Last fall, Troop 77850 was challenged to find a Bronze Award project that would be helpful to sick patients and work with animals. We found an organization, Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC), that was willing to help and mentor us in providing a method of animal relaxation for dogs, called snuffle mats.  Snuffle mats are a great way for dogs to decompress between patients at the hospital. The girls worked tirelessly to learn how to create the mats and teach and share their knowledge with the service unit's 24 Daisies. 8400 ties later, they created more than 42 snuffle mats for the volunteers at HABIC. The girls were invited to HABIC's volunteer appreciation ceremony at the end of the year and taught the other volunteers there to make snuffle mats as well!

One video, unlimited opportunity. Help your Girl Scouts craft an idea and submit a one-minute video for the chance to receive $10,000 in funding. This is an excellent opportunity for Highest Awards Girl Scouts who have completed an environmental focused project or those looking to earn a Silver or Gold Award. All Colorado Girl Scouts who enter a video will also be included in a drawing for one of four $100 gift cards. As Girl Scouts, you believe that no problem is unsolvable and you care about our planet. You’ve practiced how to make the world a better place through countless Take Action and community service projects, so this challenge is perfect for you. Rise to the challenge and submit a 1-minute video. NEXT STEPS: Brainstorm a project for solving an environmental issue and re cord a 1-minute video sharing your innovative idea for making an impact on our environment. It can be an extension of a project you've already done or something completely new! Submit your video to the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge website for the chance to win $10,000 for your project. After you've submitted to National Geographic, fill out this form  to be entered to win one of four $100 gift cards and receive a free patch.

One video, unlimited opportunity. Help your Girl Scouts craft an idea and submit a one-minute video for the chance to receive $10,000 in funding. This is an excellent opportunity for Highest Awards Girl Scouts who have completed an environmental focused project or those looking to earn a Silver or Gold Award. All Colorado Girl Scouts who enter a video will also be included in a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards. As Girl Scouts, you believe that no problem is unsolvable and you care about our planet. You’ve practiced how to make the world a better place through countless Take Action and community service projects, so this challenge is perfect for you. Rise to the challenge and submit a 1-minute video. NEXT STEPS: Watch the virtual training at your convenience. Submit your 1-minute video to National Geographic. After you've submitted to National Geographic, fill out this form to be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards and receive a free patch.

In Estes Park, I watched a Girl Scout sit in the saddle, holding the reins, with a smile that stretched from ear to ear. Before that exact moment, she was scared to ride a horse. I encouraged a young woman as she hesitantly launched her kayak into Lake Arenal with the volcano as a stunning Costa Rican backdrop. One hour later, the same hesitant Girl Scout was swimming, splashing, and laughing with her sister scouts. We started traveling as a troop first with local field trips, then throughout Colorado, and finally our girls had gained the capacity to travel outside the United States. I witnessed girls learning and growing through these experiences, building courage, confidence, and character. Travel can set the stage for these meaningful moments, but you don’t have to travel to connect to resources that foster a global citizen mindset for scouts. You already have access to a whole world of cross-cultural learning opportunities through WAGGGS! Four years ago, another troop leader mentioned WAGGGS and I thought she was speaking a foreign language. I had been a troop leader for seven years and was very familiar with GSCO. As a troop, we completed badges, dove into journeys, and connected with our local community. What was this WAGGGS word she spoke of? The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) unites 153 countries and ten million young women around the globe, empowering them to discover, connect, and take action. I had no idea! Fast forward to last month when I returned from one of the five World Centers, Nuestra Cabaña, which is in Cuernavaca, Mexico. I am already planning to return with my troop! The other four World Centres are located in India, Switzerland, Africa (a traveling center), and Great Britain. The trip was through GSCO, offering the opportunity to learn more about Global Girl Scouting. Boy, did I! WAGGGS offers a wealth of programming that connects to global issues including Surf Smart (digital education), Free Being Me (self-confidence and body image), and Girl-led Climate Change (global advocacy for our natural world) among others found here at Campfire. The programming takes a deep dive into these topics among others and is supported by leader training. There is a world of possibilities waiting for your scouts (and YOU!). I am proud to be a Girl Scout leader. Being a troop leader is a powerful way to create a positive impact in my community. Now I understand that my local leadership can also have a worldwide impact. In this fast-paced, connected world, we need global citizens more than ever before. I encourage you to explore the opportunities that await you and your scouts through Global Girl Scouting. The Global Action Team can help you get started at gscoglobal@gmail.com.

Senior Girl Scout Evvie, in Boulder, is doing a Self Defense Day for a Take Action Project for her Girl Topia Journey. It will be Saturday, May 5, in Louisville. Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts (& their friends) are invited to the 9:30-10:30 a.m. class. This class will cover anti-bullying statements and actions as well as stranger danger. Fun patch is included. Cadette, Seniors, and Ambassadors (and their friends) are invited to the 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. class. This class will cover self-defense when physically attacked and includes both awareness of your surroundings AND how to fight back. Fun patch is included. Please sign up as soon as possible because space is limited. Troops attending need to meet Safety Wise Ratios. There is not a lot of sitting room in the class space, so try to limit the number of adults to Safety Wise Ratios. Girls can be signed up individually or as part of a troop going. Sign up here: https://girl-scout-self-defense-may-4-2024.cheddarup.com After signing up, please sign the waiver for each girl: https://sparkpages.io/forms/?frm=_88p Questions: Please email Marcy Kendall, Troop72418@gmail.com This is for Girl Scouts, but also other girls that want to take it. So bring a friend or 2! This is also listed on the GSCO events calendar.

Multi-Level Troop 65659 of Denver happily delivered 246 packages of Girl Scout cookies to the staff and volunteers of the Denver Zoo on Saturday. The troop chose the Denver Zoo as their Hometown Hero because of all the great classes, programs, and experiences they have had at the zoo over the past year. Whether it's learning about endangered toads, riding the train, or earning the Animal Observer badge, there are so many ways to incorporate the zoo into the troop's activities.

Through her project, Diana effectively raised awareness about needle phobia (trypanophobia), offering valuable resources and solutions for patients and medical offices. Her initiative included providing tools like the Buzzy Bee to her own doctor's office, alongside launching a dedicated website, www.trypanophobiaawareness.com, to disseminate information and support. By leveraging her personal experience with the issue, she made a significant impact, alleviating the challenges faced by those afflicted with needle phobia. Here's what Diana has to say about her Gold Award experience. Why you chose your project: There are people worldwide who suffer from trypanophobia.  The fear of needles is a contributor to these individuals avoiding getting needed vaccines through this medium. This can result in negatively impacting their personal and public health as essential vaccines can have the benefit of reducing the spread of diseases. My journey with trypanophobia awareness started with my eldest brother who has been diagnosed with autism.  My siblings and I receive annual flu shots at our pediatrician’s office, where there were previously no coping tools available for children who struggle with trypanophobia.  I have watched my brother in the past, being physically restrained when receiving vaccines and blood draws as a child. My Gold Award aimed to spread awareness on trypanophobia, empowering people by letting them know they are not alone, also sharing coping solutions with medical staff and others to help reduce anxiety for improved mental health and wellness outcomes.  Obtaining health care should not be a traumatic experience. How completing your Gold Award project impacted you: Growing up in Girl Scouts, I always knew that the Gold Award was something to strive for. I found that I enjoy advocating for people who struggle to effectively communicate their phobias or have special needs.  This was my second highest awards project focused on helping people who can benefit from having special accommodations. I also learned that I can overcome big obstacles and achieve my goals.  Among other obstacles, my personal health stalled my project timeline for months at a time, when I struggled just to attend school and complete my schoolwork.  I did use some of my medical appointments to test coping techniques in reducing pain from needle injections for research on my project. Beginning my project before my sophomore year really helped me, by allowing plenty of time to complete my project before my senior year. What being a Girl Scout means to you: Growing up in Girl Scouts has helped build my confidence with my speech articulation, through speaking with customers and public speaking opportunities like with GSCO’s “Media Star” team. Being in Girl Scouts has given me opportunities that I might not have had otherwise like traveling to Savannah (GSUSA birthplace), Europe, becoming a certified camp counselor, and trying multiple outdoor adventure activities such as ice climbing, rock rappelling, rock climbing, backpacking, and more. I grew up in scouting.  It is pretty much in my DNA.

For the tenth year, women from all over the country will gather at Meadow Mountain Ranch near Allenspark for Women’s Week.  It’s truly the most fun you can have in the Colorado high country.  All women ages 18 and up are invited.  You do not have to be a registered Girl Scout, or have ever been to camp before.  It’s the most fun if cross-generational groups come - moms, grandmas, aunts, kids.  It’s also a good chance to invite your friends, co-workers, neighbors or past Girl Scout friends to join us in the great outdoors.  GSCO Board members and staff are always welcome! Dates:  July 25 - 29, 2024 First meal:  Lunch on Thursday Last meal:  Brunch on Monday Cost:  $300.00 for entire event or $80.00 for 3-meal part-time option The theme for this year’s Women’s Week is “Toys and Games at Camp!”  Included in the list so far are kites, bubbles, hula hoops, parachute games, frisbees, card games, skits, singing games, Lemmie sticks and much more.  Archery is possible as well as the new Zip Line.  We’ll even have fun with food, guided by our great cooks. We’ll stay in the tabins in the units (wooden floors, wooden roofs and canvas sides).  We’ll cook out some meals in the units and eat some meals in the lodge. Of course, music is a huge part of every Women’s Week.  We’ll sing around the campfire, have special sessions to just sing, really we’ll be singing everywhere we go. Questions?  Contact the Very Informal Camp Director, Penny “Pan” Roberts, probertscolo@gmail.com, 970 586 1775 or 970 473 1001. Register here. FAQ: The event is open to all women aged 18 years or older.  Bring friends, family, neighbors, co-workers.  Our ladies come from all over the country.  Our program is planned by us, and the schedule is flexible.  If you’d like to offer a program, bring your ideas and materials.  Archery and Zip line might be available. FOOD: Excellent, nutritious and fun meals will be cooked both in the lodge and outside and most dietary needs can be accommodated, just let us know.  Lots of fresh fruits and veggies are always available. HOUSING: We mostly stay in the tabins (wooden floors, wooden roofs and ½ canvas sides), in any of the units.  Wooden cots with mattresses are available.  But we have the whole camp available, so tents, RVs (without hookups) are welcome.  Some limited mobility accommodations can be made. WEATHER AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: No smoking in camp.  No pets allowed, except certified service dogs.  Elevation is 8500’ (take high altitude precautions).  Temperatures range from 45 - 85 degrees; cool in the mornings and evenings, warmer during the day.  Rain is likely, so be prepared.  Fire danger might limit cooking and campfire options.  Service projects are on tap to assemble and place 3 new memorial benches. WHAT TO BRING: Your favorite camp clothes, but importantly, good shoes/boots. Rain gear, hats, sunscreen. Day pack and water bottle.  Camp chair if you’d like   Sleeping gear (if you are traveling, we can provide you with bedding).  Musical instruments, songbooks, memorabilia, old photos, arts and crafts supplies.

The U.S. Women's National Soccer team is playing a series of friendly matches and their first game is in Denver! They will be playing against Korea Republic on Saturday, June 1 at 3 p.m. at Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. Tickets instantly sold out, but Girl Scouts of Colorado is giving two tickets to a lucky Girl Scout and their caregiver! Here's how to enter: Make sure your Girl Scout membership is renewed for the 2024-25 Girl Scout year. Fill out this form by May 3 to officially enter. The winner will be announced on GSCO's Facebook page on May 6. Have no fear if you don't win, we will be hosting a game watch party at the Girl Scout DreamLab! Join us at the Girl Scout DreamLab on June 1 at 3 p.m. to enjoy watching the game with fellow Girl Scouts! In addition, we will have fun activities planned and snacks will be provided as well. Bring a friend or your entire soccer team for an afternoon of sporty fun! Let us know if you'll be there! RSVP today.

Earn rewards for your troop by spreading the word about Girl Scouts. How it works: When someone who is interested in joining Girl Scouts completes the referral form (via QR code or vanity URL) and adds your troop number your troop will get credit for that referral. The new members will get a code via email within 24 hours for $10 off their first-year membership fee when they register. Troops that want to participate the refer new members don't need to opt in. They can start referring to new members via the link and share their troop number as who referred them. Referred members do not have to join your troop. New members can search the troop catalog for troop options nearby or they can work with a local Placement Specialist for a Girl Scout opportunity. Referral recruitment resources: Printable and digital resources are available here on our blog. Additional materials will be available through communication with your Volunteer Support Specialist or Recruitment Specialist and during the cookie program. Ways to optimize your referral strategy: Get creative! We encourage troops to use word of mouth, social media, or fun fliers to invite new folks to join Girl Scouts. - Post the referral flyers with the form QR code at your cookie both with your troop number - Share at your school and within your network - Post in your neighborhood New member discount: $10 discount code provided to leads via email within 24 hours after form submission to be used during check out. Discount available for new members only. The rewards: Each referral gets your troop closer to earning cool rewards and extra entries into a drawing to win cool stuff! January 1 – March 31, 2024 reward: Be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to the Girl Scouts of Colorado shop. Each referral is a submission to win this prize. The referral program ended March 31.

There's code behind all the technology we rely on and girls can get hands-on experience learning to code at a five-day camp through Girl Scouts of Colorado and FAST Enterprises hosted at CSU-Spur in Denver July 8-12. This one-week camp is designed for Girl Scouts entering the 8th, 9th, and 10th grades, and is valued at $450, but FAST Enterprises covers the cost as part of their commitment to increasing the number of women in tech. A $25 commitment fee is required at registration in order to reduce no-shows. This fee can be waived in cases of financial hardship. Campers will participate in a variety of educational coding games and activities led by experienced female software developers from FAST Enterprises. Girls will get plenty of hands-on practice building and customizing three different Android apps during the week and they get to meet women working in various technology-focused professions and learn about the diverse opportunities available to women who code. Meet Geneva and Mary, campers who attended last year's Camp Code: Geneva B., high school freshman, Girl Scout Senior What was the coolest thing for you about Camp Code for Girls? Being able to build my overall skills and knowledge about coding, as well as exploring the different careers that these skills would allow me to follow. Why do you think it’s important for girls to try hands-on STEM activities? Because it’s fun! They're good skills to have and you can do some really cool stuff with them. Any advice for other girls wanting to learn more about coding and technology? Most high schools have robotics teams, which are amazing resources and opportunities. I am really into theater and I know the students that do all the lighting and sound for the shows. They work a lot with electronics and computers to make the magic of theatre possible. Additionally, I participate in Model United Nations (MUN) and there are often specialized councils specifically discussing technological advances. So, there a lot of crossovers, especially in high school, between technology/coding and many other opportunities and passions and I would highly recommend exploring these crossovers with your own passions. When you participate in any of these, the skills and connections you build are really awesome. What are you plans for the future? Actually, I plan on joining my school’s robotics team next year to learn more about coding. I will also continue theatre and MUN because I enjoy them. As of college, I have no clue. But, I hope to make a difference in the world one way or another! (Cheesy, but sincere.) Mary H., high school freshman, Girl Scout Senior What was the coolest thing for you about Camp Code for Girls? The coolest thing for me about Camp Code for Girls was learning more about coding and deepening my coding skills. Why do you think it’s important for girls to try hands-on STEM activities? I think that it is important for girls to try hands-on STEM activities because trying STEM activities can broaden our horizons and expose us to new and interesting fields of study. Any advice for other girls wanting to learn more about coding and technology? My advice for other girls who want to learn more about coding and technology would be to try your best when you encounter something that you’ve never done before, and to keep on persevering, even when things get tough. What are you plans for the future? My future plans are to continue to explore STEM through Girl Scout programs and through my school.

Each year, the girls in Girl Scout Troop 65750 choose a Hometown Hero to receive the boxes of cookies customers donate during the Girl Scout Cookies Sale. They give impassioned speeches to lobby for causes that are important to them and the troop votes. This year, the Cadettes were inspired by the mobile food pantries they have noticed in our neighborhood and chose Food Bank of the Rockies. During the Cookie Program, this troop of 10 girls collected exactly 400 boxes of donated Cookies. As part of their donation event, the Cadettes took a tour of Food Bank of the Rockies, stocked the Girl Scout Cookies in the warehouse, and then volunteered three hours of time to pack 678 boxes of food to be distributed throughout our community. The Girl Scouts, helped by some parents and a sibling, worked the two sides of the food box packing assembly line. Together, during the course of their three hour shift, they handled more than 11 tons of food, which will result in 18,363 meals! We learned that food insecurity isn’t something that you can see just by looking at someone — that it is in every school and every neighborhood. More importantly, we learned how to help if we suspect someone in our lives could be experiencing food insecurity (you can start by clicking the red “Find Food” button at the top of their website, https://www.foodbankrockies.org).  Food Bank of the Rockies works to provide healthy food throughout our community - including fresh produce and culturally aware food options. And now, because of Girl Scout Troop 65750, they can add 400 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to their distribution this week.