scouts have earned this esteemed award by addressing crucial issues like mental health, education, environmental sustainability, cultural awareness, and more.

Read on to get to know the Class of 2024 Girl Scout Gold Awardees by exploring the themes of their inspiring projects.

2024 Gold Award Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the following Girl Scouts for earning a Gold Award Scholarship to help fund their service projects:

Emma C.
Sydney K.
Abigail K.
Dorothy L.
Naomi L.
Kara M.
Ella M.
Kameryn R.
Jamyriah S.
Vidhi S.

Arts, Culture, and Heritage

Amelia D. – Amelia’s Gold Award Project was creating a location-aware iOS walking tour app to make the history of Lemont, Illinois, her hometown, more accessible. The app features 31 historic sites spread over three different walking tours. Each tour has an audio component, picture, and description.

Angela M. – Angela’s Gold Award Project involved re-recording and digitizing concert music from the high school library. The music was then entered into a spreadsheet that listed the individual songs by title, composer, and band.

Danika B. – Danika’s Gold Award Project was born of the desire to create a leadership guide for children’s choir organizations to help promote community and belonging amongst its members. Following the shutdowns of COVID-19, Danika saw the need for reconnection. She wanted to bridge the leadership gap by creating a guide that could be used specifically for the choir she had been a member of for 11 years but more broadly for any children’s music organizations that seek to create a system of leadership for their older students.

Dorothy L. – Dorothy’s Gold Award Project allows community members, students, and visitors to learn about the town’s history with my seven trail walk signs since her town’s History Museum is not always open. Along with the signs, she also created a Munster History patch with requirements and a shadow box for a local girl (Tagalong Girl Scout) who passed away from kidney cancer at six years old.

Ella M. – Ella’s Gold Award Project collaborated with the local library to emphasize diverse books for teen library patrons and the broader community. The creation of both physical shelves and online recommendation lists comes in the wake of rampant book bannings around the country, which attempt to limit the availability of diverse books. Combating book banning begins at a local level. As the library is a public avenue of reading for young people and teens, her project implemented and sustained a cognizant approach to curating diverse recommendation lists.

Children Care

Tanvi C. – Tanvi’s Gold Award Project was making activity booklets for inpatient pediatric patients. They were fun and educational booklets, one about the jungle and the other about the ocean.

Madelyn D. – Madelyn’s Gold Award Project involves the hospital where she am also a patient, Lurie Children’s Hospital. Madelyn wanted to give back by having a toy drive at an event in January at her former elementary school. The toy drive was a big success, with over 100 toys and gift cards donated to the children of Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Laurel M. – Laurel’s Gold Award Project gave homeless Chicago children access to educational toys and therapeutic skills. Laurel teamed up with Revive Center for Housing and Healing to do this. She created three large cabinets that hold the toys and can make a safe, enclosed space for the children while their parents get help at Revive Center for Housing and Healing.

Anna M. – Anna’s Gold Award Project was to partner with the Will County Chapter of Project Linus to make blankets for children who have been abused, lived in abusive situations, or are seriously ill and in a hospital.

Lillian O. – Lillian’s Gold Award Project was a dance shoe donation bin for her local park district dance program (Oak Lawn Park District Infiniti Dance Company). Lillian noticed kids would come in every two weeks complaining of tight-fitting shoes because their parents could not afford to keep up with their ever-growing feet. Now, parents can donate gently used dance shoes and ask for them whenever they need them.

Civic Engagement

Ilona E. – Ilona’s Gold Award Project was the product of a lifelong involvement with their community’s Farmers’ Market. Applying STEM principles, Ilona created an easy-to-use, sustainable database for the Experimental Station to recruit and maintain a volunteer infrastructure essential to the continued success of this Farmers’ Market. She also identified and implemented some structural improvements to give our community a safe and comfortable space to gather and browse at the market.

Veronica H. – Veronica’s Gold Award Project aimed to support and enhance the Riverside Brookfield Music Department. Veronica shared her voice at several school board meetings to tell the community the importance of staffing music educators, cleaned and redecorated the practice rooms, and volunteered for a semester to assist in classroom operations in a choir class. As a result of her project, she was able to provide a better educational experience within the music program and Riverside Brookfield High School as a whole.

Abigail K. – Abigail’s Gold Award Project aimed to help grieving individuals and families by teaching the community to crochet bereavement blankets for a local funeral home. In her project, the community and young Girl Scouts came together to learn the commitment and determination it takes to support others while undertaking the skill of crocheting. Both aspects of this project gave participants a skill and perspective that will last a lifetime.

Oliva L. – Oliva’s Gold Award Project honored first responders in my community. Olivia designed and constructed an honor garden to recognize the contributions that first responders make every day.

Kara M. – Kara’s Gold Award Project taught her community the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support animals. It highlighted the important “rules” that come with seeing a service animal in public, such as not petting them because they are working. Lastly, her project provided sources where people within her community can find information on how to obtain a service or emotional support animal.

Hailey M. – Hailey’s Gold Award Project built plantar boxes to grow different vegetables and herbs that could be given to the homeless community through a local charity, Eliza’s Angels. In addition, Hailey made a website that helps educate others about the issue of homelessness and helps them push to do something about it.

Marie N. – Marie’s Gold Award Project was to provide food for those in need by raising money for the material of a micro pantry, building and placing the pantry, hosting a food drive, supplying the pantry, and announcing the new pantry through social media and friends.

Sofi L.– Sofi Lynn’s Gold Award Project consisted of contributing to and building up a network of Community Fridges in the area around the city. A community fridge is a refrigerator accessible to the public that operates on the ideology of “take what you need, leave what you can.” It helps people access healthy foods and share excess food so it doesn’t go to waste. A significant part of her project was making information easily accessible so people could be informed about community fridges and how to locate them.

Jamyriah S. – Jamyriah’s Gold Award Project focused on welcoming asylum seekers within my community. Due to the rising health concerns in local shelters in the community, Jamyriah provided families with hygiene survival kits as a way to say welcome to our community.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Racial Justice

Emma C. – Emma’s Gold Award Project addresses the lack of an informative and inclusive sexual education curriculum in schools. Emma created a website with this information and rewrote the sexual education lesson plan regarding LGBTQ+ people, as well as a social media account to track the progress. Emma also presented a slideshow that covered LGBTQ+-related politics and gave resources to a local LGBTQ+ youth club.

Madison C. – Madison’s Gold Award Project is a women’s empowerment club she started at her school that aims to empower and improve gender equity in our school and community. The club has supported girls’ events and accomplishments within her school and community and promoted leadership and volunteer opportunities. The club host monthly meetings covering various topics, such as different types of feminism, women’s rights issues, and working to solve and help community problems.

Nooriyah D. – Nooriyah’s Gold Award Project focuses on building confidence, courage, and community for middle school-age girls through a mentorship program. Nooriyah collaborated with the Chicago-based non-profit MYTT (Mentoring Youth Through Technology) to develop the curriculum, based on academic research and feedback from girls, for engaging activities covering topics from diversity to creative expression to health.

Sophia W. – Sophia’s Gold Award Project is a website for parents in the Chicago area to find definitions and professional help for their children with disabilities.

Education

Campbell E. – Campbell’s Gold Award Project aims to bring education and awareness of our environment to their community. Campbell designed and interactive nature walk to teach people about indigenous trees and stimulate people’s appreciation for the natural world. These experiences will enhance observation skills. Nature produces countless opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and STEAM education.

Reese B. – Reese’s Gold Award Project involved building a little library for my community to use for free. Reese collected donated books of all different levels and genres and worked directly with the Willowbrook council to place the library in Farmingdale Park. Reese wanted to share her love of reading with her neighborhood and give everyone a chance to embrace the enjoyment of discovering new books and sharing their favorites with others.

Marina B. – Marina’s Gold Award Project aimed to provide extra support to incoming first-year students at my high school, Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRFHS). Marina worked with feeder middle schools and the OPRFHS History Department to create a “Bridge Committee” where curriculums were exchanged to expedite students’ transition into History classes. Marina also designed materials covering school-specific academic supports and study techniques for different types of learners. By providing academic support to current freshman and future OPRFHS students, Marina hopes to help others by increasing the likelihood of success and improving the academic transition experience.

Honor D. – Honor’s Gold Award Project created a Vacation Bible School curriculum where children are introduced to a new bible story each day. Honor then applied these teachings to their lives and to help them create a foundation for their relationship with God. Honor also included daily themes which all of the snacks, games, crafts and activities of the day will be centered around.

Aine K. – Aine’s Gold Award Project was a digital newspaper that kept students at her school informed and interested in school events. It included four main sections discussing current school events, school sports teams, school art programs, and events promoting cultural celebrations within the school and local community. The newspaper will continue after Aine graduates through a club with 11 members.

Katherine K. – Katherine’s Gold Award Project was to build a library for a special education school. This school had never had a library before, so she created a safe environment for enjoyment through literature, games, and interaction.

Evyenia L. – Evyenia’s Gold Award Project aims to address sustainability and pollution awareness, specifically within the education system. Evyenia created a unit within the classroom where students could raise and care for zebrafish. This unique, hands-on opportunity allowed students to learn with real-life fish right in front of them. Also, it benefited students interested in pursuing an animal science field in the future.

Kiley M. – Kiley’s Gold Award Project addressed the lack of interest in reading for children in the summer and the lack of a library in her area. To help solve these problems, Kiley added two Little Libraries to two different parks in my community, making it more convenient for families to access books, as most people can walk to the locations where she put the Little Libraries.

Madeline P.– Madeline’s Gold Award Project mobilized high school students who can draw, write, speak a different language, and serve to create bilingual Spanish-English children’s books for grades K-2. Madeline made online resources for these books and printed 400 copies of 12 other stories to share with elementary schoolers.

Cae P.– Cae’s Gold Award Project increased education about LGBTQ topics in their high school. Cae created detailed presentations about LGBTQ history, people, and concepts related to specific school subjects, such as LGBTQ US History, LGBTQ Poetry and Literature, Transgender Medicine, etc. The presentations were shared with their school’s teachers and posted online for public use.

Sara P. – Sara’s Gold Award Project consisted of multiple interactive storybook walks that were available at a local park for families. Each walk consisted of a book set up on signs throughout a trail with activities to go along, and it was available for a few weeks at a time.

Elise R. – Elise’s Gold Award Project helps students get the SAT scores they want by offering study methods and tips on how to approach the test. The initiative was incorporated into the high school as a class.

Leah R. – Leah’s Gold Award Project focused on the lack of knowledge of flag care that America has overall as a country. Leah taught a class for younger girls about flag care, flag code, flag folding, and flag retiring. Leah then held a ceremony open to the public where we retired flags she had collected in a flag drive.

Kathryn R.– Kathryn’s Gold Award Project included making geometry videos for students struggling with the subject. My videos include examples, vocabulary, and basic explanations of the concepts.

Breana S. – Breana’s Gold Award Project was designed to foster a love of reading in people of all ages. To accomplish this, the Golden Mini Library provides free, easily accessible books in a variety of genres.

Hannah W. – Hannah’s Gold Award Project aims to provide the church with a local outside solution for sharing books and information with community members. Located outside the church near the preschool entrance and the community playground, the library provides literacy materials for young children. It includes advertisements for the youth ministry held at the church, upcoming events at the church, and more.

Elderly Care

Mikenna D. – Mikenna’s Gold Award Project focused on recording and preserving the stories of seniors and veterans in my community. Mikenna collected interviews with various seniors and shared them as a podcast series through her YouTube channel and website. The stories were then shared with wider communities to inspire future generations.

Stella F. – Stella’s Gold Award Project connected the elderly and elementary-aged children in her community. Through the project, children could express creativity, practice writing, and have fun making letters to older adults living in a local nursing home. In return, the residents thoroughly enjoyed receiving the letters and felt more connected to those outside the nursing home.

Environment and Sustainability

Esra A. – Esra’s Gold Award Project addressed the issue of animal rehabilitation to ensure the survival of native animal species. Esra built nest boxes for the Willowbrook Rehabilitation Center specifically intended for squirrels in need of rehabilitation so that they could be released back into the wild.

Courtney F. – Courtney’s Gold Award Project was aimed at people who want to become more eco-conscious but don’t know where to start or just lack knowledge about the environment that surrounds us. By writing excerpts about various topics about the environment, like how to become more eco-friendly during the holidays and what saving the bees truly means, Courtney was able to reach out to the community and share how we can grow into a green future together.

Larinda F. – Larinda’s Gold Award Project is designed to protect pollinators through habitat restoration and outreach. To combat habitat loss, Larinda partnered with Garden For Wildlife to document and grow native perennial pollinator gardens. Larinda focused on supporting our endangered Monarchs by researching at the Chicago Botanic Garden, distributing milkweed, and hosting my educational booth at the annual Schaumburg Monarch Festival.

Anna M. – Anna’s Gold Award addressed the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry. Anna held multiple presentations for my school and local Girl Scout troops, educating people on how to be more sustainable with their purchases. Anna also held a Thrifting Event that collected and sold clothing items from our community.

Emily P. – Emily’s Gold Award Project found me designing, installing, and developing a plan for caring for a pollinator garden at the Matthew Ives Memorial Track at South Middle School in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Sarah P. – Sarah’s Gold Award Project helped increase the population of monarch butterflies in my town by supplying several businesses with Butterfly Boxes. Milkweed was planted in the boxes to attract Monarch Butterflies, which will help with pollination and increase the area’s biodiversity.

Alysa S. – Alysa’s Gold Award Project aimed to promote the conservation of animals through the avenue of video games.

Health

Brianna J. – Brianna’s Gold Award Project focuses on improving self-esteem. For her project, Emma created a short story about learning how to overcome challenges, uncover more about oneself, and grow. She then worked to publish this story both online and have it available at local libraries. Brianna also presented my project to local Brownie troops, where she also did a storytime featuring her story.

Jada L. – Jada’s Gold Award Project educated and informed young adults, teens, and parents of individuals who may struggle with mental health issues in the form of a podcast. The podcast used her own personal experiences to create a connection with the listener on subjects like peer relationships, home life, and education.

Kameryn R. – Kameryn’s Gold Award Project involved creating a website to support teenagers in enhancing their mental wellness through physical exercise, healthy eating, and coping mechanisms. The platform provides valuable tools and techniques to empower teens to achieve and maintain mental well-being. The project focuses on promoting a holistic approach to mental health for adolescents.

Vidhi S. – Vidhi’s Gold Award Project focused on raising awareness about Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a lesser-known disease. Vidhi conducted informative presentations for various school clubs and contributed care packages to Lutheran General Hospital to support pediatric CF patients. This initiative aimed to improve understanding and aid for individuals affected by the condition.

Olivia T. – Oliva’s Gold Award Project is a platform where artists can share art dedicated to certain mental health issues. By sharing their work, Olivia is promoting student artists and connecting them to an online audience that will be exposed to new artists and educated about mental health issues. To further raise awareness about mental health issues, the platform will also direct viewers to sites where they can learn about the issue and donate to a related charity or organization.

Congratulations to the 2024 Gold Awardees!

We are eager to see how their Gold Award projects continue to live on throughout and even after their involvement in Girl Scouts.

Want to learn more about how you can Go Gold? Click here to get started.

Click here to look at the photo gallery below from the 2024 Gold Award Ceremony, which took place on June 2, 2024.

Come and Explore Girl Scout History

Written by council historian, Jane Doyle.

The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Historian Team invites you to come check out their new Program Space in the Vernon Hills Gathering Place. The atrium area was selected by the council as the best spot to showcase the displays of historical items and provide some self-directed programming for troops and individuals. The team has storage and workspace in this building as well as the annex in Joliet.

Each of the council’s gathering places has a display case – more than one in some locations – but only Vernon Hills offers activities and hands-on items every day.

As you enter the building, you are invited to come upstairs and begin your journey. At the top of the stairs, turn to your right and look for the table in the center of the room.

On the table will be a binder with information to help you explore the space.

The displays in the three cases will change at least twice a year, so you are encouraged to come back to learn something new. We have provided a scavenger hunt to guide you through the displays. Currently, the cases on the south wall feature Juliette Gordon Low, and some of the dolls in the collection. The large case around the corner currently showcases some of the wonderful scrapbooks that Girl Scouts and troops put together after their time at camp. Other shelves are highlights from the varied items donated to the collection. Did you know there were official Girl Scout cameras to take those camp photos?

You’ll notice four mannequins wearing uniforms featuring the varied choices – and changes – Girl Scouts has produced throughout our 112-year history. These are for looking only, but under the windows you will find bins of uniforms to try on and pick your favorite! Each bin is sorted by level and has a binder with photos to help you put together all the pieces.

The three large black bookcases hold the book collection. The largest number of books are, of course, the handbooks that have shaped our Girl Scout program through the years. But you will also notice storybooks, guides for outdoor activities, songs, games, and in the right-hand case, books specific to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). The bookends are official and serve a decorative as well as utilitarian purpose.

If you circle back to the north side of the space, you will find a case that holds books you can take out, read and use. Check the binder for suggested activities.

The wire baskets currently have large puzzles to assemble, camping gear and clothing to investigate, some dolls to play with, and paper dolls that can be dressed in historic uniforms.

There’s a Girl Scout trivia game on an easel, another easel holds a display of troop crests, and there is an opportunity to learn a bit about cookies and measure yourself in cookie boxes in the south corner of the space.

Before you leave, take your picture with Juliette and two girls who earned the Golden Eaglet. Learn more about the Girl Scouts Highest Awards in the binder.

We hope you will stop by our program space – bring your troop, bring your family, bring your Girl Scout friends. All are welcome.

The History of Camp Butternut Springs

In 1955, Dr. Axel Nogard, a retired dentist, owner of Butternut Springs, and nature-lover, wanted to sell 40 acres of his land near Valparaiso, Indiana, to Girl Scouts. The camping committee of Girl Scouts of Chicago saw this property as a perfect troop camping site with woods, hills, a creek, and several lakes that fed from a number of springs.  Ultimately, Dr. Nogard sold his entire 129 acres for $70,000, with negotiations completed in March 1956.  An additional 65 and 110 surrounding acres were added in 1963 and 1964. 

The house at the camp, built in 1918, became known as Spring House; with renovations inside, one room became the Infirmary.  An A-frame building became the Pack Out Kitchen (replaced in 1963), where summer campers came to get food supplies for their units, carrying the provisions in large baskets that fit on their backs.   

Another small building became known as Treasure Hut for its nature center (long gone now).  By the time of the camp dedication on June 11, 1957, three of the five planned unit houses had been completed.  The Wieboldt Foundation’s large donation supplied the name for that cabin unit.  A new caretaker’s home was ready in 1959, with a garage workshop in 1966.  By this time, more construction had brought sewers, water, and electrical lines into the camp, as well as a pay phone!  

During the early years, swimming and boating took place in the largest lake, which had been drained, dredged, and provided with a beach.  Eventually, a pool was built and dedicated on July 18, 1978, paid for by the Girl Scouts, selling over 300,000 boxes of cookies!  A new pool and pool house now replace it.

Butternut Springs, with its butternut tree near mineral springs that provided healing powers, is steeped in Native American lore.  Trail Tree’s path leads up to the unit house and passes the great deformed oak tree that marks a chief’s grave.  Legend has it that ill and injured Native Americans drank the spring water and were able to ride away on their horses; thus, the saddle formation was created by tying down the sapling oak.  Additionally, the land was used by Native Americans for burials, with 36 identified mounds, underscoring the camp’s rich cultural heritage.

Trail Tree

Other units had names related to their locations: Hickory Unit was named for the hickory trees; Running Water for the creeks that flow around it; Rock Road for the gravel roads that ran by it; and Primitive on the top of the hill where one might find arrowheads.  

In 1965, Mr. Roger Anderson and his wife Sis (a longtime Girl Scout leader, troop consultant, and advisor to Senior Girl Scouts) became the caretakers. The lake near the Ranger/Caretaker’s house was renamed Anderson Lake in 1984 to honor their dedication to Girl Scouts and 15 years overseeing Camp Butternut Springs. This continued the focus on nature and the outdoors that Dr. Nogard nurtured. 

Butternut Springs continued to grow. Beckoning Woods (Becky) was named in a contest because the woods are beckoning to campers, and McCormick Lodge (Mac), named for the McCormick family’s donation, was built in 1975.  A Gathering Place, program and troop center, and Trading Post now reside in place of Rocky Road. On the hill in the primitive area, Friendship Cabin was built with more units, and the outdoor spaces have also grown. The oval track and fitness field has areas for soccer, softball, volleyball, archery, a sledding hill, and a zip line.  A high ropes course and a climbing wall add to the challenges.  Four marked trails provide year-round adventures. To end an active day, a site for Girl Scout campfires awaits with the peace and quiet (and s’mores) of the night.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Blog

Building girls of courage, confidence and character

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