Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is partnering with Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures to encourage Girl Scouts to learn about oral health and wellness. Since 1991, the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®initiative has touched the lives of more than a billion children in over 80 countries. Their mission is to connect underserved communities to oral health education, free dental screenings and treatment referrals.
Working with members of the community, Colgate strives to promote lifelong learning opportunities and create a world of bright smiles and even brighter futures by ensuring that prevention and good oral hygiene remains a top global health priority. Colgate believes every child and their family has a right to a lifetime of healthy smiles, and to help promote its initiative, they created the Colgate Bright Smiles Patch Program where families can complete fun science experiments and build healthy oral habits.
Learn powerful habits like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, how to build healthy oral habits, making snacks that are good for your teeth, and discover something new about your dentists.
Check out Girl Scout Daisy Troop #35683 having fun completing some of the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures activities below!
During their troop meeting, girls collectively completed the apple experiment. Rather than allowing the “tooth” (apple) to decay in the brown bag, they expedited the process by adding food coloring in the “cavity” (pencil hole):
After drawing a tooth on a Styrofoam cup, troop leaders added paste (flour + water). Decorating with sprinkles were the best part because the girls thought they tasted so GOOD. But what a messy “tooth decay” watching the Styrofoam cup dissolve in the acetone:
Next it was time to get those bright smiles checked out by a dentist!
At the end, girls created dental posters to help remind them to take care of their teeth. The troop completed their smile posters on different color paper to collectively show a rainbow!
Get Involved
Help Colgate in their efforts to reach two billion children by 2025 by completing the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program with Girl Scouts! Download this workbook to help get you started on this patch program as a troop or with your family! You can pick up additional copies of the workbook at our Girl Scout GCNWI shop (while supplies last). Learn more at www.ColgateBSBF.com.
So you’re stuck at home, and suddenly regretting all those times you begged your parents to skip school. Maybe you’ve been staring outside your window, yearning for the great outdoors, or maybe you’ve just been missing a little bit of Girl Scout sisterhood.
Don’t fret! You may be social distancing, but Girl Scouts is not cancelled! You can be a Girl Scout anywhere, even from at home. There are plenty of things you can do to keep your Girl Scout spirits high, and we collected some of them for you here!
Cross off 15 outdoorsy tasks from this list—like fort building, learning about springtime flowers, playing with a pet outside, and so much more—to earn the BackyardFunChallenge! Make sure to always follow the Safety Activity Checkpointswhen doing the challenges, and remember to wash or sanitize your hands after being outside.
Tips on Hosting a Virtual Girl Scout Troop Meeting
While we can’t be in-person, keep your Girl Scout troop connected through online meetings to keep girls engaged with one another, while keeping safe. Here are some tips on how to run a productive, fun and engaging online meeting.
Choose a virtual platform: There are several different virtual tools you can use to host an online meeting. Here are several suggestions to help you.
Keep Girls Connected: Designate the first 10 minutes to have girls share what they’ve been up to and how they are feeling. This will keep girls socialized and engaged with one another.
Prepare: Create an agenda and a purpose for your meeting with the girls. Ask each parent to complete the Girl Scout internet safety pledge.
Make it Girl-led: Have girls choose a topic they are interested in discussing or learning about and create a simple action plan.
Use Online Resources: Take advantage of learning tools online! From Virtual Field trips to online patch programs there are multiple activities you can do with your girls.
Don’t Forget the Volunteer Toolkit!
Troop Leaders, don’t forget you can support your troop activities from afar! Look to the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK). Download pdfs of the badges your troop is working on and send them off to parents and caregivers. Easy and simple way to keep the Girl Scout fun going for your troop!
Are you looking for ways to help others while you are home during the next couple weeks? Here are a few options to consider:
As part of our Silver Lining patch program in partnership with BCBSIL, please consider sending letters, cards, emails, or drawings to senior citizens at retirement homes or centers. Although it is not recommended to visit during this time for the safety of the elderly, it would be a nice gesture to reach out and send some cheer their way.
Do you have a neighbor or family member who lives alone? Take some time out of your day to call or video chat with them. You can see if they need anything, but it is also just nice to hear from someone in this time when we are all stuck at home. Human interaction is important!
Check out littlefreepantry.org to see if you could set up or support a food resource for others in need.
Send cards of thanks to healthcare workers like this group of Girl Scouts from Naperville.
Big thanks to Brownie troop 55693 in Naperville for the thoughtful cards and delicious @girlscouts cookies for our Emergency Department staff. Generous gestures like this go a long way. pic.twitter.com/Er8FzowSyc
— Rush University System for Health (@RushMedical) March 16, 2020
Tell Us What You’re Up To!
Whether you’re writing thank-you letters to your local hospital staff and doctors, learning all about different plant species around the world, completing a Patch Program, or spending time with loved ones, we want to know what you’re up to! Share your story with us here.
Resources from around the web!
We’ve compiled some resources from around the internet including websites, podcasts, YouTube channels, and apps. You can take virtual tours, play games, practice a foreign language, and so much more!
Saturday, November 2 | 6:00–10:00 p.m. Daisies–Cadettes (Grades K–8) | Family Friendly! Registration Deadline Extended to Oct. 31!Register on our programs site to secure your spot. This event is exclusive to Girl Scout members. Not yet a Girl Scout? Join now!
Come and spend an evening with fellow Girl Scouts, earn patches, explore different exhibits, enjoy a light snack, and be among the first to experience the museum’s brand new climbable sculpture, Cloud Buster. All members of your family are welcome to join the fun!
Wonders of Water and Woodworking
The Chicago Children’s Museum is a staple of Chicago and Navy Pier, and is chock-full of exciting exhibits and activities for all ages. Visit the art studio to unleash your inner creativity, or get climbing on the schooner. Build a skyscraper at the Skyline, tell your story at the Story Hub, and splash around at WaterWays!
Whatever you choose to do, it’s sure to be an unforgettable evening at one of Chicago’s most popular museums!
Girl Scouts are also invited to build hands-on experience and work towards the Wonders of Water Journey and badges in engineering and art. Cadettes can even earn their Woodworking Badge in their wood shop! (Space is limited for wood shop activities–– first come first served!)
Night at the Museum
Fun patch is included for all Girl Scouts. Be sure to come in your PJs!
If you want activities for the whole family to enjoy, then look no further. Below is your guide to family friendly programs offered by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Get excited for all that summer has to offer!
Outdoor Adventures
Have a Sleepover Safari at Brookfield Zoo!
August 30–31 | Brownies–Ambassadors (Grades 2–12)
Your whole family is invited to the Brookfield Zoo for a summer sleepover! You’ll get to go on a night hike around the zoo, examine real skulls, and make treats for the animals to enjoy. Registration includes all activities, breakfast, and a fun patch! Get your Sleepover Safari Tickets »
Star Party
Saturday, August 17 | Camp Greene Wood, Woodridge, IL
How many constellations can you spot? Come celebrate the stars with other astronomy enthusiasts. We will have games, projects and crafts you can take home, and a chance to view the night sky with an astronomer. Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors: enjoy this event with your entire family. Sign-up now »
Camp
You & Me: Summertime Fun
Weekend of June 21 and Weekend of July 19 | Camp River Trails, Sheridan, IL All ages!
Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and female guardians: spend a weekend at camp with your Girl Scout at a You & Me Camp Weekend! Each year we celebrate with a different theme, and this summer’s theme is “Hogwarts: Journey to the Forbidden Forest.” “Swish and flick” your way to summer fun with your girl! You’ll have your choice to stay in a lodge, prairie cabin, or screened in platform tent. Learn more and register for You & Me Summertime Fun!
Take the Whole Family to Camp!
Weekend of July 12 | Camp River Trails, Sheridan, IL Weekend of September 13 | Camp Butternut Springs, Valparaiso, IL All ages!
Enjoy a weekend at camp with the whole family! Fourth graders and older can try archery. You’ll stay in platform tents, screened-in cabins, or bring your own tent! Learn more and register for Family Camp!
Sports & Entertainment
Chicago Red Stars: Bark in the Park
Saturday, June 23 | SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL
This is a night for the dogs! Join us at SeatGeek Stadium for their 2nd annual Bark in the Park celebration where your pup is invited to cheer on the Red Stars. Everyone who purchases a Bark in the Park ticket receives a free bandanna for your pup and will participate on their halftime Pet Parade. Get your tickets now »
Girl Scout Night with the White Sox
Wednesday, July 3 | Guaranteed Rate Field
Due to inclement weather Girl Scout Day with the White Sox was postponed. The makeup date is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3rd at 1:10 PM as part of a split doubleheader and your game tickets will be good for Game 1.
Your previous ticket and parking pass are valid for the make-up July 3rd game ONLY. Tickets will only be good for Game 1 of the split doubleheader.
Come out to Impact Field for 2nd Annual Girl Scout Night on Saturday, June 29th at 7:05 p.m. Ticket purchase includes pregame parade on field, custom Girl Scout patch, Video Board Troop Recognition, Post Game Fireworks and a donation back to GSGCNWI. Learn more and purchase Chicago Dog Tickets »
Wizarding Celebration
Saturday, July 20 at Friendship Center, Country Club Hills, IL Sunday, July 21Vernon Hills Gathering Place, Vernon Hills, IL All ages!
Girl Scouts! Do you love Harry Potter? Bring your friends and family & come join us to celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday. You’ll get to make potions, play quidditch, drink butterbeer & more! Family event. Fun patch included. Sign-up for Wizarding Celebration »
Attend a Cirque du Soleil Show
May 22 through July 6 | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Girls must be a current Girl Scout to participate in these fun activities! To join in on this summer fun, you canbecome a Girl Scout today for only $35, and her membership will be valid all the way through Sept. 30, 2020. That’s nearly a year and a half of fun ahead!
Just because it’s summer and your Girl Scout troop isn’t meeting doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun with Girl Scouts! Read about the many fun programs and events girls of all ages can take part in this summer—with or without your troop! Below are a few highlighted programs, or you can view all of the summer programs for your age group!
If you aren’t already a Girl Scout, that’s OK! To join in on this summer fun, you canbecome a Girl Scout today for only $35, and your membership will be valid all the way through Sept. 30, 2020. That’s nearly a year and a half of fun ahead!
Have a Sleepover Safari at Brookfield Zoo!
August 30– 31 | Brownies–Ambassadors (Grades 2–12)
See what happens after hours at the Zoo! Your whole family is invited to the Brookfield Zoo for a summer sleepover! You’ll get to go on a night hike around the zoo, examine real skulls, and make treats for the animals to enjoy.
Registration includes all activities, breakfast, and a fun patch!
Various Dates and Locations | Daisies–Ambassadors (Grades K–12)
Girls need a safe space where they can just be themselves, a space with an incredible view where they can relax and try new experiences. That place is Girl Scout camp! Our council offers summer camp programs at eight locations in Illinois, Indiana, and even Wisconsin.
Girl Scouts will get to participate in a wide variety of program activities including hikes, crafts, and the opportunity sing songs by the campfire.
Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14 | Camp River Trails, Sheridan, IL All ages!
Enjoy a weekend at camp with the whole family! Fourth graders and older can try archery. You’ll stay in platform tents, screened-in cabins, or bring your own tent! Learn more and register for Family Camp!
You & Me: Summertime Fun
Weekend of June 21 and Weekend of July 19 | Camp River Trails, Sheridan, IL All ages!
Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and female guardians: spend a weekend at camp with your Girl Scout at a You & Me Camp Weekend! Each year we celebrate with a different theme, and this summer’s theme is “Hogwarts: Journey to the Forbidden Forest.” “Swish and flick” your way to summer fun with your girl! You’ll have your choice to stay in a lodge, prairie cabin, or screened in platform tent. Learn more and register for You & Me Summertime Fun!
Community Resource Listings
Ongoing Dates in Various Locations | Daisies–Ambassadors (Grades K–12)
The summer is the perfect time to take advantage of special offers and programs for Girl Scouts from our Community Resource Partners! Visit our website to view the list!
Earn Patches on Your Own
Ongoing Dates in Various Locations | Daisies–Ambassadors (Grades K–12)
Ongoing Dates in Various Locations | Daisies–Ambassadors (Grades K–12)
Girl Scouts have a rich history of giving back to their communities. Be a part of this tradition by participating in a service project over the summer. We have a few options that you can complete on your own. View Service Projects on our website.
Bring Her to a Daisy Party!
Various dates and locations | For girls entering Kindergarten or 1st grade in Fall 2019
Let’s kick-off your Daisy year with a summer party! You’ll get to meet other Daisy Girl Scouts, play games, have a dance party, and learn all about the Girl Scout Promise and Law. You’ll even get a fun patch to add to your apron or sash! We can’t wait to show you how fun Girl Scouts is! Learn more and register for a Daisy Party!
FREE Summer Drop-In Days across the council!
Various Dates in Various Locations | For Daisies–Cadettes (Grades K–8)
Stop by our Gathering Places throughout the summer for a FREE Drop-In Day! You’ll have fun with themed activities, meet other Girl Scouts, volunteers, and staff! Learn more and register through the links below.
Love Harry Potter? Bring your friends and family & come join us to celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday! You’ll get to make potions, play quidditch, drink butterbeer & more!
Don’t Let Her Miss Out!
Girls must be current Girl Scouts to participate in these fun activities! To join in on this summer fun, you canbecome a Girl Scout today for only $35, and your membership will be valid all the way through Sept. 30, 2020. That’s nearly a year and a half of fun ahead!
