Submitted by Melissa Hinton Pikes Peak Monument We are Hannah B. and Chloe W. from Cadette Troop 43107 in Monument. Our Silver Award project was creating a Lending Library to bring more reading into the community. Our goal was to share our love of reading with others and hopefully get others to enjoy reading as well. Our steps were to get permission to build the library, plan a structure, ask for donations, build the structure, and supply it with books. Overall, our project went pretty well; however, we did have some problems along the way. While doing the project, many things worked well in the process. Our steps that went really well were getting permission to build the library, planning the structure, and of course being able to finish the project on time. We were able to quickly set up a meeting with Tom Tharnish and Sadie Ernst, who work for the town of Monument. They promptly gave us to permission to build the Lending Library in Lavalette Park. When planning the structure, we used the Free Little Lending Library website, which had dozens of easily accessible plans we could have chosen from to build our library. We ended up combining two of their plans into one structure and making it our own. Having the opportunity to work in a woodshop at Mountain Ridge Middle School really helped us be able to have an easier experience building the library. We were also very lucky to have finished the project on time and for it to have turned out so well. Although our project had many things that went well, it was not without things that didn’t go as planned. When we were looking for donations and building the structure, things didn’t go as we would have thought. It took us more time than expected to get donations; we ended up having to go to three stores before receiving the majority of our donations. While building, we ended up having to put on more layers of paint than what we had thought. We also had to do a second layer of shingles because we didn’t put on the first layer correctly. During the project, we learned many lessons. One of the lessons that we learned was to ask for donations from a store, and to also host a money-earning activity to earn more money for the project. We also learned a couple of lessons about building and woodworking such as: how to cut big pieces of plywood and how to install plexiglass. We also learned to take our time on painting and do more than one layer. We learned to plan proper placements for shingles before nailing them onto the roof of the Lending Library. Overall, we immensely enjoyed doing our Silver Award project and although not everything went as planned, we still took away many lessons. We learned not only how to build a Lending Library, but huge life lessons that we can use in future experiences that come our way. In the end, we accomplished our goal to bring more reading into our community. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #HighestAwards #SilverAward #Monument #TakeAction #PikesPeak

I created a music tutoring program for elementary and middle school musicians run by members of my high school’s Music Honor Society to help emphasize and educate about the importance of music and music education. How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience? I compared the enrollment numbers from the orchestra classes in 2017-18 school year and the 2018-19 school year. How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement? My project is sustainable because it is run by the members of my high school’s Music National Honor Society. The president of next year will be in charge, and so on and so forth. It will continue to help increase the participation in music programs, as well as helping to educate the importance of music and music education. What is your project’s global and/or national connection? I communicated with the Program Coordinator for the head of the National Music Honor Society, and they were able to obtain information about my project to post it on their websites and have workshops on how to effectively teach music. This enables it to now be a national music tutoring program. What did you learn about yourself? I learned that I can communicate with large groups of people. I spoke in front of an audience of 300 people, and it was really inspiring to see how you can connect with so many people at once, and how you know that they can all feel your passion for a project. How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? Earning my Gold Award will help me step forward with confidence in the future. I know that I can do anything, if I set a plan and work towards it. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience? I think that if I had not completed the Gold Award, Girl Scouts would not have been such an important part of my life. This project helped me spread the awareness of something that I am passionate about, while working with amazing people and creating connections. How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? It helped me become a go-getter because I set a very aggressive timeline, while also working with lots of people. I completed the majority of my project in one semester, and was still able to see results. **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 #music #HighlandsRanch #MetroDenver #TakeAction #MountainVistaHighSchool

Submitted by Genia Babyak Northern and Northeastern CO Berthoud Berthoud Girl Scout Senior Troop 71126 is hosting Senior Mission Sisterhood and Cadette aMaze! journeys! Earn your Journey and badge in an easy, fast, and fun way with your sister Girl Scouts! The Senior Mission Sisterhood Journey will focus on personal wellness for every girl and how to achieve your goals. The Cadette aMaze! Journey will focus on the twists and turns of getting along. Both journeys will be FUN! This event will be held on October 21, 2018 and November 11 (attend only ONE day) from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Berthoud Elementary School. The address is 560 Bunyan Avenue, Berthoud, CO. Cost is $40 per participant and payment must be made in advance. Easy registration and payment should be made at: https://senior-mission-sisterhood-and-cadette-amaze.cheddarup.com OR make your check out to Girl Scout Troop 71126 and mail it to Megan Courtright, 108 Hummingbird Place, Berthoud, CO 80513. Please specify which Journey you will be taking. Participants should bring a lunch and snack for this day-long activity. If you have any questions, please contact Megan at (970) 980-7261 or courtrighttm@gmail.com. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Cadette #GirlScoutCadette #seniors #AmazeJourney #GSCOevents #oldergirls #GirlScoutSeniors #Cadettes #GirlScoutSenior #NorthernandNortheasternCO #amaze #senior #Berthoud

Words like jet propulsion, axels, and kinetic energy might make some people nervous, but not the G.I.R.L.s in Girl Scout Junior Troop 65698 of Denver! Bianca, Addison, Jaymie, and Chloe wanted to show everyone how much fun it is to test out your mechanical engineering skills through creating their own balloon-powered car. This activity is part of the Junior Mechanical Engineering Balloon Car Design Challenge badge where Girl Scouts learn about different forms of energy and then design and build a balloon-powered car, test their design, analyze and share results, and brainstorm ways to improve their design. Is your girl or troop up for the challenge? Access the badge requirements here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/on2rkzwc7oxvkad/AABfFVlgt_dJFLwNZ_93LYwca?dl=0&preview=Junior_Balloon+Car+Design+Challenge.pdf #STEM #BalloonCarDesignChallengebadge #GirlScoutJunior #GirlScoutJuniors #badge #BalloonCarDesignChallenge #STEMbadges

Greetings, My name isNancy “OZ” Peacock and I am a Daisy/Brownie troop leader in Pennsylvania. We are trying to connect with troops in all 50 states for a postcard swap! We are working on compiling a list of addresses over the summer so our girls can fill out and send postcards this fall. We have seen some troops do this with swaps, however we are just looking for a single postcard from one troop in each state, in return we will also be sending them one from here! I appreciate your assistance! We can be reached at 50statepenpalsgs@gmail.com. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Daisy #GirlScoutBrownie #Brownie #GirlScoutDaisy #Brownies #postcardswap #Daisies #GirlScoutBrownies #GirlScoutDaisies #postcards

Olympian Carissa Gump, who competed in weightlifting in 2008, will be the keynote speaker for Secrets to Success in Colorado Springs on October 20, 2018. The event takes place at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Carissa is currently the executive director of the U.S. Strength and Conditioning Foundation, and comes to strength-building from many angles: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her story is about the kind of toughness it takes to compete at the Olympic level in a sport that has traditionally been reserved for men. She will speak about the kind of inspiration she received to pursue her dreams as an Olympian, and how this inspiration still serves her today. She is thrilled to share her story with the young women who will be attending the October 20 Secrets to Success event! Girl Scouts AND any girl in grades 6 through 12 are invited to participate in Secrets to Success on October 20. Every girl will get to meet and hear from more than 20 women who are experts in their fields and learn their “secrets to success.” It will be a great chance to network with Colorado Springs’ finest women and sample the variety of career options available to girls and young women today! Register at www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/support-us/fundraising-events/secrets-to-success-pikes-peak.html and don’t forget to invite your friends! #GSCOevents #CarissaGump #ColoradoSprings #SecretstoSuccess #Olympics #UCCS #USStrengthandConditioningFoundation #PikesPeak #UniversityofColoradoColoradoSprings

From Girl Scouts of the USA Starting a Girl Scout troop is a big deal! Some people jump in with both feet, and others might be a little nervous, perhaps not sure where to start or who to turn to for help. If you fall into the second group, no worries! We jumped on Facebook, where we turned to the experts—bona fide troop leaders—for insight only they can provide. Specifically, we asked them for the single best piece of advice they have for new troop leaders. The response was overwhelming! There were so many great comments, it was hard to narrow them down. But here are some of our favorites, many of them reflecting clear themes among comments received, and all serving as valuable guidance for new troop leaders (and even those who’ve been at it a while) on starting and running a Girl Scout troop. And remember, when in doubt, contact your local Girl Scout council. #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #VolunteerNews #BacktoSchool #GirlScoutLeaders #GSUSA #leader #Troop #Top15TipsForGirlScoutTroopLeaders #troopleader #TroopLeaders

Submitted by Jody Clair Pikes Peak Colorado Springs I have a Girl Scout in my troop that came to us under the idea that she may not have fit in. This never sits well, as we do our best to treat girls the fairly and we teach them to treat each other fairly. This was a semi-shy, not sure what to expect young lady. I guaranteed her that we made sure everyone is included. She chose to join us. This year, we did a troop overnight at Hamp Hut with multi-levels. Girl Scout Rhi made sure all girls were included in games and activities- even the younger ones in a different level. She went out of her way to make sure all the younger girls had a turn and she taught them so much. Yes, the other Girl Scouts participated, but there was something more about Girl Scout Rhi. The other leaders and I watched her bloom into this amazing young lady that was making sure all girls were included and was going above and beyond. She has also said she likes the girls, but doesn’t ever want another Girl Scout or girl treated without respect or kindness. What does inclusion look like? This young lady and Girl Scout. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #ColoradoSprings #PikesPeak #VolunteerNews

We’re searching for G.I.R.L.s (go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders) to share their Girl Scout story and serve as Media Stars for the 2018-19 membership year. What is a Media Star? At the start of each Girl Scout year, Girl Scouts of Colorado trains girls from across the state to be Media Stars. They deliver the excitement (or do interviews) about the Girl Scout Cookie Program, Girl Scout Camp, or other GSCO events/activities/news with area TV and radio stations, as well as newspapers. Here are just some of the media interviews Media Stars participated in during the 2018 Girl Scout Cookie Program. To be a Media Star, a girl must be in 4th grade or above. From time to time, we need younger girls to help with media interviews. However, the Media Star program is reserved for girls in 4th grade and above. How to get involved Girls who want to be Media Stars should email public relations director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. Please include a brief essay (250 words or less) about how Girl Scouts has helped you unleash your inner G.I.R.L. Also, include a video (no more than a minute) in which you introduce yourself (first name only) and explain how Girl Scouts has helped you be a G.I.R.L. Here is an example: “Hi! My name is AnneMarie and I am a Girl Scout Cadette from Arvada! Because I am a Girl Scout, I am an innovator. I had to think outside the box to meet my cookie goal. I hosted a drive-thru booth at a neighborhood business and sold cookies online using Digital Cookie.” Girls 12-years-old and younger can have a parent help them. Submissions from girls 13-years-old and older must be done by the girl. The best videos and essays will be shared on the GSCO blog and social media networks and must be received by October 1 at 9 a.m. If you are selected to become a Media Star, you will be asked to participate in an individual, training session in November or December 2018. This training may be in-person or over the phone. During this training, girls will learn everything needed to be a successful Media Star. Even if you have participated in this program before, you must be trained each year if you want to participate in the program again. ** Note: This is a very popular program, so spots will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. #GIRL #cookies #MediaStars #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram

When: Saturday, September 22, 2018 Gates open at 6 p.m., Game starts at 7 p.m. All Girl Scout levels, family, and friends are invited! $12/ticket Join us for Girl Scout Night with the Colorado Switchbacks Soccer on September 22! Cheer on the Switchbacks as they take on Phoenix Rising FC. All Girl Scouts attending will receive a special event patch and be invited to bring together the Youth Fan Tunnel before the game. Enjoy discounted tickets and fireworks for Fan Appreciation Night! All Girl Scouts, friends, and family are invited! Girls can pick up their patches at the Girl Scout table inside the stadium. Register here: https://ticketing.axs.com/Quantity.aspx?t=38E45398D60CF2D1B13BE9&og=-1 8_22_2018_Switchbacks_GSCOFlyer #GSCOevents #ColoradoSprings #Communitypartnerships #ColoradoSwitchbacks #communitypartners #soccer #PikesPeak

What an exciting year ahead of us! New badges, members, promotions, and swag! The retail team has been busy re-merchandising the store, bringing in new Girl Scouts of Colorado merchandise, making room for new badges and requirements from GSUSA, and getting fully stocked on all GSLE/uniforms and insignia for all our customers. (We are excited about the 2018-2019 year bringing in so many opportunities for our Girl Scouts, we might have gone a little over board with the swag.) Just a couple of quick updates: With the summer ending, and schools are back in session, it is time for the Girl Scout Shop to increase hours to help our volunteers/parents and girls get their gear they will need for a successful year. Beginning September 4, 2018, the store will be open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.;  Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.;  and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Our website on GirlScoutShop.com will be updated that day with this change along with our voicemail and email. Shipping charges will increase by $1 on September 4 as well. Our flat rate of $6.50 has not increased in four years while priority postage has increased substantially, as well as shipping supplies. Please note that shipping large orders containing books are priced based on weight and measure, not a flat shipping rate. Customers are advised of this, at the time of booking. September and October are some of our busiest months of the year. Email (retail@gscolorado.org) is always best for volunteers and parents to get an order in if they don’t order online with girlscoutshop.com. If placing an order with us, please allow 72 hours for processing, whether it is pulling for a pick up or shipping. We hope everyone has a great 2018-2019 Girl Scout year! -The Retail Team- Jackie, Andria and Carlin Email: retail@gscolorado.org Phone: (303) 607-4880 1485 South Colorado Blvd Suite 260 Denver, CO 80222 #CouncilNews #GSCORetailShop

Submitted by Penny Roberts Northern & Northeastern CO Estes Park Meadow Mountain Ranch (MMR) near Allenspark is launching a new patch program to be used in connection with the Self-Guided Nature Trail. A one-way, 21-stop trail through the high country Girl Scout camp gives individuals and groups a chance to explore the natural world and earn beautiful new patches to be placed in a colorful four-season display. Here’s how it works. There is a guidebook for each season of the year.  Plan on spending at least two hours or more to complete the program on the trail. Right now, we are rapidly approaching the fall season, so pick up that fall pamphlet. Then, go down the main road to the west of the main camp area to the wooden kiosk on the right side of the road near the Nature Nook/Lyra Activity Shelter. Groups must have a property reservation to use the nature trail, and nature trail booklets are available on-site when groups check in for their reservation. The trail takes you up the hill and through the aspen groves and pines up to a level stretch, and then a cut-off takes you up to Vista Spur at the top of the ridge on the north boundary of the camp property.  Stop at each numbered wooden post and read in the book to see what the focus of that stop is. There are things to see, smell, study closely, and generally immerse yourself in the natural world. The more time you have to experience everything the Nature Trail has to offer, the more you will come to learn about the history, biology, geology, math, and science of all kinds at the camp. Animals and plants, trees and flowers, rocks and grass, mountains peaks and valleys, stories, and songs are all highlighted. There are even some recipes for great snacks to create! So, once you’ve completed the trail, you will be eligible to purchase that season’s quarter patch which can surround the circle patch in the center of the group. Anyone can purchase the center circle patch, just because you love MMR and like the whole idea of the Self-Guided Nature Trail. Patch pieces cost $1.50 each, for a total cost of $7.50 per complete set, and are available for purchase at the GSCO Retail Shop. The idea is to come to MMR, walk the trail in all four seasons of the year, and expand your horizons with every experience. Time required runs from two to four hours and it’s recommended that groups of 10-12 or less would be optimum for all participants to enjoy each stop. Be prepared with a water bottle, season-appropriate clothing such as raincoat in the summer and warm jackets in the winter. Snowshoes might be needed in deep winter in those heavy drifts. Good shoes or boots are highly recommended and walking sticks might be good too. A snack is also a good idea so you don’t run out of energy before you finish the trail. For further information, contact Penny Roberts or other trail creators or David and Julie Fischer, property managers at MMR.  Come join the fun! This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #NorthernampNortheasternCO #MeadowMountainRanchCamp #MeadowMountainRanch #Allenspark #EstesPark #gsoutdoors #patch