Submitted by Barbara Light Metro Denver Aurora Troop 71 of Aurora invites you to our third annual Race like a G.I.R.L. powder puff derby on April 29, 2019. Our girls enjoyed racing their cars so much that they continue to put this event on even after our initial purpose. We started this as a way for our troop to break stereotypes on their Junior “aMuse” Journey. The girls looked at car racing from a STEM perspective, with a creative mind in product design, and it became a fun night to share with friends and family. The girls design a pinewood derby car that they will race and can even vote on best car designs. This event has helped girls earn badges from all levels and continues to inspire more learning. We hope you join in on fun this year. Register by going to the Events Calendar on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website. The deadline to register is April 26. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Journey #aMuseJourney #PowderPuffDerby #GSCOevents #STEM #Aurora #amuse #MetroDenver

Submitted by Kortni Houle Metro Denver Parker I love selling cookies every year and earning all the stuffies. I worked so hard this year and I far surpassed my original goal. This year, I sold more cookies than the past three years combined. I am so excited for the rewards this year and I love being able to send cookies to troops overseas. I am a go-getter! I went to eight booths to keep increasing my goal to 625! We stood out in the cold and delivered cookies all over. Girl Scouts of Colorado is hosting a photo challenge! Just submit your favorite Girl Scout photo and the story behind it using the Share Your Stories form (www.gscoblog.org/share). Winners will be featured in future GSCO marketing materials, on GSCO’s social media networks, and on the GSCO Blog. #Parker #GSCOphotochallenge #cookies #2019GSCOphotochallenge #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #MetroDenver #PowerofCookies #2019GirlScoutCookieProgram #GIRLstories

Submitted by Ellie Barry Metro Denver Parker My own daughter bridged to Brownies, wearing my old Brownie uniform tee. When she was still in preschool and liked to watch “Max and Ruby,” she asked me when she would get to be a Girl Scout. She didn’t know that I used to be a leader before she was born. She didn’t know that I had been a Girl Scout when I was a girl. She didn’t know that her grandmother had been a Girl Scout. She didn’t know that her great-grandmother had been a Girl Scout. I’m so happy she’s enjoying being a Girl Scout! Girl Scouts of Colorado is hosting a photo challenge! Just submit your favorite Girl Scout photo and the story behind it using the Share Your Stories form (www.gscoblog.org/share). Winners will be featured in future GSCO marketing materials, on GSCO’s social media networks, and on the GSCO Blog. #2019GSCOphotochallenge #GSCOphotochallenge #MetroDenver #Parker

It’s that time of year again when the Outdoor Program team finds new spaces and makes new sessions of our most popular camps! The new sessions and additional spaces are available starting on March 21, 2019 at 9 a.m. If your girl is not yet registered for camp, she can sign up for these sessions by visiting our camper application at https://girlscoutsco.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/camper/App. If your girl is already registered for a session and would like to switch to a new session, please email registrars@gscolorado.org. All prices listed are Early Bird pricing, if camp is paid in full by April 30. New sessions: SH165 – Unicorns and Mermaids – Juniors – June 16-21 – $700 With a flip of your tail or the beat of your hooves, head to Sky High to meet new friends from under the sea and the magical forests. You and your new two-legged friends will become mermaids or unicorns for the week and have all kinds of magical adventures! Make your own bubble wands, spend time at the pond swimming, meet our other magical four-legged creatures, and go on a scavenger hunt for hidden treasure. You may need to get your human legs back to make treasure slime or shoot some arrows! This camp includes a one-hour off-site trail ride. This camp does not include the zip line. You’ll stay in a heated cabin with bunks and mattresses. Bathroom facilities are outhouses with water troughs. New spaces added: SH31 – SHR Sampler – Juniors – June 30 – July 2 – $325 Sample all that Sky High has to offer: learn the art of aiming at archery and take a trip on the zip! You’ll make a fun craft and new friends. Take a nature hike on the way to Upper Pond, where you will paddle your way across in a canoe or kayak. You must be a minimum of 60 lbs. to ensure you don’t get stuck mid-zip. You’ll stay in platform tents with cots and mattresses. Bathroom facilities are outhouses with water troughs. SH35 – Crafty Camper – Juniors – July 7-9 – $325 Do you have a love of crafting? Then head to Sky High to sample some of the many crafts camp has to offer! Decorate horseshoes, learn to make a friendship bracelet with embroidery string, and create your own pottery! Learn how to make a candle, a corn husk doll, and even a survival keychain out of paracord! You’ll get to use paint, glitter, glue, ribbon…the possibilities are endless! This camp does not include the zip line. You’ll stay in a heated cabin with bunks and mattresses. Bathroom facilities are outhouses with water troughs. SH38 – #SlimeTime – Juniors – July 10-12 – $325 Exploding watermelons, sparkly slime, goofy skits and water bottle flips! Are you ready to put all those fun online videos into action? Choose a fun and exciting how-to video to share with your new friends and learn how to do it while you’re at camp! Get ready for a fun week of crafty chaos! Parents: This camp includes internet safety curriculum. This camp does not include the zip line. You’ll stay in a heated cabin with bunks and mattresses. Bathroom facilities are outhouses with water troughs. SH39 – Avengers – Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors – July 10-12 – $325 Get ready for an adventure of super heroic proportions! You will transform into an avenger, villain, or superhero of your dreams and dress the part too! You will create logos and design masks and costumes to create the perfect secret identity. Then head down to the low ropes course where you’ll use your super powers to discover your own personal “super self.” Finally, zip down to the lodge for an epic kitchen raid heist! You must be 60 lbs. to ensure you do not get stuck mid-zip. You’ll stay in a heated cabin with bunks and mattresses. Bathroom facilities are outhouses with water troughs. SH57 – Painted Ponies – Juniors – July 21-26 – $700 Farm animals are what it’s all about! Spend your days with Sky High’s animals, grooming and feeding them. Enjoy making yummy farm treats and crafts, including ice cream, butter, horseshoes and candles. This camp includes a one-hour off-site horseback trail ride. This camp does not include the zip line. You’ll stay in a heated cabin with bunks and mattresses. Bathroom facilities are outhouses with water troughs. TR31 – Great TR Bake Off – July 7-18 – $1250 On your mark, get set, BAKE! Compete in daily baking challenges and learn new skills to become the ultimate Tomahawk baking champion. Test your technical baking abilities and showstopping designs. We can’t wait to see the sweet treat creations which will tantalize the taste buds. There will be plenty of time for other fun camp activities. You’ll stay in a cabin with equipped bathrooms and showers. TR37 – Dream Team – July 7-18 – $1550 Create a camp experience especially designed for you and your friends! Activities may include, but are not limited to, horseback riding, pool adventures, archery, outdoor cooking, hiking, creating crafts, playing sports, campouts, stargazing, roasting marshmallows around a campfire, spa nights, and more! You may even venture off camp for fun opportunities which may arise (these trips are girl-planned), including an off-site trip to experience a local zip line tour! You’ll stay in a seasonal cabin with a detached bathhouse. Additional program levels added: Now open to Juniors: SH37 – Elephants Don’t Eat Peanuts – Brownies/Juniors – July 10-12 – $325 Welcome to the Sky High Sahara, where the elephants roam! Dress up as your favorite elephant (or animal) as you join our Pachyderm Parade and dance party. Head down to the farm to meet our own “elephant herd,” and feed them a snack (not peanuts!). Create your own elephant to take home… because elephants never forget how much fun camp is! This camp does not include the zip line. You’ll stay in a heated cabin with bunks and mattresses. Bathroom facilities are outhouses with water troughs. Now open to Seniors and Ambassadors: TR34 – Outpost – Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors – July 7-18 – $1350 Develop your camping skills such as outdoor cooking, orienteering, shelter building, and backpacking. You will spend multiple nights in an off-site, primitive camp site and set up your own tent, cook your own meals and backpack. Campers will earn their Trailblazing badge. Campers should be comfortable living and sleeping in a rustic “survival” setting. At camp, you’ll stay a few nights in seasonal cabins, but the majority of nights are spent sleeping in pitch tents/hammocks. #summercamp #SkyHighRanch #GirlScoutCampregistration #GirlScoutCamp #TomahawkRanch #GirlScoutCamp2019 #camp #campregistration

Silver Award Girl Scout Maddie G. of Grand Junction delivered 50 “Foster Love Bags,” which she created for children entering foster care, to Ariel Clinical Services on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Maddie knows first-hand about the needs children in foster care have because her own family has served as a foster family for three years. When children come to live with foster families through Ariel Clinical services, they come with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This bothered Maddie and she wanted to help. Foster families have to buy everything for these children from toiletries to toys and games. With these bags, children can immediately have their OWN belongings and have their basic needs met. Included in the bags are two books that Maddie selected specifically because they teach children it is OK to be different and that they can be who they are, because they are special. Also included is a toothbrush/toothpaste, comb, journal, playing cards, a blanket, lip balm, and stuffed animal. Maddie contacted local businesses and friends to help gather items for the bags. She hopes they give the children a positive start when they enter foster care. Through this project, Maddie will earn the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest honor for Girl Scout Cadettes. Thanks to 11News/KKCO-TV in Grand Junction for joining Maddie for the delivery and sharing the story with their viewers. #Cadette #GirlScoutCadette #fostercare #HighestAwards #SilverAward #oldergirls #Cadettes #GrandJunction #SilverAwardGirlScout #GirlScoutCadettes #ArielClinicalServices #WesternColorado #TakeAction

Metro Denver Aurora The APhA-ASP Women’s Health Initiative at the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy is excited to announce our fourth annual “Becoming a Girl: Preventative Health Workshop”  on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9 a.m. – noon. Workshops will include body image, nutrition, bullying, medication safety, stress management, and exercise/dance! Please RSVP by April 5 on this sign-up link: https: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfegva-LF4MJKO85nZ1EGHXvMxlVeLY1aNoG9vScjZnUO-2iQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2qRfszIZ9MP3r4C1eMLADh3spJS_RLgW-s-lYpEj0gOq7p-X8IU0S32nA The link also includes a map of how to get to our campus, where to park, and who to contact if you have any questions or concerns. Several girls approached me at the workshop last year and expressed how much they valued and enjoyed this opportunity. We hope your troops can learn something new (and have some fun) with us on April 27! They will get patches for attending! If you have any questions please contact: Nashel Patel at nashel.patel@ucdenver.edu (415) 637 – 6411 or Tracie Vanhorn at tracie.vanhorn@ucdenver.edu (719) 650 – 1744. Becoming a Girl Workshop This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #GSCOevents #Communitypartnerships #Aurora #CUSkaggsSchoolofPharmacy #communitypartners #MetroDenver

Submitted by Jordan Cook Pikes Peak Colorado Springs Our troop had a swim party with our service unit. I love to swim. It is my favorite thing to do. Swimming is great exercise. When it is winter in Colorado, we have to swim at indoor pools because it is too cold outside. In the summer, we go to outdoor pools. Girl Scouts of Colorado hosts a pool party at Pirates Cove each year. We try to go every time. The games we play in the lazy river are my favorite. It is the best when we are able to meet friends or bring a group because we have more girls to play with. Girl Scouts of Colorado is hosting a photo challenge! Just submit your favorite Girl Scout photo and the story behind it using the Share Your Stories form (www.gscoblog.org/share). Winners will be featured in future GSCO marketing materials, on GSCO’s social media networks, and on the GSCO Blog. #PiratesCove #GSCOphotochallenge #ColoradoSprings #Communitypartnerships #2019GSCOphotochallenge #communitypartners #PikesPeak

Submitted by Frieda Knezek Southwestern CO Mancos “What did you do this weekend?” “Oh, you know. We went to space and touched the moon. We stirred up dirt on Mars. We strolled through the space shuttle and ate lunch with astronaut Mark “Roman” Polansky, who told us what space smells like (hot metal, in case you’re wondering). We made it snow, built a rocket, and, best of all, made some new friends. (Hi, Frisco Cadettes!)” A few years ago, after a particularly fun overnight trip to the aquarium and zoo in Denver, our troop decided they were ready for something a little bigger. So, we did some research and narrowed it down to a visit to Disney or NASA. The girls chose NASA, so that they could eat lunch with a real astronaut. Together, we made a plan, a plan to be go-getters. We figured out how much it would cost, and how we’d earn that money. Then, the girls rolled up their sleeves and got busy. They sold cookies, so many cookies, but also wanted to do something more so they could go on their trip sooner. Innovators that they are, they hosted a Fall Color Run and created a mystery troop camp for Girl Scouts all over Colorado and even from Texas! Right about now, I’d really like to say how grateful I am for the moms in our troop. They are a powerful force all their own, and they lead this troop every bit as much as I do. I call them the magic. They have helped build an atmosphere, community, and energy in our troop that I didn’t know were possible, and it’s because of them that I feel confident in encouraging the girls to dream as big as they want. Back to the girls. It took them two years, but they did it. They were risk-takers and hard workers, and they made it happen. They paid for their trip…every cent. Friday, March 1, 2019, they boarded a plane to Houston, Texas, and the adventure began. They spent the day at the Johnson Space Center where they saw Mission Control, the astronaut training facility, the Orion capsule mock-up, rode a simulator into a nebula, and so much more. That night, they got to stay past closing hours for the Girl Scout Camp In, where they built and launched rockets, solved a mystery box, and slept under an astronaut out on a space walk! (Ok, that was an exhibit, but it was still breathtaking and inspiring and magnificent.) They ate space ice cream, hit the gift shop, and walked away with stars in their eyes. We topped off the trip with a “one-a-cure,” their choice of pedicure or manicure, and a movie. Everywhere we went, we met Girl Scouts of all ages and people who were thrilled to share in the girls’ adventure. We’re so proud to be a part of this magnificent organization that really throws the doors wide-open for girls and encourages them to dream big, work hard, and realize their visions. Thank you, Girl Scouts. Thank you for the G.I.R.L. Agenda, where they’re taught to be go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders. Here’s to the adventure, to the journey, and to a brighter future because of our girls… Girl Scouts of Colorado is hosting a photo challenge! Just submit your favorite Girl Scout photo and the story behind it using the Share Your Stories form (www.gscoblog.org/share). Winners will be featured in future GSCO marketing materials, on GSCO’s social media networks, and on the GSCO Blog. #PowerofCookie #GSCOphotochallenge #Mancos #NASA #STEM #cookies #SouthwesternCO #2019GSCOphotochallenge #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2019GirlScoutCookieProgram #GIRLstories

Submitted by Brianna Dzilvelis Metro Denver University of Denver Alpha Phi Omega at the University of Denver will be hosting our fourth annual Girl Scout University on Saturday, May 4, 2019. There is a morning session from 9 – 11 a.m. and an afternoon session from noon – 2 p.m. Each session costs $7.50, or a full day with two sessions for $15 per Girl Scout. This event is for Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes. There are four badge workshop options for Brownies, eight for Juniors, and eight for Cadettes. There are a variety of science, business, and arts badges. Parents are welcome to stay. We will have a room available for parents to relax, do work, or whatever they choose. We host this event, so we can help young girls with learning new skills and discovering new passions. During each session, Girl Scouts can complete badge requirements! Each session will be held by a college volunteer from our fraternity, and is a great experience for us as well! Badges are not included in the price of the workshop and will not be provided day of. Workshops will be in Sturm Hall (2000 E Asbury Ave, Denver, CO 80210). Registration is open now until April 27: https://girl-scout-university.cheddarup.com Email gsu@apo-alphaetaiota.org with questions/concerns. We look forward to seeing you there! #UniversityofDenver #GSCOevents #AlphaPhiOmega #MetroDenver #GirlScoutUniversity

What did you do for your Gold Award project? I created a treasure closet and toy check-out system at the Ronald McDonald House to give residents a more positive and developmental atmosphere.  The pre-assembled kits directed towards different age groups in the treasure closet and gifts new residents receive, provide long term entertainment, comfort, and growth. These systems made the Ronald McDonald House more home-like to scared residents. I also painted the area with fish and marine life to display a kid-friendly under-the-sea feeling which gave immediate comfort to new residents. How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience? The Ronald McDonald House has handed out 463 toys since my project began.  The kits are checked out daily. How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement? My project is being sustained at the current Southern Colorado Springs Ronald McDonald House. What is your project’s global and/or national connection? My project is addressing the comfort of patients and the healthcare crisis currently happening in the United States, as millions are insecure with constant care and comfort in their daily lives. To reach others across the country, I had my advisor at the Ronald McDonald House send the brochure of my project to all RMH volunteer coordinators across the nation in order to show how this project made a big impact to her location.  My project is also currently being implemented into the new North Colorado Springs Ronald McDonald House and at TESSA, a battered women’s shelter in Colorado Springs. What did you learn about yourself? I learned many things about myself and how to differently approach the world through my project. I had to think critically to overcome the storage issues in the treasure closet, as well as gained time management skills, and how to relate my time management skills to my team in order to complete the “construction” phase of my project. How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? Earning my Gold Award will continue to impact my life until I can no longer remember my project. I have proved to myself what I am capable of, and how to find and to address the needs of anyone and everyone I can. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience? I believe that the Gold Award was essential to my Girl Scout career, applying all the principles I had learned about from Daisies to Ambassadors. I also felt it necessary to give back to my community, and found that my Gold Award was the perfect opportunity. How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? My Gold Award has helped me become a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and a leader as I worked through my project. I became a leader on day one as I lead my team of over 20 people in order to complete my project. I became a go-getter on that same day as it was a huge leap of faith I was taking. Innovation was essential to the logistics and “construction” of my project and was gained as I worked through my project. I was a risk-taker through those innovations as well, using non-conventional solutions, proving myself a Gold Award recipient. **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 #LibertyHighSchool #ColoradoSprings #GoldAwardGirlScout #TakeAction #PikesPeak #RonaldMcDonaldHouse

Submitted by Susan Knott Northern & Northeastern CO Boulder Girl Scout Troop 7 is doing three Outdoor Skills Days with the opportunity to earn some badges. Tickets are going fast, but there are still some available for Saturday, April 13 and Saturday, May 4, 2019! If you want to know more, check out the document below that has all the info you need. Hope to see you there! Register now: https://sites.google.com/site/gsoutdoorskillsdayscolorado/ 40963104_outdoor_skills_days_flyer_2019 This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #boulder #GSCOevents #NorthernampNortheasternCO #OutdoorSkillsDays

Submitted by Marcia Roe Northern & Northeastern CO Meadow Mountain Ranch Program Level: Junior When: Saturday, April 6 or Sunday, April 7, 2019 Cost: $30 per Girl Scout Junior / $10 per Safety Wise Adult Registration Deadline: March 23 This event is a super fun way to earn your “Agent Of Change” Journey in a day! We will be doing the three parts of the Journey: The Power of One, The Power of Team, and the Power of Community. The girls will work in small groups, ultimately leading them with the tools to complete their Take Action project in their own communities. There will be team building, games, archery, and challenges built into the day. The day will not include receiving the physical badges for the Journey, as Girl Scouts will have one piece to complete on their own. Lunch is included, but if you have very specific food needs, we ask that you bring your own and talk to us about those needs so we are aware. The whole day is hero-themed. The girls end the event making a thank you pack for a real hero in their community, police, nurse, teacher, etc. to bring what they have learned back to their neighborhoods and thank someone who is a hero in their life. Questions? Email Marcia at ocmc1359@gmail.com. This program was designed by a team of Cadettes for their Silver Award and this is the third set of weekends that they have led younger Girl Scouts in how to grow in the Power of One, Team, and Community. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #journeyinaday #Journey #AgentofChangeJourney #NorthernampNortheasternCO #GirlScoutJunior #GirlScoutJuniors #Junior #GirlScoutCamp #MeadowMountainRanch #Juniors #AgentofChange #camp