Have you heard the buzz about the revitalization of the Girl Scout Trailblazer and Mariner programs ?!? These programs have been a part of Girl Scouts’ bold history since as early as 1934 and we are excited to see this revitalization. While Girl Scouts of the USA has released a pin and some guidelines for the program, it is now up to councils to develop the program to meet the needs of girls in their area while ensuring there is a strong support structure for the programs. Currently, Girl Scouts of Colorado is in the process of developing our support structure for the programs. We are spending Summer 2020 to build a cohesive structure that can support girls from across the state of Colorado. In the meantime, here is a little bit of information about the programs to get you even more excited. What is the Girl Scout Trailblazer Program? The Girl Scout Trailblazer Program is designed for Girl Scouts in grades 8 through 12 who are looking for an opportunity to engage deeply in high-adventure outdoor activities in a broad range of modalities, geographies, and climates. Trailblazers develop skills in diverse hiking styles, camping, orienteering methods, outdoor preparedness, and high-adventure sports. What is the Girl Scout Mariner Program? The Girl Scout Mariner Program is designed for Girl Scouts in grades 8 through 12 who are looking for an opportunity to engage deeply in water-focused activities. As Mariners, girls develop skills in swimming, safety and rescue, boating, and weather and navigation. What type of experience is required? There are no prerequisites for joining a Trailblazer/Mariner troop other than an interest and willingness to complete the requirements of the pin within the first year of being part of the program. Is this a troop or an event or what? These programs are intended to be run just like a troop. Girls are encouraged to participate in the full Girl Scout Program (earning badges, Product Program, Highest Awards, etc.), but through the lends of the program’s focus. Will I be responsible for my own supplies? Great question and we do not quite have the answer yet. We want to make sure Trailblazer and Mariner troops have the support they need, but we must develop the best way to do this in a statewide capacity. Please make sure to list any additional comments about this in our online interest form (link below). Sound like something you might be interested in? Complete our interest form (https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/trailblazer_mariner_troop_interest_form) and we will keep you in the loop when this program is launched in Fall 2020. #GirlScoutMarinerProgram #GirlScoutMariner #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #GSUSA #Trailblazer #GirlScoutTrailblazerProgram #MarinerProgram #GirlScoutTrailblazer #Mariner #CouncilNews #TrailblazerProgram

Update as of March 16, 2020: These events have been cancelled. If we are able to reschedule, we will let you know. 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 badge. Girls also have the opportunity to earn a FREE* badge 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 her badge for FREE*.  Just have a parent/caregiver or troop leader fill out this online notification form. This form will close on July 1, 2020 and badges will be mailed to the address provided. Badges are earned by Girl Scouts and must be completed according to the appropriate program level. Check out the online Badge Explorer for specific badge requirements for each program level. With a shared purpose of encouraging exploration, Girl Scouts and The North Face understand the importance of providing the next generation of girls, regardless of socioeconomic status, with outdoor adventure experiences. By giving girls the opportunity to experience the outdoors, Girl Scouts and The North Face hope to enhance leadership skills and confidence in young girls, while encouraging them to seek new challenges through outdoor adventure. You can participate in more than one Trail Adventure meet-up and share this exciting opportunity with your Girl Scout sisters who haven’t attended meet-up or aren’t signed up to attend one. All upcoming Trail Adventures are listed below and open for registration on the GSCO Events Calendar. Please complete one online form for each Girl Scout or group of Girl Scouts completing the badge on the same day. For example, one form for girls who complete their badge on May 10, 2020 and one form for girls who complete their badge on June 7, 2020. * This opportunity is made possible by a generous grant from The North Face. Only registered Girl Scouts ages 5-18 may receive a free badge upon participation in a GSCO-sponsored Trail Adventure meet-up in May 2020 and completion all of program level-appropriate badge-earning requirements by July 1, 2020.  Troops may complete badgework together or Girl Scouts may earn individually. Check the Events Page for registration Saturday, May 2- Royal Gorge Overlook Loop (after National Bridging Event) Sunday, May 3- Mica Mines Trail Sunday, May 3- Mallory Cave Saturday, May 16- Mount Falcon Park Upper Loop Saturday,May 16- Red Rocks Canyon, Mesa/Greenlee Sunday, May 17- Minnequa Lake Trail Sunday, May 17- Washington Park Loop Saturday, May 23- Holy Bucket Miramonte Rim Loop Saturday, May 23- Mount Margaret Trail Saturday, May 23- Browns Creek Waterfall Trail Sunday, May 24- Pulpit Rock Park Loop Sunday, May 24- Green Mountain West Trail #GSCOevents #TrailAdventurebadge #Communitypartnerships #funddevelopment #communitypartners #TrailAdventureMeetups2020 #TheNorthFace #TrailAdventureMeetups

Submitted by Megan Gallagher Metro Denver Denver Bring your Girl Scout troop and spend a night at Denver Zoo! Girl Scouts will earn their badge through a very special experience! You and your troop will explore the Zoo and its exhibits, learn about different animals, and participate in activities that support badge work. Cost Child: $58 per Girl Scout Adult Chaperone: $58 per adult (One leader per troop is free) Other Girl Scout Bunk with the Beasts Programs available: Daisies: Three Cheers for Animals Brownies: Senses Pets Juniors: Animal Habitats Multi-Level: Go Nocturnal Multi-Level: Mother’s Day Bunk and Breakfast For dates and registration visit: https://www.denverzoo.org/scout-bunks 40963104_2020_girl_scout_flyer This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Communitypartnerships #Denver #DenverZoo #communitypartners #BunkwiththeBeasts #MetroDenver

What did you do for your Gold Award project? I created a multi- faceted workshop targeted toward middle school and high school aged students. The workshop was designed to first educate students on some of the many human/ environment conflicts that are ongoing in the world and why, and secondly to engage students in small group discussions and empower them to problem solve to determine possible all- party solutions to these conflicts. The project was presented to both the local Cheyenne Mountain Zoo teen program (of which I have long been a part), and the second annual Youth Leadership in Conservation conference (hosted at CMZ), which is a national conference for teens interested in conservation and animals. How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience? The impact on my audience was measured by post session surveys, change in mindsets/ attitudes of participants, and personal feedback forms completed after the workshop session. The post session surveys asked about things such as what participants had learned/ taken away from the workshop, if their thoughts or attitudes about any of these topics had changed, and what series of action steps they could individually take to help make a difference for conservation. Additionally, the personal feedback forms revolved around the actual content, organization, set up, and process of my workshop session. Furthermore, several participants informed me post conference that they had shared ideas from my presentation with their zoo education staff members across the country. How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement? This project is sustainable because the entire curriculum fits into a reusable kit that can be easily transportable and includes instructions so that anyone who wants to present it would be able to. All content materials are laminated and in the lesson are filled out with whiteboard markers, to use paper sustainably and cut down on the amount being used. Additionally, any participants who asked for my PowerPoint presentation or pictures of curriculum materials were able to take documentation of my project, with the intention of presenting something similar with either their teen programs, or just to speak with their family, friends, and communities about my project and its contents. What is your project’s global and/or national connection? My project encompasses both a national and global connection. The national connection stems from the conference attendees who attended the zoo’s teen conference (from 7+ states) who took pieces of my project home with them to share with their communities. The global connection stems from the range of topics and research sources I used in which impacts many communities and ecosystems throughout the world. Some of the local zoo staff members I worked with to gain a research base have worked with international conservation efforts and organizations and used insight and knowledge from that to help me fuel my project. What did you learn about yourself? I learned many things about myself, including the development and improvement of many personal skills. I developed confidence when public speaking and I learned how critical it is to maintain an open mind and be able to maturely receive feedback and criticism. I learned that I do possess the kind of committed and driven attitude needed to undertake and successfully complete a large project like the Girl Scout Gold Award. I additionally learned about how serious the importance of time management is, as I learned the hard way a few times while completing this project. How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? This Gold Award project will impact me in the future, because it showed me what aspect of conservation I really am passionate about, and has allowed me to shift what I want to pursue in college in the next couple years. This project is something that I will be able to build upon in my career to help make a difference in the world for conservation and global communities alike. Additionally, Gold Awards are regarded highly in college applications and on job resumes, so having earned my Gold Award may allow me to have more opportunities and advantages in the working world. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience? Completing and earning the Gold Award was one of the most important parts of my 11 years in Girl Scouts, because it showed me how I can use a team of people who care about me and my efforts, in addition to my passion for leadership to create something truly inspiring. Being a Girl Scout my whole life has helped me to believe that I can make a difference in the world if I set my mind to something, and this experience showed me just how possible this was. How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? Even though this Gold Award project helped me to become all the traits of being a G.I.R.L., the one that sticks out to me the most is go- getter. Undertaking and completing this project helped me to realize that even though I am only a teenager, I can accomplish great things, and have the power to enact change for something I really care about. It helped me to develop a new sense of unwavering determination for long term projects with delayed results, but I’ve learned how worth it is. **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 #GirlScoutColoradoAward #WilliamJPalmerHighSchool #TakeAction #YouthLeadershipinConservationconference #PikesPeak #CheyenneMountainZoo

Take the lead on February 22, 2020 to celebrate World Thinking Day with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 countries! (That’s one big celebration!) Promoted by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), along with Girl Scouts across the USA, World Thinking Day originated in 1926 when delegates from around the globe met at Camp Edith Macy—now called Edith Macy Conference Center—in New York state. Every year since, World Thinking Day has called Girl Scouts and Girl Guides to join together and take part in activities that promote changing the world for the better. This year’s World Thinking Day theme is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; check out our activity guides to explore many different ways girls can be leaders and create the change they want to see in the world—and celebrate being part of the global sisterhood that is Girl Scouts and Girl Guides! Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Guide Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Guide The GSCO Global Action Committee also wants to hear from you about your exciting plans for World Thinking Day. If you are planning a World Thinking Day celebration, please fill out this form so the Global Action Committee can compile data and help you make your celebration the best it can be! More updates from the GSCO Global Action Committee! New Global Girl Scout flyer available The Global Action Committee is thrilled to launch an updated flyer about all the global opportunities available to Girl Scouts. Available online through the Global section of anytime activities. #GlobalGirlScouts #WorldAssociationofGirlGuidesandGirlScouts #GSCOevents #WAGGGS #WorldAssociationofGirlGuidesandGirlScoutsWAGGGS #GSCOGlobalActionCommittee #2020WorldThinkingDay #WorldThinkingDay

This event has been cancelled as of Monday, March 9, 2020. Girl Scout Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes are invited to learn first-aid with South Metro Fire’s first responders, talk with firefighters about their jobs, and learn basic first-aid skills to earn your “First Aid” badge. Date: Monday, March 30, 2020 Time: 6 -9 p.m. Location: South Metro Fire and Rescue Training Center 17801 E. Plaza Drive Parker 80134 Registration End Date: Thursday, March 12 Program Levels: Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Adult/Volunteers Girl fee: $5, includes first-aid kit and badge or patch Register now: https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/first_aid_with_south_metro_fire_rescue_md_03_30_2020 Stations will include: How to get help from 911 Talk to someone who treats injured persons Basic first-aid kit Clean minor injuries Prevent/treat outdoor injuries (bee stings) Shock types Weather injuries (hypo and hyperthermia) First-Aid kit and badges are included in the cost of the workshop. Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the activities! A basic liability waiver will need to be submitted for each girl upon check in at the event. This is not a drop-off event. All Girl Scouts must attend with her parent/guardian or troop leaders. Adult to girl ratios for events must be met. Troop Leaders: we suggest registering troops individually. If you have any questions about this event or have trouble completing registration, please contact inquiry@gscolorado.org or 877-404-5708. #GSCOevents #Communitypartnerships #Denver #SouthMetroFireRescue #communitypartners #firstaid #badge #MetroDenver #FirstAidbadge

Dads are an important part of the Girl Scouts of Colorado Cookie Team. That’s why we honor dads who help Girl Scouts all across Colorado meet their goals. If your Cookie Dad is the best, write a short essay about what he does that is so awesome and submit it through the Share Your Stories form on the Girl Scouts of Colorado blog. Be sure to include a photo of him, preferably involved in a Girl Scout Cookies-related activity. However, any photo will do. You may also submit a link to a YouTube or Vimeo video. All submissions must be received by March 10, 2020. The best stories will be shared on the Girl Scouts of Colorado blog and social media networks. We also have a special prize for the best submissions to show dad just how much we appreciate him for being part of the Girl Scouts of Colorado Cookie Team. If you have questions, please email GSCO Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.

Submitted by Gabriella Grieve Metro Denver Sedalia Attention Girl Scout Juniors! Earn your “Horsemanship” badge with Inspiring Strides at a three-hour clinic in 2020. Learn everything horse related and complete all requirements to earn your badge. The clinic will cover everything including grooming, handling, arena etiquette, horse anatomy, tack anatomy, horse behavior, and riding! To register, please email Gabriella Grieve at Inspiring Strides at inspiringstridesco@gmail.com. The registration process does include a liability release waiver, photo release, and safety rules form. Dates: February 9, 16, 23, and March 1 Time: 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Registration Deadline: One week prior to clinic. Class has maximum space for six participants, so please register early! Cost: $50 / rider Clinic is held in an outdoor arena, so please wear weather-appropriate, as well as horse appropriate, attire. Long pants and closed toe shoes are mandatory. Bicycle helmets are not appropriate for riding, so please only bring ASTM approved helmets. If you do not have an ASTM approved helmet, there will be some available for riders. For more information about Inspiring Strides visit us on Facebook or Instagram using the handle @inspiringstridesco Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out via email at the above address or through phone at (303) 495-9259. Hope to see you there! This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Horsemanshipbadge #GSCOevents #Horsemanship #Communitypartnerships #InspiringStrides #GirlScoutJunior #GirlScoutJuniors #Junior #Sedalia #communitypartners #horses #badge #Juniors #MetroDenver

Submitted by Nancy Mucklow Mountain Communities Steamboat Springs On a recent snowy afternoon, Steamboat’s Girl Scout Junior Troop 56342 wrapped up their work on the “Snow Adventure” and “Animal Habitats” badges by taking a snowshoe outing with a Yampatika guide. The very knowledgeable naturalist taught the girls about identifying animal tracks in the snow. “Meg and the staff at Yampatika were so welcoming and helpful and the girls had a really great time,” said troop co-leader Lisa Thornhill. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Snowshoe #outdoors #Yampatika #GirlScoutJunior #GirlScoutJuniors #Junior #SteamboatSprings #MountainCommunites #Juniors #gsoutdoors #badges

Girl Scout Camp is a place for ALL girls, where they can live their best life, answer the call to adventure, grow in confidence, and discover their power to change the world! For summer 2020, your girl can hike to the top of a mountain, star in an all-camp skit, spend the night in a hammock, or steer a canoe. She’ll try new things, push herself, and embrace challenges. Girl Scouts of Colorado has sessions designed for girls entering first grade through seniors in high school at both Sky High Ranch near Colorado Springs and Tomahawk Ranch southwest of Denver. Overnight camp sessions are three days, six days, or two weeks. Registration begins at 9 a.m. January 23 on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website at camp.girlscoutsofcolorado.org. Exciting sessions and camps are available, including: “Camp Rocks” at Tomahawk Ranch- Girls will go on a rockin’ adventure that includes climbing, exploring a Colorado mine, and discovering the wonders of a cave. While at camp, they’ll learn about the natural geology and formation of rocks and minerals, discover the magic of triboluminescence, grow crystals, and collect rocks and minerals to take home. “Legendary Warriors” at Sky High Ranch – Girl Scouts will learn self-defense, archery, and survival skills, as well as spend a night sleeping under the stars and practicing ancient meditation. “Valkyrie” at Tomahawk Ranch- Older Girl Scouts will learn survival skills, first aid, and self-defense techniques, as well as try target sports, dabble in sword fighting, and build fires. Finally, they’ll showcase their new skills on horseback. “Kayaking Adventure” at Sky High Ranch is the ultimate flatwater kayaking adventure! Older Girl Scouts will pack their paddles (and bags) for a 6-day, out-of-state trip to the Grand Tetons or Yellowstone National Parks. The entire summer camp schedule is posted on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website (http://www.camp.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/). Register early. Some sessions fill in just a few hours! Girl Scouts of Colorado also offers day camp, family camp, and troop camp adventures throughout the state. #summercamp #SkyHighRanch #GirlScoutCamp #TomahawkRanch #summercamp2020 #camp #2020campregistration #campregistration

The “Bling Your Booth” Challenge is back and in 2020, you could win up to $200 in Cookie Credits! Here’s how to bling your booth: Pick a theme, like G.I.R.L., the new Lemon-Ups Girl Scout Cookie, your cookie goal, girl power, or glitz and glam — it’s up to you! Use cool color combinations. Create fun posters with your cookie goals, lots of awesome pictures, and maybe add balloons! Dress up and use colored lights to invite customers to a cookie party. Add anything that makes your booth stand out from the crowd. Most importantly: Have fun! Here are some rules to follow: Take a photo of your troop in action at your booth. Email your photo, along with a brief story, troop number, and your cookie goal, to Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. You can also share your photo on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Be sure to tag Girl Scouts of Colorado. Submit your entry by February 18, 2020! All of the entries will be uploaded to the Girl Scouts of Colorado Facebook page and be part of the album: Bling Your Booth Challenge 2020. Tell your friends and family to vote for your entry by simply clicking “like” or reacting to it. The photo that receives the most likes and reactions by February 27 at 9 a.m. wins! First Prize: $200 in Cookie Credits Second Prize: $100 in Cookie Credits Third Prize: $50 in Cookie Credits If you have questions, email GSCO Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #BlingYourBooth #2020GirlScoutCookieProgram #BlingYourBoothChallenge #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #CookieContest #2020BlingYourBoothChallenge

Selling Girl Scout Cookies online? Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the tools, which Digital Cookie gives you, to be creative and customize your website, like creating and uploading a video. In addition to attracting more customers and increasing sales, your video could earn you $200 in Cookie Credits! To enter this year’s “Best Cookie Video Contest,” just email your video, along with a brief story and your cookie goal, to Public Relations Director, AnneMarie Harper, at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. If your video is too large to send via email, you can send a DropBox or Google drive link. All entries must be received by February 13, 2020. Afterwards, they will be uploaded to the Girl Scouts of Colorado YouTube account. The video that receives the most “thumbs up” by February 25 at 9 a.m. wins! *** Note: You must send the original file for your video to be included. Links to videos hosted on YouTube sites other than GSCO will not be accepted. First Prize: $200 in Cookie Credits Second Prize: $100 in Cookie Credits Third Prize: $50 in Cookie Credits Girl Scouts 12-years-old and younger can have a parent help them make their video. Videos submitted by Girl Scouts 13-years-old and older must be girl-done. VIDEOS CANNOT CONTAIN ANY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL. #BestCookieVideo #2020GirlScoutCookieProgram #BestCookieVideocontest #cookies #2020BestCookieVideocontest #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #cookiecontests