Our Girl Scout community kicked off Girl Scout Week at the 2024 Sneaker Ball on March 9, 2024.
Sneaker Ball was held at the Halls of St. George in Schererville, Indiana. It brought together over 350 Girl Scout members of all ages and their family members for a night of fun and friendship.
Girl Scout family and friends arrived in their fanciest attire paired with their favorite sneakers. Besides dancing to the music by the fabulous DJ3Snapz, attendees could participate in many activities like creating a Flat Juliette, striking a pose on the 360-degree video booth, and learning about Girl Scout history from our council historians. Every attendee was given two raffle tickets to use to enter a drawing with prizes like a Chicago Cubs Swag Bag, a signed soccer ball from the Chicago Fire, Nike and Journeys gift cards, and more.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Sneaker Ball Fashion Show, where Girl Scouts strutted down the runway, confidently showcasing their stylish sneaker looks.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana thanks the Legacy Foundation for sponsoring the 2024 Sneaker Ball. Additionally, thank you to our in-kind partners: Albanese Candy, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Fire, DePaul Blue Devils, and Gary SouthShore Rail Cats.
Click here to join us at this historic birthday party celebration for Camp Juniper Knoll. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Council Historian Carol Macola shares with us the early history of the camp.
On June 19, 1924, Camp Pleasant in Wisconsin opened for summer sessions for 620 girls, utilizing tents in two units and a huge waterfront for swimming and boating. It took two years of negotiations, with assistance from Board of Directors member Augusta Rosenwald’s husband, Julius Rosenwald, for the forty acres on Pleasant Lake to belong to Girl Scouts of Chicago and Cook County Council. As the result of a contest, the camp was renamed Camp Juniper Knoll (JK) for the 1925 summer sessions, along with an expansion to three units: Sunny Ridge, Sleepy Hollow (later Gypsy Hollow), and Frontier. That year, Juniper Knoll was also selected to host a National Training Camp for Region 7 (Great Lakes Region).
The camp grew rapidly, with the dining lodge (now Low Lodge), kitchen, storehouse, more sleeping tents, and a hospital tent in 1926. An annual camp scrapbook was put together, a tradition that continued for over fifteen years, with photographs, artwork, news columns, and poetry. By 1928, Book Nest was completed, along with a new boat landing for canoes, rowboats, and later sailboats.
1926 Booknest1925 Johnny Weismuller1925 Low Lodge1924 Waterfront
An exciting guest came to Juniper Knoll during the summer of 1926 and helped with the waterfront: Olympic swimmer Johnny Weismuller, who went on to play Tarzan in the movies. (Second from the left in photo two.)
With more units, Girl Scouts were placed in units based on age, experience, and interests. Girl Scouts could be pirates in Treasure Island, Scotsmen in Bonnie Highlands, pioneers in primitive Frontier, Native Americans in Shining Waters (renamed Shonghela), or Robin Hood’s merry men in Lone Cedar (later Greenwood).
By the late 1930s, Treasure Island suffered erosion and had to close; the new Clippership took on the sea-faring concept, with a small lodge nearby named Clipper’s Cabin. A gong was hung in the meadow near Book Nest to call the girls to meals and to various all-camp events.
While swimming, boating, and outdoor cooking were scheduled activities, treasure hunts, song contests, dramatics, and nature arts were also routine. By the 1950s, a Camper Council with representatives from each unit planned a “backward day,” water carnivals, progressive dinners, circuses, an all-camp birthday party, and the last campfire for the session. Different units had hikes around the lake, canoe trips, overnights, truck trips (to Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay), and horseback riding at Horseshoe Bar Ranch. Some units put on puppet shows for other units; one built a seesaw, one lashed a swing, and others prepared games for camp participation. The ten-day sessions at camp were full of adventures!
In 1952-1953, property adjoining Juniper Knoll was purchased, originally with the idea of a second camp. Named Acorn Hill, it became part of JK, with its units: Wilderness, Citadel (for Counselors-In-Training –CITs), Natnaquwa (primitive unit), and Waterfront Primitive.
In 1963, Juniper Knoll hosted eight Canadian Girl Guides as part of a camper exchange. In 1968, the camp hosted three camping institutes for GSUSA and Region VII.
Juniper Knoll has changed over time. Voyager and Chalet were added to the units; Scottish Highlands was absorbed into another unit. By 1962, Sunny Ridge and Wilderness had been moved, and then Sunnyridge (new spelling) had been renamed Shonghela, as it was no longer on a ridge. Gypsy Hollow and Voyager succumbed to erosion problems. Embers was built as a staff house, but it was lost to a fire in more recent times. The waterfront was also moved from its location to Acorn Hill’s swimming and boating area, again due to erosion. Health Center replaced Growing Well. Promise Lodge was built, truly allowing for camping all year round. The old dining hall was named Low Lodge with the building of Bensinger in 1962, which has since been replaced with our beautiful new dining hall.
One hundred years later, the Low Lodge, Clipper’s Cabin, Book Nest, and the staff cabins still remain reminding us of where we started. Yurts and cabins are taking us forward along with tent camping and outdoor cooking. Pleasant Lake continues to be our prize as we add more water vessels, such as sailing paddle boards. Juniper Knoll has a historical past and an exciting future.
Every Girl Scout Cookie box sold creates opportunities for Girl Scouts to learn, grow, and thrive. Each box is packed with leadership and life skills. Take the power of one box and multiply that times 100,000 and just think about the difference cookie boxes can make in the world. For one Girl Scout, she was on a mission to do just that.
Meet Bristol, from Troop 75466, who, on March 20, 2024, sold her 100,000th cookie box over her seven years as a Girl Scout. As part of her thank you gift to the customer who purchased the 100,000th box, Bristol created a special basket containing Girl Scout Cookies, cookie rewards that Bristol had earned, and a handwritten thank you note.
“I love being a Girl Scout because I love making the world a better place,” said Bristol. “I hand-deliver every box I sell, and I especially love hand-delivering to our hometown heroes.”
Bristol has been a trailblazer throughout her journey in Girl Scouts. She has been a Cookie CEO (top 5 cookie sellers in the council) each year she has been a Girl Scout. Every cookie season, Bristol raises her cookie goal and proves to herself that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.
So how did she sell 100,000 boxes?
With the support from her family, Bristol dedicates over 40 hours a week to reaching new customers. She spends 12 hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays at her cookie booth and reaches new customers by selling at high traffic truck stops providing the sweetest on-the-road snacks for travelers. With every cookie box sold, Bristol also takes time to engage with the customer and asks them if they would like to donate a box to hometown heroes.
From previous cookie season sales, Bristol and her troop used some of their proceeds to give back to the community. The troop funded the cost needed to provide a service dog for a veteran battling PTSD. We’re excited to see how Bristol and her troop plan to use their troop funds from this year!
Congratulations, Bristol, on this tremendous accomplishment. Way to Own Your Magic this cookie season.
Click here to view Bristol’s journey to 100,000 boxes covered by our local media outlets.
It was at a World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) meeting in Holland in 1929 that the group decided they needed a permanent World Center where girls from many countries could meet and learn how much their lives were the same. American troop leader, Helen Storrow of Massachusetts agreed to finance the construction of the center on the condition it be built in Switzerland. With the help of Swiss Girl Scout, Ida Von Herrenschwand, or Falk as she was known, Storrow found a lovely, peaceful place in the Alps and Our Chalet construction began in 1931. It opened in 1932. The flat roof with stones on it prevents large sheets of snow from sliding off in the winter.
Our Chalet patch for Girl Scouts.
A trip to Our Chalet is enjoyed by older Girl Scout troops who have planned and saved for it for much of their Girl Scout lives. Visitors stay in the original building or the newer Stöckli. In summer they can camp in the woods. Skiing is a popular sport in the winter. Tours of the area include a visit to the woodcarver for handmade souvenirs and to the chocolate factory for a tour and wonderful Swiss chocolate. Evenings are filled with songs, games, and programs prepared by the staff. A birthday at the Chalet is celebrated at dinner with ‘Happy Birthday’ sung in the languages of the multi-national staff.
Girl Scouts visiting Our Chalet as part of their international travel trip to Switzerland in 2023.
Though Our Chalet was the first, WAGGGS now operates five world centers. In addition to Our Chalet there is:
Our Cabaña in Cuernavaca, Mexico
Pax Lodge in London, England
Sangam in Pune, India
Kusafiri, which doesn’t have a permanent home, but rotates hosting duties among several African countries.
Our Ark in London, England
Our Ark was established in London, England in 1939. It became a refuge for Guides forced out of Europe during World War II. In 1959, a new building was bought with a request for a penny from “Every Brownie, Guide, Ranger and Old Guide and every Leader and Commissioner.” In 1963 it was renamed Olave House for Olave Baden-Powell. The Olave House closed in 1991 and was replaced by Pax Lodge.
In the pictures above are many items from the woodcarver including a music box with “Our Chalet” and the WAGGGS emblem carved on the top, a Chalet scene on a coaster, a pin with the Chalet scene and dates 1932-2007 for the Chalet’s 75th anniversary.
Girl Scout volunteers show commitment, dedication, and share their time to help girls benefit from the Girl Scout program that Juliette Gordon Low started back in 1912.
Girl Scout volunteers are appreciated, and don’t look to be recognized. Many go above and beyond to help the Girl Scout organization continue its mission. It’s nice to recognize them for their dedication and to show them that they are a valuable asset to the organization.
One way to recognize Girl Scout volunteers is to nominate them for one of the many different Adult Girl Scout Awards. Some of the awards are Girl Scouts of the USA awards, and some are our own council’s awards.
One award, the Years of Service Award, doesn’t require a nomination. It is handed out at a service unit recognition event, or at a council wide recognition event. The council sends out lists to each service unit every year with the names of people that are eligible for a Years of Service pin that year. Years of Service pins are awarded in five-year increments.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Board Approved awards include the Appreciation Pin (instituted by GSUSA in 1976), the Honor Pin (instituted in 1987), the Thanks Badge (instituted in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low), and the Thanks Badge II (instituted in 1987). Each of these awards have different requirements as to how many service units or program delivery areas that the nominee has provided service to, in a way that furthers the council goals. Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II require exceptional and outstanding service to the total council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
The President’s Award is a group award for a service unit, who through the efforts of the service delivery team or committee, has made a significant impact toward the council goals and achieved one or more of the service unit goals and met the criteria listed.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) also have some awards created by our council.
The Hall of Fame award is for an adult member with 25 years or more of service that exceeds expectations for the service that the person had given and has a lasting impact on the Girl Scout organization.
There’s also the DAISY award (Dynamic and Incredible Staff of the Year), for people on staff that work for council and go above and beyond to meet the goals set by council to further the Girl Scout Movement.
Service unit awards include the Volunteer of Excellence (for partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience or for service of the councils mission delivery to girls and adult members), the New Found Treasure (for a registered Girl Scout adult with less than two years of service and has “hit” the ground running as they began working with a troop or service unit), and the Shining Star (formerly known as Hidden Hero), for someone who helps where they are needed and keeps accepting assignments to keep Girl Scouting thriving.
Our council also has community awards, that can be presented to people or businesses that provide space or other things to help promote the Girl Scout Movement.
The Girl Scout Enthusiast award is for people or businesses (eg. schools, stores, or park districts) that provide space for Girl Scout activities. This award is approved by the Adult Recognition Committee. The Girl Scout Hero award is for service provided at the council level for Girl Scouts. This award is approved by the Girl Scout GCNWI Board of Directors.
Nomination submissions are accepted year-round for these two community awards.
For more information on what is required to nominate someone for any one of these awards, go to Girl Scout GCNWI website here.
Remember, each award has different requirements and numbers of endorsement letters required before submitting an application. The website explains each award and what the requirements are, and there are examples as to how to choose a person to nominate and for which award. It also has answers to the frequently asked questions that may be on your mind.
Nominations have different deadlines, so be sure to check the dates that the forms are due. Then plan to attend, next fall, one of the Adult Recognition Ceremonies where you or someone that you nominated can receive their award.
Written by Girl Scout GCNWI Historian, Veronica Pradelski
This past July in Lake Buena Vista, FL, Girl Scouts from across the country and world gathered at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2023 National Council Session (NCS) and Girl Scout Convention, Phenom. With excitement and magic lingering in the air, nearly 10,000 Girl Scouts, National Council Delegates, volunteers, and visitors eagerly awaited their chance to celebrate our movement. A magical few days were about to take place in what could be described as one of the most magical places on earth.
Taking place once every three years, this event is both a business meeting, where important issues and topics that affect the future of our movement are discussed and voted on by the National Council, and a celebration of our movement with inspiring stories, new friendships, and of course, lots of sing-a-longs taking place.
National Council Delegates are elected by local councils and serve in these roles for three years. They represent local councils in the business meeting portion of convention known as NCS. The Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) National Delegation is made up of adult members and Girl Scouts who are at least 14 years of age at the time of election. Some GCNWI Delegates have attended numerous NCSs while others were attending for the first time!
GCNWI’s National Delegation.
While their experience varies, all delegates share a passion for Girl Scouting, a desire to serve our council, and have a dedication that is unmatched as they spent countless hours preparing to attend NCS by meeting both virtually and in person. National Delegate Pamela shared that while she had so many memories from NCS, one of her favorites was GCNWI’s Delegation meeting up at the airport. “I could feel the positive energy of the group. We each knew we had a purpose to represent our council and we were ready.”
Delegation training in Spring 2023.
Upon arrival and ready to kick off the festivities, GCNWI’s National Delegation gathered with other GCNWI council members who were in town to attend the convention. Together, they had a spectacular evening full of laughter, friendship, and wonder as they looked ahead to the exciting events that were to come.
During the 56th NCS, which lasted three days, delegates participated in debates and voted on seven proposals that direct the future of the Girl Scout Movement. Four of these seven proposals were passed. While some proposals were passed or defeated quickly, others went through hours of debating before a vote was taken. First time GCNWI National Delegate Rebecca reflects that, “It was so exciting to be a part of the debates and witness the voting/passing of various proposals. I was surprised by how quickly things could move – and how slowly they could crawl. The most surprising part of NCS may have been the girl delegates. They spoke so passionately and thoughtfully with a perspective I no longer have personally. I’m so impressed and inspired by all of them. The future is bright.”
GCNWI National Girl Delegates and chaperone strategizing before NCS.
GCNWI National Girl Delegates Madalyn, Maddie, McKenzie, Hazel, Katharine, and Annabel.
While reflecting on her favorite part of NCS, GCNWI National Girl Delegate Madalyn shared, “I loved the entirety of the democratic process. Seeing such passionate females making their voice heard and being powerful was such an inspiration and an experience I will never forget. Even the little moments when I would talk with the other girl delegates across the table, and we would discuss the proposal at hand was so meaningful because open-mindedness is something that always should be present in democracy but is rare.”
Additionally, GCNWI National Girl Delegate Hazel shared, “It was really cool to be surrounded by so many powerful women and intelligent girls. It’s so rare to be in a room where important decisions are being made by only (or mostly) women, and it was a really amazing experience.”
GCNWI National Girl Delegate Annabel reflects, “I was definitely nervous about knowing all of the information and nuances of the proposals being discussed, but as we all were able to have in depth discussions from members of our and other delegations, I learned some really fascinating insight and was able to deepen my understanding of Girl Scout governance. This was one of the things I was also excited about, being able to talk to many people from all over the country, as well as the opportunity to grow closer to those in my delegation. I think Girl Scouts is truly one of the most inclusive places, and everyone I’ve met wants to listen to and learn from what others have to say, even if they disagree.”
GCNWI National Girl Delegates McKenzie, Madalyn, Hazel, Maddie, Annabel, and Katharine with new National Board Member Scott Saunders and GCNWI Board Member Janet Hulet.
GCNWI Delegate Lindsay shares that, “The best part of NCS was listening to passionate, informed, and courageous girl members from around the country make their cases to a room of 1000. Their voices were excellent reminders of why Girl Scouting is more important than ever.”
One of the more important pieces of business at this year’s NCS was the consideration of the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship. During the 2020 NCS, GCNWI’s National Delegation proposed the formation of a task force to examine the feasibility of creating a national Gold Award Scholarship Fund, which was passed. After the passing of that proposal, a task force was formed and made recommendations for the creation of a Movement Gold Award Scholarship. The passing of the 2023 proposal puts the existence of the fund into the Blue Book of Basic Documents.
GCNWI National Delegate Karen, who was instrumental in the creation of the 2020 proposal and served on the Gold Award Scholarship Fund Task Force, shared that her favorite moment of this year’s NCS was wrapped around the passing of this proposal. “After many years of advocating for the creation of a national scholarship program for Gold Award recipients, I was thoroughly delighted when the proposal passed and that my dream will now come to fruition.”
Proposals were not the only topic on this year’s NCS agenda. Delegates had a busy schedule and participated in a discussion on Movement Governance, elected the new National Board and National Board Development Committee, and had a great time meeting and networking with Girl Scouts of the USA’s (GSUSA) CEO Bonnie Barczykowski, members of the National Board, and new National Board President Noorain F. Khan.
After NCS wrapped up, it was time for Phenom, the convention portion of the week! During Phenom, Girl Scouts had the chance to continue networking with others from across the movement, explore the expo hall, workshops, and even hop on over to the parks! Some of our members also volunteered or participated in a 5k that took place around the convention center.
GCNWI National Alternate Delegate Tina has attended convention multiple times as a visitor and shared, “I love going to convention. There is so much energy when you put so many Girl Scouts in one place. It’s amazing to see the girls become so engaged, socializing, and networking with other girls and adults from all over. It’s equally amazing to see so many adults who are so passionate about our movement and what it provides for the girls. It’s a perfect cure for burnout! I always leave reenergized and proud to be a lifetime member of GSUSA.”
GCNWI National Delegate Tresa joined her troop after NCS to take in convention. “I loved meeting other delegates from other councils along with having my troop of 5 girls there for Phenom. It was an amazing and inspiring event that they got to witness while using their money they had raised to make it a better world in the future.”
While we reflect on all of the wonderful memories created at this year’s NCS and Girl Scout Convention, we’re excited to share the next NCS and Girl Scout Convention will take place in Washington, DC, July 20-25, 2026! Those interested in attending as visitors should stay tuned for more information that will be released from GSUSA.
GCNWI will be seeking applications for our next class of National Delegates in Fall 2024. These delegates will serve from Spring 2025 to Spring 2028. More information will be available on the GCNWI Democratic Process page.
If you or a Girl Scout you know is unsure about applying to be a GCNWI National Girl Delegate or attending Girl Scout Convention, check out what some of our GCNWI National Delegates had to say!
“Apply! Attend! Be part of the remarkable experience! I hope to again in 2026. Once you are there you can see Girl Scouts in action. It is a place where you are surrounded by people who are passionate about the movement, and it shows. The positive energy at the convention is contagious. You need to experience for yourself firsthand. I wish every Girl Scout could attend.” —GCNWI National Delegate Lisa
“Enjoy the journey! You will get to learn more than you imagined about the history and origins of Girl Scouts, and how change happens in this amazing organization.” —GCNWI National Delegate Jen
“I would tell them to go for it. It is such an amazing experience to be able to express your voice & the voice of other Girls and volunteers in your area. You will make close friends with your fellow delegates, meet people from all over, have in-depth conversations about governance and general life. Girl Scouts is such an inclusive and loving space, and it is really reflected in the people you meet. Being able to help better it is such a joy.” —GCNWI National Girl Delegate Annabel
“I cannot recommend this experience enough. YOU can make an impact on our mission. YOU can help guide the future of our organization. YOU should do it (and get ready to have loads of fun on the journey)!” —GCNWI National Delegate Rebecca
Want to learn more? The GCNWI National Delegation is happy to come speak to Troops or Service Units about being a National Delegate and the 2023 National Council Session and Convention. If you would like to request a Delegate to come speak at your meeting, please email Alaina Greene, Delegate Liaison, at agreene@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
By Karen Schillings, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Council Historian
At the beginning of the Girl Scout phenomenon known as “The Cookie Sale,” the troops baked the cookies themselves. Then, in 1934, the Greater Philadelphia Council contacted the Keebler–Weyl Company, requesting their assistance. The company agreed to bake and package vanilla Girl Scout cookies in the trefoil shape, making Keebler-Weyl the first official commercial baker of Girl Scout cookies. By 1937, commercially baked Girl Scout cookies were sold nationally by 125 Girl Scout councils. At one time, as many as 29 bakers supplied cookies for Girl Scouts. With so many bakers providing the sweet treats, a good number of varieties were also being produced. Over the past eight-plus decades, we have seen more than 60 flavors of Girl Scout cookies being offered. So, let’s go down memory lane to recall some of the hits and misses in the world of Girl Scout cookies.
Although the iconic trefoil-shaped cookie was the first type to be commercially baked, the licensed bakers started developing other types of cookies for Girl Scouts to sell. Some of the most iconic were the Vanilla and Chocolate Sandwich Cremes offered by Burry Biscuit Corporation from 1949 to 1973. However, the same cookie was rebranded in 1974 as Van’Chos and continued until 1983.
Vanilla and Chocolate Sandwich CremesVan’Chos
Another memorable cookie variety is the Scot-Teas that were made by Burry from 1959 to 1980. This was a shortbread cookie with sugar sprinkled on top. It’s possibly the longest seller of any of the discontinued cookies, whose name is immediately recognizable as a Girl Scout cookie.
An unforgettable cookie name is the Kookaburras, which was another one of the Burry Biscuit Corporation offerings. This cookie was similar to a Kit Kat bar and featured wafers layered with caramel and coated in milk chocolate. Although it only lasted from 1983 to 1986, it is still one of the most popular for cookie connoisseurs from that era who long for its return.
Throughout the 1980’s, Burry provided Golden Yangles for the annual cookie sale. It’s unclear why this product was considered a Girl Scout cookie and should be marketed as such since it was basically a triangular cheese cracker. After the discontinuation of the Golden Yangles, our organization has avoided savory snacks for the cookie sale, offering those food items during the fall product sale instead.
Then there were the cinnamon-flavored cookies, which didn’t seem to be very popular with Girl Scout customers. ABC Bakers tried to entice the public with the Five World Cinnamon cookie, which lasted the longest, from 1996 to 2001. A future endeavor with Cinna-Spins in 2008 found that flavor was being replaced the very next year, in 2009, with another cinnamon cookie, the Daisy Rounds. That cookie was gone by 2011. Each flavor was dropped for lack of sales. The only cinnamon cookie that achieved some success was Little Brownie Bakers’ (LBB) Apple Cinnamons, which were available from 1997 to 2001.
Five World CinnamonCinna-SpinsDaisy RoundsApple Cinnamons
Sugar-free cookies also seemed to be unpopular with consumers. The first try was with the Sugar-Free Lemon Chalet Cremes. Introduced by Little Brownie Bakers in 1997, they were gone after 1998. However, LBB made another attempt in 2007 with the Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip cookie, but that too lasted only a year. Not being discouraged, LBB tried again in 2008 with the Sugar-Free Little Brownies, which didn’t fare any better, leaving the cookie lineup after one year.
Sugar-Free Lemon Chalet CremesSugar-Free Chocolate ChipsSugar-Free Little Brownies
Although the cinnamon flavor and sugar-free cookies proved not to be very popular, there were other varieties that had a much larger fan base. While the Sugar-Free Lemon Chalet Cremes didn’t garner much support, other lemon-flavored cookies performed much better. Besides the five permanent varieties made by both current cookie companies, Lemonades by ABC Bakers is the only cookie currently sold that has lasted for more than a decade. It’s a shortbread cookie with tangy lemon-flavored icing. Lemonades started in 2008 and have proven to be the most successful cookie of any of the 21st-century lemon flavors.
Savannah Smiles was another popular variety of lemon cookies that Little Brownie Bakers produced. These cookies were lemony wedges coated with powdered sugar and were available from 2011 to 2019. The precursor to Savannah Smiles was the Lemon Coolers, a reduced-fat bite-sized cookie that lasted from 2003 to 2006. When Savannah Smiles was discontinued, Lemon-Ups took their place and are still sold today. This is a crispy lemon cookie with a layer of sweet glaze on one side and one of eight positive messages, such as “I am a leader” and “I am an innovator” on the other. Only time will tell if this cookie has the longevity of ABC’s Lemonades.
Lemon Coolers BoxLemon Coolers Box and CookiesLemon-Ups
The Burry Biscuit Company’s original Lemon Cremes, a vanilla sandwich cookie with lemon filling, also had a long-staying power. They were introduced in 1973 and morphed into Cabana Cremes in 1989 under the Little Brownie Baker moniker. However, a box of Cabana Cremes included cookies with two different fillings: lemon filling and vanilla filling. They were sold until 1995.
Another popular cookie was the ABC Bakers’ Thanks-a-Lot, 2006-2021, which replaced a similar cookie, Animal Treasures, that started in 1995 and became extinct in 2005. Animal Treasures was a rectangular cookie with endangered animals stamped on it. In contrast, the Thanks-a-Lot cookies were round and imprinted with the words “thank you” in five different languages.
Both were shortbread cookies with a fudge bottom. Little Brownie Bakers offered a similar cookie from 2001 to 2008 called All-Abouts. The LBB version featured a message that proclaimed what Girl Scouts were “all about,” such as respect, friendship, confidence, and courage. The shape of All-Abouts changed to circles before being discontinued in 2008.
Animal TreasuresThanks-a-LotAll Abouts
During the 2016 season, both bakers rolled out their versions of the Girl Scout S’mores. The ABC Bakers (left cookies) variety featured a graham cookie, double dipped in marshmallow creme icing and chocolate. Whereas the Little Brownie Bakers (right cookies) offering is a graham sandwich cookie with chocolate and marshmallow filling. ABC has discontinued its s’mores cookie, but LBB continues to offer it.
There have been many other cookie flavors along the way. Some of them you might even remember, or wish would return.
Little Brownie Bakers has had:
Golden Nut Clusters (1971-1973)
Golden Nut Clusters, version 2.0 (1974-1976)
Forget-Me-Nots (1979-1981), forgotten after just three years
Chocolate Chunks (1979-1981)
Medallions (1983-1984)
Pecan Shorties (1985-1987)
Le Chips (1996-1999)
Aloha Chips (2000-2004)
Ole Ole (2001-03)
Double Dutch (2003-2005)
Dulce de Leche (2008-2014)
Rah Rah Raisins (2014-2016)
ABC Bakers has also had a plethora of cookie offerings. You might recall these varieties:
Praline Royals (1992-1993)
Friendship Circles (2002-2003)
Iced Berry Pinatas (2003-2005)
Shout Outs! (2010-2012)
Mango Cremes with Nutrifusion, an infusion of nutrients from a number of vitamin-rich foods and not the greatest selling point (2013-2014)
Cranberry Citrus Crips (2013-16)
Trios (2015-17)
Girl Scout cookie flavors will continue to come and go as long as there is a Girl Scout cookie sale. However, the two current officially licensed bakers, Little Brownie, and ABC, maintain the five standard cookies offered yearly, although each company has its own names for these cookies. The exception is the classic Thin Mints, the name used by both companies for this cookie, which has existed under various names, such as Cooky Mints, Chocolate Mint, Thin Mint-Teas, and Mints, since 1940!
What do you feel when you indulge in a Girl Scout cookie? It may be the sweet feeling of nostalgia, reminding you of your time as a Girl Scout and the wonderful memories you made with your troop. Or you may feel an overload of satisfaction as the flavors hit your taste buds. The way the Trefoils melt in your mouth, or the perfect crunch you take out of a Thin Mints – there’s nothing quite like it. There is something to be said about the power of Girl Scout cookies, no matter the flavor. So, what makes Girl Scout cookies so iconic?
Meet Effie Nestrud, a former Girl Scout who is on a mission to perfect each flavor of Girl Scout cookies. Effie is the Laboratory Head at Ferrero North America. Ferrero is the parent company of Little Brownie Bakers, which, as you may know, is our council’s Girl Scout cookie bakery. Effie’s responsibilities include developing ingredient formulations for Girl Scout cookies and other Ferrero brand cookies, ice cream cones, fudge, and chocolates. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, it will be soon! Part of the job for Effie also includes taste-testing each food item – talk about the best job ever!
One of Effie’s most memorable work projects was developing the Adventurefuls Girl Scout cookie. Adventurefuls were added to the Girl Scout cookie lineup in 2021, which means they were the only Girl Scout cookie to be developed and launched during a pandemic. Effie and her team excitedly overcame the challenges of social distancing and were able to get deliciously creative with their creations after Ferrero employees received the initial briefing for developing a brownie-inspired cookie with salted caramel and fudge. Some of the first Adventurefuls prototypes were square-shaped, which, as we know now, didn’t make the cut. There were many trials to get each ingredient just right. “It was a big challenge for the team, and I can remember when we finally accomplished it, we were all so very excited”, said Effie.
Being able to face challenges with confidence is something that Effie carried forward from her time as a Girl Scout. From shaking past the nerves of knocking on a door to sell Girl Scout cookies, to caring for the well-being of horses during her time at Girl Scout summer camp, Effie developed her confidence and learned life-long practical skills. Her troop was made up of some of her closest friends, and they had developed great relationships throughout their time in Girl Scouts. “I remember feeling quite supported by the individuals in my troop because, again, as I kind of grew up with a lot of them, it was always this safe space to come back. If I tried something new, maybe tried out for the basketball team and maybe wasn’t doing great because I’m not super coordinated, it was always nice to have this group to come back to during those challenging times.”
Being a Girl Scout helped Effie speak up about her passions. “Girl Scouts helped me with that initial confidence of having maybe a younger voice that was more uncertain and saying, hey, I might not know the answer, but at least I feel confident to speak up or ask questions and understand or contextualize something better.” Girl Scouts also created a safe space for Effie to explore her curiosity for STEM. “I’ve always been curious about food and food science, and Girl Scouts helped me understand that it’s OK to be curious about those things. Being in food science today is largely driven by me feeling encouraged to lean into STEM throughout many of the touch points in Girl Scout programming I participated in when I was younger.”
Through her time as a Girl Scout, Effie learned first-hand how to dream big and work hard to accomplish her personal and professional dreams. She encourages all Girl Scouts to do the same. “Trust yourself and know that if it’s something that you’re really interested in and you’re really passionate about, then do it.”
As you prepare for another cookie season, know there is power in every box of Girl Scout cookies. Power to allow each girl to unbox her future. A future where she’s not afraid to take risks or use her voice to speak on topics she’s passionate about. A future where she’s not overwhelmed with what everyone else is doing and instead forges her own path with courage, confidence, and character.
On November 11, 2023, Girl Scout friends and family joined Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) for a ground-breaking cultural stepping workshop with Step Afrika!.
Step Afrika! is a world-renowned dance company that focuses on the art and history of stepping. If you’re not familiar, stepping is a percussive, highly energetic art form that Step Afrika! shared was first developed through the song and dance rituals performed by African American fraternities and sororities. In stepping, the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps and spoken words to produce complex polyrhythms.
The event was filled with over 150 Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and many adults who were excited to learn all about stepping. To get things started, Girl Scouts and their families watched a 15-minute demonstration of what stepping is and how it is performed. Then, Step Afrika! dancers explained the historical and cultural relevance of stepping and how it is celebrated. After learning about the history, Girl Scouts were very eager to join Step Afrika! on stage to learn and practice beginner-level stepping techniques. Once they were confident with their movements, Girl Scouts followed along with the dancers from Step Afrika! in a performance, which was enjoyed by Girl Scout staff and families. At the very end, Girl Scouts and adults were given time to ask any questions to Step Afrika! in a Q&A session.
“I learned so much, I want to do this again,” said a Girl Scout attendee.
The stepping workshop was a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to broaden their cultural awareness and have fun doing so!
Click here to view the photos and videos from the day.
The Pinnacle Award, a Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana specific award, honors Ambassador Girl Scouts who have demonstrated leadership in Girl Scouting and their communities! We are excited to recognize and celebrate ten outstanding Girl Scouts and young alums as Pinnacle Awardees this year! Continue scrolling to learn more about each awardee and their involvement in Girl Scouts in their own words.
Ainsley G., Lansing, IL Ainsley earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, providing leadership in a service unit and in capacities outside of Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouts has been a valuable part of my life since I was a Daisy. I genuinely believe in the things that Girl Scouts value and spend every day doing my best to embody the Girl Scout Law. I have spent most of my life as a Girl Scout and hope to continue as one even once I have bridged to an adult alum. I have also made so many friends through Girl Scouting that I hope to carry with me through the rest of my life, holding on tightly to the sisterhood that Girl Scouts has aided me in creating. I will always do my best to make the world a better place and be a sister to every Girl Scout.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “My favorite thing that I have done as a Girl Scout is my Gold Award, A Lifetime of Literature. In the post-pandemic world, I noticed how centered on technology education had become and how this change was affecting students negatively, especially the younger grades. To change this, I worked with the kindergarten classes at my alma mater elementary school to help foster a love of reading like the one that I had at their age, as well as assist in dismantling the growing frustration with education that they were experiencing at such a young age. I visited each of the five kindergarten classes multiple times throughout the school year, reading a new book and completing a new craft with them each time. I also handmade 100 reading buddies to distribute to them as an incentive to continue to read. In addition, I built and installed a book box at a local church to make free books more readily available in the community.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world? “Staying involved in my community is what drives me to make a difference in the world. As a very involved member of my town, I see problems first-hand that need addressing. Together with my sister Girl Scouts, I work to solve these problems and hopefully prevent future issues from occurring. The gratification I get from knowing that I have made at least one person’s life easier is reason enough to keep me going.”
Ainsley is currently finishing high school and applying to colleges, planning to major in elementary education. Ainsley plans to stay involved in Girl Scouting as an adult, working with troops and maybe leading a troop one day, too.
Annabel H., Chicago, IL Annabel earned the Pinnacle Award by earning her Silver Award, serving as a volunteer-in-training (VIT), being a district delegate and national delegate, providing leadership in a girl-led interest group and in a service unit, and in capacities outside Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Being in Girl Scouts has really allowed me to connect with such an inclusive and supportive community. I want others to be able to share in it because if you need help, your sister Girl Scouts are always willing. I think Girl Scouts has taught me to always care for others and do my best to help those who need it.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes?“I think society needs to be more kind, understanding, and inclusive. These are key traits that Girl Scouts teaches you, and understanding and supporting others’ perspectives and lives gives you so much more insight into the world.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?“I wish others knew that Girl Scouts has so many things that older girls can do. Not only do you get access to this wonderful community full of people who want to help you, you learn how to be a leader, can connect with people from all over the world, explore different fields and career paths, and more.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “I love going to help set up tents at Girl Scout camps with my troop. It is a lot of work, but it’s very fun to help put up and take down these huge tents with a team. I’ve also loved being a national delegate because I got to meet so many people at the National Council Session.”
Annabel is finishing high school and applying to college, hoping to major in chemistry. She hopes to continue in Girl Scouts, helping local troops, mentoring, and encouraging other Girl Scouts.
Calla S., Chicago, IL Calla earned the Pinnacle by earning her Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a counselor in training (CIT), traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a service unit and in a capacity outside of Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouting brought me closer to other girls my age, gave me a love for the environment, and taught me skills I can apply in every aspect of my life. Two of my favorite things I have done as a Girl Scout are plan and take a trip to London with other Girl Scouts and participate in the counselor-in-training program at Butternut Springs.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts? “I wish others knew that there’s more to Girl Scouting than just the stereotype of little girls selling you cookies. It also teaches you so much, and you will become so much closer with the people you do it with. I learned so much from it, and I hope other girls get to do the same.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes? “I believe we need to have more respect for others, ourselves, and the planet. Girl Scouts helped me expand my views on all these things, which, in turn, made me gain more respect for them.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world? “I’m driven by a desire to make the world a better place for myself and others through compassion, a wise use of resources, and respect for others.”
Calla is headed off to college to study environmental engineering.
Dorothy L., Munster, IN Dorothy earned the Pinnacle by earning her Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, serving as a volunteer-in-training (VIT) and girl rep to the board, traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a service unit and in a capacity outside of Girl Scouting.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouting has been a major part of my life. As I enter my thirteenth year as an Ambassador Girl Scout, I have been able to reflect upon all my experiences. I found my best friends in kindergarten when I joined Girl Scouts. I have learned so many new things and life lessons. Girl Scouts gives me a place to be myself. I think my experience as a Girl Scout has been priceless. I have earned my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. No value can be placed on my journey these past 12, going on 13 years.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?“I think Girl Scouts is all about the leadership that you have. My mom and one of my best friend’s mom are our leaders. They put in lots of time to make sure we have an amazing time at whatever we choose to do. I wish others would know or have my same experience. I hope they don’t give up in tough times and stick Girl Scouting out. I’m one of ten high school seniors in my troop. I get questioned all the time about my troop. They are mostly amazed at the large number of older girls that we have been able to retain. I think leaders need to think outside of the box. Girl Scouts can have fun in high school, too.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?“I grew up volunteering and doing community service at a young age. It’s now programmed in me. I keep going by helping others, volunteering where I’m needed, and on many occasions, introducing friends to the joy of volunteering. I like to see the results of my hard work. Nothing is better than a little Girl Scout looking up to me or the joy of seeing people smile when you help them. I believe you should help when you can in the world. One day, you may need to ask those same people for help.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes?“One of the biggest things we need to do is upgrade our education system. We are so laser-focused on test results that we miss out on teaching our youth about the importance of humanity and the world around us. In my community, we can use our voices to help make these changes through voting and speaking out. Girl Scouts is a big platform that can be used to help demonstrate how being a well-rounded person in society and helping in your community can help make these changes.”
Dorothy is in her senior year of high school and is applying to colleges to study sports journalism. She has a fun final year of being an Ambassador planned with her Girl Scout sisters and looks forward to getting involved as an adult Girl Scout at the nearest council to her college!
Lia R., Chicago, IL Lia earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a volunteer-in-training (VIT), and providing leadership to a girl-led interest group and service unit, and in a capacity outside of Girl Scouts.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “I have been in Girl Scouts since I was a first-year Daisy, and I have made many relationships and learned many life skills from the activities I have done. Being in Girl Scouts for so long has allowed me to learn how to be a leader and given me opportunities to be in leadership positions within my troop and in bigger group settings. These opportunities also helped me become a leader at my school and in other activities outside of Girl Scouts.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts? “There is something for everyone in Girl Scouts, and there are many more activities offered than what most people know of, such as camping and learning survival skills.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “One of my favorite things I have done as a Girl Scout is participate in “Work Camp Weekend” at Camp Juniper Knoll, where we set up and take down the tents for the summer campers.”
What changes need to happen in society, and how can Girl Scouts affect these changes?“One big change that I think needs to happen in Chicago is for the government to work harder toward helping people who are experiencing homelessness, as well as adding accessibility to housing, as one of the biggest causes of homelessness is lack of housing. Girl Scouts can help affect these changes by helping with food pantries and volunteering at shelters to show that people care about what happens to people experiencing homelessness and to destigmatize helping people experiencing homelessness.”
Lia is a senior in high school and is planning to go to college and major in art, education, or psychology. She plans to stay involved in Girl Scouts after graduating and continuing to help with the troop she is a part of.
Madi P., Flossmoor, IL
Madi earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a counselor-in-training (CIT) and district delegate, traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a service unit.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “Girl Scouting has helped me to be more social and outgoing.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout?One of my favorite things I have done as a Girl Scout is going camping.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts? “I wish others knew that Girl Scouts don’t just work on projects and that you are able to explore with your troop.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?“I try to make unpleasant things for me, a little bit more pleasant for others.”
Madi just graduated high school and is now in college. She has continued to stay involved by working at Camp Palos and volunteering with younger troops in her community.
Megan R., Chicago, IL Megan earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, serving as a program aid, counselor-in-training (CIT), and girl rep to the board, attending Camp CEO, traveling with Girl Scouts, and providing leadership to a girl-led interest group and in capacities outside of Girl Scouts.
What is the value of Girl Scouting in your life? “I have learned so many great lessons from Girl Scouts including, confidence, business skills, and creativity.”
What is your favorite thing you have done as a Girl Scout? “My favorite thing I have done as a Girl Scout is travel! I had many travel opportunities through Girl Scouts, including choosing your own adventure trips, Colorado, and London. I enjoyed planning and participating in these trips.”
What do you wish others knew about Girl Scouts?“A lot of girls quit Girl Scouts early on, but I think the experiences that Girl Scouts offers get better and better as you get older.”
What keeps you going? What drives you to make a difference in the world?“I have a sense of purpose in helping people and being able to see an impact.”
Megan has started college and is still exploring what she wants to study, but she plans to major in psychology and environmental studies.
Kate L., Glen Ellyn, IL Kate earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze and Gold Awards, serving as a national delegate, providing leadership in a service unit and capacities outside of Girl Scouting.
Keelin K., Hammond, IN Keelin earned the pinnacle by earning her Silver and Gold Awards, providing leadership in a service unit and a capacity outside of Girl Scouting.
Sydney K., Lake Forest, IL Sydney earned her Pinnacle Award by earning her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, serving as a girl rep to the board, attending Camp CEO, and serving in leadership capacities outside of Girl Scouting.
Congratulations to our 2023 Pinnacle Awardees!
The application for the 2024 Class of Pinnacle Awardees will open by January 2024. More information will be available on our website here.
