Update: This event has been cancelled. Join us for Girl Scout Day with the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Coors Field in Denver. All Girl Scouts, family, and friends are invited. Cheer on the Rockies as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. All Girl Scouts attending are invited to participate in a pre-game parade and will receive a special event patch. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. Girl Scouts participating in the parade should arrive 1.5 – 2 hours prior to game time to prepare. Detailed information about the parade outlined HERE: 40962780_2020_girl_scout_day_parade_information To purchase tickets, visit rockies.com/scout and select “Girl Scouts of Colorado”. Ticket prices vary depending on seats chosen. Questions? Email aimee.artzer@gscolorado.org OR hannah.browne@rockies.com #GSCOevents #Communitypartnerships #Denver #2020GirlScoutDaywiththeColoradoRockies #ColoradoRockies #communitypartners #MetroDenver #GirlScoutDaywiththeColoradoRockies

What did you do for your Gold Award project? For my project, I chose to address a decrease in interpersonal neighborhood connections by writing a book entitled, This is Patty Jewett: The History and People of the Neighborhood. The book includes information on the history of the Patty Jewett Neighborhood (my neighborhood), as well as personal stories from its residents.  Over the past year, I have interviewed neighbors for their personal oral histories, while also gathering information regarding the rich history of the Patty Jewett Neighborhood. The copies of the book reflect the end product in my goal to create an in-print resource that will build connections within my corner of Colorado Springs. Ultimately, the goal of my Girl Scout Gold Award project is to build connections amongst the people of my community and remind others of the value of a great neighborhood and the importance of a sense of togetherness. I hope readers of the book and those that hear about my project use it as an opportunity to learn about where they live, and to start conversations and build relationships with their neighbors. How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience? My book, in combining historical stories from the Patty Jewett Neighborhood with the personal stories of its residents, came to become a resource that fostered interconnectedness, knowledge of local history, and the spirit of community in my region. I was able to measure this in a number of ways. First, through presentations I made post-printing, including a book launch event, it can be determined that at least 75 people were able to directly absorb the message of my project. The number of people who have seen or heard about the book by now, is likely much greater. Most importantly, my impact was measured through the responses I received in person or online from people who had read, or had heard about the project. These 40+ responses, demonstrated the true impact that my project had on my community. How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement? Currently, 50 physical copies of my book have been distributed throughout my neighborhood and beyond. While most of the copies are located with individuals and families, some books have been designed to serve a more communal purpose. Two copies of my book are currently located at a local copy shop serving as “coffee table” type books. Additional copies have been given to the Pikes Peak Library Special Collections and Colorado Springs Pioneer’s Museum. Additionally, the PDF copy of my book has been given to the Patty Jewett Neighborhood Association, ensuring the information in it will live on for many more years. Since my project took a product-centered approach, its sustainability is ensured so long as the books continue to exist within my community. What is your project’s global and/or national connection? For my national connection, I sent out the PDF copy of my book as well as a description of my project’s process to one neighborhood association in each of the 50 states. This process really helped to expand my project’s reach to a national scale. To date, I have received responses from ten associations, all of which seemed to be very interested by the project’s concept. What did you learn about yourself? Through the interview process, I learned that it was a lot more challenging to come out of my shell than I had originally anticipated. This process was incredibly eye-opening and truly taught me why a project like this is so important. As a high schooler, meeting with strangers who were, in many cases, half a century older than me, was intimidating. Going into my interviews, I was often filled with preconceived judgement about the people I would be speaking with. Yet, over the three-month process of asking my neighbors about their lives, hopes, wishes, and purposes, I discovered that we are all so much more similar than we are different, and that I really love connecting with people and learning about what makes them who they are. In terms of writing, I discovered who I am as a storyteller, and learned that I have days and times when I can be incredibly productive and days where I can’t seem to get anything done. In order to be successful, I’ve learned that I need to make the most out of the times when I feel capable of accomplishing great things. How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? The Gold Award process has reinforced some interests of mine and has exposed me to some new passions which I could definitely see guiding a lot of my future. With the help of leadership and life skills that I gained through this project, I am planning to further explore concepts of community and togetherness. In addition, earning my Gold Award will show future colleges and employers who I am and potentially grant me greater opportunities as a result of that. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience? I have been a part of Girl Scouts since first grade. While I plan to continue in Girl Scouts until I graduate, the Gold Award has really been a fantastic culmination to my journey. The skills that I have learned through the program since elementary school were all applied through this process, and now, I truly feel that my entire Girl Scout experience has propelled me towards a greater future. How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? Earning my Gold Award assuredly helped me become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader). While all of the letters are applicable, I am most proud of becoming a better risk-taker. Through this project, I learned that success comes when you are able to step outside of your comfort zone, reach out, think creatively, and take every risk that may come your way. **IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication, and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org. #GoldAward #HighestAwards #ColoradoSprings #GoldAwardGirlScout #WilliamJPalmerHighSchool #GirlScoutGoldAward #TakeAction #PikesPeak

Submitted by Amber Brady Metro Denver Aurora Our Brownie and Daisy were excited to meet an Arapahoe Sheriff’s officer at our cookie booth. He stopped and joked around with the girls and gave them each a junior deputy badge. These Girl Scouts also earned the Uniform to Uniform patch! Learn how to earn yours: http://gscoblog.org/2020/01/uniform-to-uniform-patch-for-the-2020-girl-scout-cookie-program/ #UniformtoUniformpatch #2020GirlScoutCookieProgram #2020UniformtoUniformPatch #UniformtoUniform #Aurora #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #MetroDenver

The application deadline for the Mary Jo Jacobs Memorial Girl Scout Adventure Fund has been extended to March 31, 2020! Attention all Girl Scouts ages 6-18 in Garfield and Eagle counties, are you already registered or planning to attend resident camp this summer?  This annual scholarship can fund YOUR next adventure at Girl Scout Camp. Apply online at: https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/scholarshipapp. The Mary Jo Jacobs, M.D. Memorial Girl Scout Adventure Fund provides Girl Scouts from Eagle and Garfield counties in Colorado with a scholarship so they can experience the learning opportunities, joy, and camaraderie of attending Girl Scout Camp. Since 2015, eleven Girl Scouts have received full or partial scholarships to attend sessions at Tomahawk Ranch and Sky High Ranch. Will your adventure begin this summer? Registration for Girl Scout Camp is ongoing on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website at girlscoutsofcolorado.org. Many sessions are still open at Sky High Ranch near Woodland Park or Tomahawk Ranch near Bailey, southwest of Denver. Overnight camp runs from 3 to 12 days for girls ages 6 and up. Girl Scout summer camp programs are open to all girls throughout Colorado, whether they’re in a troop or not, and new campers get a 10-percent discount. Girl Scouts of Colorado is 32,000 strong—more than 22,000 girls and 10,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga., she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org. #SkyHighRanch #EagleCounty #MaryJoJacobsMDMemorialGirlScoutAdventureFund #GirlScoutCamp #TomahawkRanch #camp #mountaincommunities

Do you know of a Denver business or corporate team who is dedicated to helping women and girls succeed through their volunteerism, mentorship, and philanthropic efforts? Nominate them now for the Women of Distinction Corporate Champion Award. Honorees will be announced in May 2020. The 2020 Corporate Champion will be recognized at the 2020 Women of Distinction Thin Mint Dinner on October 1 in Denver. The annual Thin Mint Dinner recognizes Women of Distinction and Corporate Champions who serve as models of inspiration to Girl Scouts. A nominated business should: Demonstrate dedication to advancing women in their industry Provide support and encouragement to women and girls in their industry, including a dynamic and inclusive working environment Have a proven track record of community service/volunteerism to support girls’ and women’s issues Raise awareness about the remarkable work of talented women in our community Nominations are open through March 23 at https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/untitled_form_64. (to nominate a business, select Denver, and Woman of Distinction Corporate Champion) Questions? Contact Heidi.Books@gscolorado.org or (303) 607-4833. #ThinMintDinner #2020ThinMintDinner #2020WomenofDistinctionCorporateChampionAward #WomenofDistinctionCorporateChampionAward #2020WomenofDistinctionMetroDenver #funddevelopment #WomenofDistinctionMetroDenver #WomenofDistinction

As of March 16, 2020, this event has been canceled. We are working on an alternative date and will share it with you as soon as we have it. A bridging ceremony is an important transition in a Girl Scout’s life. It’s a defining moment when a girl celebrates her achievements and prepares for new adventures and responsibilities. Once a girl bridges to a higher level of Girl Scouts, her leadership skills and the experiences she will have continue to grow. Girl Scouts is not simply an after-school activity, it’s the Girl Scout Leadership Experience that builds as girls progress through the program that gives girls the skills they need to empower themselves to take their place as future leaders. Join Girl Scouts from across Colorado at our annual statewide bridging ceremony on the Royal Gorge Bridge – the highest suspension bridge in the United States! We will have an official crossing of the bridge on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 11 a.m. and will host a reception after. Register here: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/events-repository/2020/annual_statewide_bri.html After crossing the bridge, you’ll check in at the Girl Scout table outside the reception area. The reception includes cupcakes, lemonade, and activities led by GSCO staff. Girl Scouts of Colorado reception: $5 per Girl Scout (includes patch) $3 per friends, family, tagalongs All attendees must also pay $19 per person for discounted admission into the Park, which is good all day. Your discounted admission covers access to the park, bridge, theater, children’s play land, unlimited Gondola rides, and any other seasonally available attractions and entertainment. It is not necessary to pre-purchase your tickets to the Park, no matter how many you purchase. All tickets to enter the park will be sold at the Visitor Center the morning of the event. Anyone is welcome to enter the park and participate in the bridging ceremony at 11 a.m. without attending the Girl Scout reception after. To register for the GSCO reception: Register for the GSCO reception through the link on the GSCO Events Calendar. Patches are included with the $5 Girl Scout option. You will also need to purchase your special discounted admission tickets to the Park at $19 per person at the Park day-of event. Registration for the GSCO reception will close on Thursday, April 23. We will NOT accept late registrations for the reception. If you need to submit multiple registration forms, click the “back” button on your browser and make necessary edits and submit the form again for additional attendees. There are no refunds for this event. Interested in camping near the Royal Gorge for this event? Check out camping information on the Cañon City website. Leaders, to prepare your troop, see Volunteer Essentials. This is not a drop-off event. All Girl Scouts must attend with a parent, troop, leader, or guardian. Adult to girl ratios for events must be met. If you have any questions about this event or have trouble completing registration, please contact inquiry@gscolorado.org or 877-404-5708. Cannot make it to this exciting event? Host your own event for your service unit or troop using the Girl Scout Guide to Bridging! https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/dam/girlscoutsofcolorado/documents/girl_scout_bridging_guide.pdf #GSCOevents #Communitypartnerships #bridgingceremony #communitypartners #RoyalGorgeBridgeampPark #RoyalGorgeBridge #2020NationalBridgingWeek #NationalBridgingWeek #PikesPeak #CanonCity

Submitted by Ann Morton Phoenix, AZ The Violet Protest is a public effort to send 50 hand-made textile squares to each and every member of the 2021, 117th Congress in support of these core American values: civility and respect, citizenship, compromise, country over party and corporate influence, courage, candor, compassion, and creativity. The call for the Violet Protest is for makers from across the United States to make 8″ x 8″ squares using a variety of textile techniques. Girl Scouts could sew, crochet, knit, quilt of embroider their squares, but specifically, the Violet Protest can provide a tutorial for a workshop on how to make a “no-sew” square using re-purposed jeans, iron-on adhesive, and scraps of blue and red fabrics. Learning includes whatever textile technique they might employ to make their squares. For the “no-sew” technique, girls will learn color composition, collage, and possibly embroidery techniques. Machine or hand-stitched embellishments are optional. Participation in the Violet Protest aligns with the Journey Series “It’s Your World-Change it!” Specifically, Brownie Quest for Brownies, Agent of Change for Juniors, and Your Voice, Your World for Ambassadors. Potential badges to be earned are “Artist” or “Craft” under Life Skills – specifically Collage or Textile Artist under the Senior badges. Also, this project could align with the “Girl Scout Way” series of badges for all levels of Girl Scouts because as part of the making activity of the squares, Girl Scouts will review the project’s core values for which their square is being sent to Congress to support. Leaders can visit the project website: www.violetprotest.com Through the website, leaders can sign up and then receive an information packet and tags that Girl Scouts will attach to each square they make. For further questions, leaders should connect directly with the artist organizing this project, Ann Morton at ann@violetprotest.com. 40963114_girl_scout_flyer_022120_out This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #itsyourworldchangeit #Journeys #VioletProtest

Submitted by Tracy E. Pikes Peak Canon City My family has a close friend that owns a business downtown on Main St. Mackenzie was invited to set up a booth during their second anniversary celebration. During her time at the booth, she met a kangaroo for the very first time. Rex is a kangaroo that will be included at a petting zoo nearby. He was a big hit during the celebration, along with the Girl Scout Cookies, of course! During the two years that Mackenzie has been in Girl Scouts, she has started to speak up for herself. She has found her voice and breaking out of her shell. Through Girl Scouts, Mackenzie and fellow Girl Scout sisters have had experiences they wouldn’t normally have outside of Girl Scouts. They enjoy meeting new friends, like Rex, and going on adventures together. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #2020GirlScoutCookieProgram #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #PikesPeak #CanonCity

What did you do for your Gold Award project? For my project, I created a lending closet the band students at my school can use for concerts. I wanted to give back to the music program that helps students. With the cost of instrument rentals, transportation, and other music related costs, our families are investing a lot of money into this program. I wanted to find some way to relieve that cost a little for them and give others who cannot afford it, the opportunity to try something new. I collected, sorted, and organized clothes that everyone has access to, so it eliminates at least one expense for our students’ families. How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience? I used sign-in/sign-out sheets, so I could see how many people utilized the closet for the concert. I also had many families reach out to me, telling me about their support and their interest in using the closet in the future. I took direct quotes from a few of the parents and students to show the impact. How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement? My band director has agreed to take over the lending closet. I have given him PDF files of all of the emails and forms we used for the project, so he can use it for other concerts and receive donations as well. The system I used is laid out for him and our future students. The closet is set up and stored at the school, ready to be used again for the spring concert. What is your project’s global and/or national connection? My project is linked to the national problem of funding for the arts. In the United States, when money is cut from schools budgets, art programs are the first to be cut. This means to participate in music or other arts programs, families have to spend more money, which is not an option for everyone. I also shared it with the National Association of Music Educators to share my project on a higher level. What did you learn about yourself? I have realized my leadership potential I have throughout this project. Organizing projects and problem solving skills were beneficial to complete this project. I now have a deeper understanding of the issue and a connection to my community I did not have before starting this. How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? Earning my Gold Award will give me more opportunities in the future. Employers and colleges look for candidates who show hard work and dedication, which is an element of the Gold Award. I know that the things I learned throughout this project will stick with me for the rest of my life. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience? I think it was important for me to finish the whole cycle. I have been a Girl Scout since I was a kid and had earned my Bronze and Silver Awards. I wanted to see what I could do and say that I had done a lot of good work while being a Girl Scout for so many years. How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? There are leadership skills that you are bound to earn during your Gold Award experience, and this project helped me see those, but I also became an innovator. You have to be able to identify a problem and come up with a viable solution. Putting it into place and creating a better experience for others was a result of this project as well. **IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication, and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org. #GoldAward #HighestAwards #GoldAwardGirlScout #GirlScoutGoldAward #Pueblo #TakeAction #PuebloampSoutheasternCO #PikesPeak

Submitted by Sara Brownlee Mountain Communities Avon The girls were so excited to invite our local fire department to our booth. They got to meet one of the firewomen and chat with her about their favorite cookies. They also got to sit on the front of the fire truck after they donated packages of cookies to be shared with the rest of the fire department. These Girl Scouts also earned the Uniform to Uniform patch! Learn how to earn yours: http://gscoblog.org/2020/01/uniform-to-uniform-patch-for-the-2020-girl-scout-cookie-program/ #UniformtoUniformpatch #2020GirlScoutCookieProgram #2020UniformtoUniformPatch #UniformtoUniform #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #Avon #firefighters #mountaincommunities

Don’t miss out on GSCO summer camp! Making summer plans?  There is still time to secure a spot for your Girl Scout at a GSCO summer camp. At summer camp, the adventure is high and the fun is big—like, really big. Girl Scouts will learn new things, explore the great outdoors, make incredible memories with awesome new friends, and so much more. Come ready to play, explore, discover, and have the time of your life. It’s going to be epic! Spaces are still available in day and overnight camps.  Don’t wait, reserve your Girl Scout’s spot today! Girl Scout membership renewal Remember: whether she’s exploring the great outdoors, practicing entrepreneurship, learning life skills, or expanding her imagination through hands-on STEM activities, there’s always so much more for her to try as a Girl Scout! Unlock her potential with another year of learning, growing, and fun that will set her up for success today and in the future. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Girl Scout membership renewal opens April 1. Girls who renew between April 1 and May 1 will be eligible for a drawing for a Colorado staycation for their family (valued up to $500). All girls renewed before June 15 will receive an exclusive membership patch. Trail Adventure Meet-ups Say goodbye to winter and HELLO SPRING as you explore the outdoors with your fellow Girl Scout sisters. Girl Scouts of Colorado has organized a spring edition of our Trail Adventure meet-ups in May 2020 to encourage you to get out in nature and complete some of the requirements for the Trail Adventure badges sponsored by The North Face. Attend any of the Girl Scouts of Colorado-sponsored Trail Adventure meet-ups in May 2020 and complete all of the requirements to earn a Trail Adventure badge by July 1, 2020, and a Girl Scout is eligible to receive the badge. Apply to be a GSCO Delegate Girl Scouts of Colorado is requesting applications for delegates to attend the 2020 National Council Session. Requirements: Delegates to the National Council Session must be registered Girl Scout members, at least 14 years of age, and be willing to serve a three-year term (2020-2023). Delegates and Alternates must commit to participating in preparatory conference calls and webinars and attending all meetings of the National Council Session in Orlando, Florida, October 21-25, 2020. Apply to be a delegate Girl Scout Voices Count Survey Update as of March 18, 2020: The Girl Scout Voices Count Survey has been postponed until May 6. At Girl Scouts, we care about your experience and we want to hear from you! In April, Girl Scouts of the USA will be conducting a national survey with girls, parents/guardians, and troop leaders called Girl Scout Voices Count to find out what’s working, and what’s not, in Girl Scouts. We use your feedback to improve the Girl Scout experience for all families and volunteers. Girl Scout Voices Count is Girl Scouts of the USA’s annual survey to learn how girls, parents/caregivers, and troop leaders experience Girl Scouting. Be sure to check your email for the invitation to participate. April 22 is National Girl Scout Leaders Day Encourage your Girl Scouts to show their appreciation of troop leaders, troop support volunteers, and helpers by doing something special for them, like making a card or taking time out in a troop meeting to say “thank you.” Girls can also submit their troop leader shout outs to our blog. Recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for a Girl Scout Volunteer Recognition Award.  Nominations are due by March 31. Ways to thank your leader Bridging Ceremonies: Your Next Girl Scout Adventure Girl Scouts around the world are celebrating National Girl Scout Bridging Week May 3-9! Bridging is a longstanding tradition in Girl Scouting, where girls celebrate their achievements from the past year and look forward to the exciting new challenges in the year ahead. Why do we bridge? A bridge is something that crosses a gap and gives us access to new and exciting things to be discovered on the other side. Girl Scout bridging does the same thing. It gives girls the opportunity to make the leap from one level to the next! When girls bridge they have the opportunity to learn new skills (anything from outdoor cooking to robotics), take the concept of “girl-led” to new levels, and start working on one of Girl Scouting’s Highest Awards — the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. A Daisy who trades in her blue smock for that iconic brown vest will someday wear the vest of a Girl Scout Ambassador and work to earn her Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Once achieved, it shows colleges, employers, and her community that she’s out there changing the world! Troops can host their own bridging ceremonies, service units might plan a celebration, or join us for the statewide bridging event at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park on May 2. Email aimee.artzer@gscolorado.org to be added to the interest list for this event. Learn More Upcoming Events Mean Girls April 10 Discounted tickets for 7:30 p.m. performance. Troops will be seated together. Information about tickets will be posted to the GSCO events calendar late February 2020. Lion King May 30 and June 13 Discounted tickets for 2 p.m. performances. Troops will be seated together. Information on tickets will be posted to the GSCO events calendar spring 2020. Girl Scout Day at Dinosaur Resource Center March 7, Woodland Park All Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Leaders in uniform are FREE for this fun, interactive activity day! From 10 a.m.- 4p.m. enjoy stations throughout the center No registration required. Visitrmdrc.com for more information. Girl Scout Night at Disney on Ice March 20, Colorado Springs Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories at The Broadmoor World Arena Special Girl Scout section at the performance. Girl Scout Night with South Metro Fire Rescue March 30, 6-9 p.m., Parker Learn First-Aid with South Metro Fire’s First Responders, talk to firefighters about their jobs, and learn basic first aid skills. Registration will open in January. Disney on Ice presents Celebrate Memories April 3, Loveland Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories at Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch. Use promo code TROOP online for discount pricing to 7p.m. performance. Seating chart and flyer. Save the Date: CO Women’s Hall of Fame Patch Workshop April 4, Grand Junction Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to earn a Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame patch. This new patch program launched in January 2019 to provide girls across the state an opportunity to learn the stories of women who shaped Colorado and our nation’s history with courage, leadership, intelligence, and creativity. Secrets to Success April 18, Greeley What is your Secret to Success? Girls will have the unique opportunity to ask that question and many more of top local women leaders at our first Northern Colorado program. Any girl in grades 6-12 is invited to the program. Email carol.griffin@gscolorado.org to be added to the interest list. Share save the date flier now! Save the Date: Statewide Bridging at the Royal Gorge May 2, Cañon City Save the Date: Daisy Flower Garden Journey at Denver Botanic Gardens May 17, Denver Registration will open March 2020. #2020Connections #Connections

What did you do for your project? In my small community of Divide, the elementary schools have started to see preschoolers starting school lacking the six early literacy skills. These skills are said to be the starting base of what kids need to make them successful readers. A group of reading experts have determined that these six literacy skills are the building blocks for later success in reading and writing. Researchers have explained that kids who enter school with more of these skills better understood the information they receive in school. These skills include vocabulary; knowing the names of things; print motivation; a child’s interest in and enjoyment of a book, print awareness; learning that writing in English follows basic rules, narrative skills; being able to tell and understand a story, letter knowledge; learning that letters have names and are different from each other, and phonological awareness; the ability to hear and manipulate the smaller sounds in smaller words. With my satellite library, I hope to get kids interested in reading again and choose a book over a device. In hopes of this happening, there are many people who benefit from it. The schools benefit from the kids that come in knowing and/or having exposure to these key literacy skills. The parents benefit, having their kids get a jump start in school, and being eager about reading. But most importantly, kids benefit the most. They now have something that they love and no longer have to potentially struggle with school and feel like they are behind their peers. They will have the confidence to succeed in school and develop a life-long love of reading. How did you measure the impact your project made on your target audience? To measure the impact my project has made on the kids, I created a log sheet asking for their name, age, and how many books they took. This was an easy way for me to keep track of my project, but also making it fun for kids. The idea of the log came from the ideas of geocaching. In this case, they were getting books as their prizes. When I was younger, my brother and I got really interested in doing geocaching and it was always fun to see who the last poeple were to find it and how long ago they found it. This is something that I wanted to incoperate into my project to add to the fun. How is your project sustainable? How will it continue to impact after your involvement? The Rampart Library District, Community Partners of Teller County, and Summit Elementary have committed to sustaining books and filling the library. Every three months, a volunteer from one of these organizations has agreed to check on the library, rotate books, and fill if necessary. The Rampart Library District has agreed to incorporate it into different programs throughout the year such as their summer reading program. Community Partners will promote it through its different programs and resources. Summit Elementary will promote it through their literacy nights, as well as putting a flyer out for homeschoolers. All organizations have agreed to donate books to the library with Rampart Library primarily managing donations. What did you learn about yourself? This project pushed me way out of my comfort zone. I had to do some things that I have never been comfortable doing and take on something bigger than ever. I learned that I could do anything that I set my mind to even when things don’t go the way things are planned. Over the time it has taken me to complete this project, I have run into numerous things that have set me back and didn’t nearly go the way they were planned to go. But, that’s the thing about life, things rarely go smoothly or in a straight line. I think this project showed me the kind of leader I can be. I love helping people and making things better. I wanted to be able to inspire people about my passion and I was able to do that. How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? Something this project has taught me is how to take lead. We can’t always stand back and wait for someone else to take the lead and tell us what to do. I think one of the hardest parts of these projects was having to do everything on my own. There were a lot of roadblocks that were hit and it was up to me to get past them and enroll others to support. There was no one telling me what to do or how to fix things when they didn’t work out. Basically, I couldn’t have someone help me and hold my hand the entire way. I think this has helped grow my leadership skills immensely. I am no longer intimidated by adults and asking for support. I am okay with leading people that are older than me. For a long time, I have always been used to being told what I am supposed to do and following their leadership. This has helped me become a better leader. I can take this into my future and college. Additionally, this project has helped with my public speaking skills. I am a better public speaker because of the number of times I needed to get in front of people and groups to promote my project. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your girl scout experience? I feel the the Gold Award was a huge key piece in my Girl Scout experience and my leadership skills as a whole. I will tell you it is not an easy task, but when you finally reach the end, you get to say that you made a mark that is huge. I wanted to make a mark on my community and leave something behind to better my community. My Gold Award taught me so much about myself and the world. It taught me that helping others was a huge part of what I valued in my life and I wanted to further that into college and eventually my career. How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? I became a G.I.R.L. in expanding every one of these skills- one of the biggest things being a go-getter. I learned that if you want something to happen or you want to see change happen, you can’t stand around and wait for it to happen. If you really want something to change you, have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take the risk. You have to be a go-getter and get what you want. There were a lot of roadblocks that stood in my way from making this project possible, but I learned very quiclky that I wasn’t going to let that stop me. **IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication, and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org. #GoldAward #HighestAwards #WoodlandParkHighSchool #satellitelibrary #Divide #GoldAwardGirlScout #literacy #GirlScoutGoldAward #TakeAction #PikesPeak