Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Elan Robinson of Aurora in the Denver Metro region was nominated by a GSCO staff member as a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Elan to answer a few quick questions about her volunteer experience. We hope you find her as inspiring as we did. Why did you become a Girl Scout volunteer? I became a Girl Scout volunteer because I wanted to spend more time with my granddaughter. I was a Girl Scout for seven years as a child and remembered all the interesting things I learned. I wanted my granddaughter to have those same experiences. Now, four granddaughters later I’m having the time of my life! I’ve never regretted the decision to become a leader. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I’ve been a leader for four different troops. I’m a GSCO trainer, I especially love doing PA training. I’m also part of the service unit leadership team, helping to plan service unit events. I’m the service unit fall product program manager, as well as the TCM and FSM for my own troop, What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? As a volunteer, I’ve learned that anything is possible as long as you’re following your heart and your dream. I’ve never expected that my girls would do anything that I wouldn’t do. I’ve learned that I can do anything because of that. I’ve learned to be comfortable talking in front of a group.  I’ve learned that it’s okay for things to not go exactly according to plan and it will be fine. I’ve learned that as long as you keep exploring you keep growing. What do you hope girls have learned from you? I hope my girls have learned to be compassionate. I hope they’ve learned that they can do anything that they set their mind too. I hope they have learned that they can and will make a difference as long as they set their mind to it. I hope they’ve learn to explore the world around them to try to make a difference.  I hope they’ve learned to look around them at what needs to be done and do it because they want to make a difference in someone else’s life or the world that they live in. I’ve watched my older girls look at their world and decide how they can make a difference in their high honor projects. I’ve watched my Brownies look around their immediate world and make a difference by seeing what needs to be done and do it without guidance or question. How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? As a volunteer I’ve learned to just step into the moment and make it happen. I’ve learned that not all things are going to go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that most things that are worth doing require some risk. Whether that risk is simply getting in front of a group of people or trying something that I never thought I would or could do. I’ve learned to be the best person I can be so I can be the best leader I can be. Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #Aurora #MetroDenver #volunteerspotlight

Girl Scout Cadette Olivia Margaux Ferzacca of Eagle County in the Mountain Communities region is headed to Girl Scouts of Colorado summer camp after receiving the Mary Jo Jacobs, M.D. Memorial Girl Scout Adventure Fund. Olivia will attend “Girl vs. Zombie” Tomahawk Ranch in June.  She wrote in her application for this award, “Mary Jo Jacobs is a ‘real go-getter,’ by working to achieve her goals, leading by example, helping others, and contributing to society. Not only do I want to led by example and help others, but I always felt that contributing to society was a big deal..” Mary Jo’s four children established the scholarship in December 2014 to honor their mother’s extraordinary legacy. As an 8-year-old girl growing up in 1937, Mary Jo wanted a new pair of roller skates. She wanted them more than anything in world— until she learned her Brownie troop was going to be able to go to summer camp. Mary Jo had to make a choice: spend the $8 she had worked so hard to earn on roller skates or Girl Scout camp? For Mary Jo, the decision was simple. She was going to Girl Scout camp. Mary Jo’s mother walked her to the local Girl Scout office, so she could be the first to register. A reporter for the Artesia Daily Press in New Mexico even wrote a story about Mary Jo and her decision. After returning home from camp, Mary Jo continued to participate in Girl Scout activities, including going to camp. Eventually, she became a doctor and worked tirelessly to serve the people of Eagle and Garfield Counties, Colorado. 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. “Our hope is that that many girls will have the same positive experience, education and adventure that mom had through her involvement in Girl Scouting and her opportunity to attend Girl Scout camp,” said Dr. Patricia VanDevander, daughter of Dr. Mary Jo Jacobs. Registration for Girl Scout Camp is now underway on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website at girlscoutsofcolorado.org. For summer 2017, girls can attend overnight camp sessions at Sky High Ranch near Manitou Lake and Woodland Park or perennial favorite Tomahawk Ranch near Bailey, southwest of Denver. Activities include archery, backpacking, photography, and rock climbing. Overnight camp runs from 3 to 12 days for girls ages 6 and up.  Girl Scouts of Colorado will continue to offer day camping adventures throughout the state. The summer camp schedule is live on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website (girlscoutsofcolorado.org). 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. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org. #GirlScoutCamp #MaryJoJacobs #MaryJoJacobsMDMemorialGirlScoutAdventureFund #mountaincommunities

At Girl Scouts of Colorado, we are always working to make property reservations better, easier, and safer for girls. Because of this, we are making some changes to the way our properties will be booked by troops going forward. Instead of reserving cabins, tabins, or other units individually, troops will now reserve the full site, and will have access to all cabins/tabins at that site, as well as any amenities such as activity shelters, latrines, bear boxes, etc. This allows for troops to ensure that they are following the proper Safety Ratio adults for the girls in their troop, that they have a full roster of all children and adults who will be on site during their reservation, and that they are following the rules concerning background checks and insurance. If you have a current reservation at any property, your reservation will not be adjusted, and the new changes will not apply to you. This will only apply to new reservations starting  May 24, 2018. This change does not affect lodges or all season cabins, and only refers to sites that have multiple units. We recognize this may be a big change for some troops who do not need all tabins or cabins at a site, or who are used to only reserving one or two tabins or cabins. If you do not need all tabins or cabins at a site and would like to split the cost of reserving a full site, we encourage you to work with other troops in your service unit and arrange to have your trips go on the trip together. Doing so will allow you to coordinate schedules, plan for meals and activities, and have an emergency and first-aid plan that will work for both troops. If you are not able to find another troop who you would like to stay on property with you, there are sites at every property that may have a lower cost that we encourage you to look at. These sites include Troop House at Sky High Ranch ($40 a night, sleeps 24 people), Windridge at Meadow Mountain Ranch ($30 a night, sleeps 15 people), Meadow at Lazy Acres ($30 a night, sleeps 18 people), and more. If you have any questions or concerns about reserving full sites at our properties, please email our Property and Outdoor Program Administrator at annie.stoneburner@gscolorado.org. #SkyHighRanch #GSCOPropertyReservations #MagicSky #MeadowMountainRanch #TomahawkRanch #LazyAcres

From Girl Scouts of the USA Besides sparking a love of nature and fostering her sense of curiosity about the world, getting girls outside is simply fun! So steal one of these ideas and plan an outdoor adventure with your girl or troop. 1. Organize a Take Action project. Your girl loves being outside, but what can she do to make the great outdoors even more of a treat? Maybe she could plant flowers to cheer people up at senior centers or clean parks for kids to play in. She’ll love getting her hands dirty and will feel proud of the good work she accomplishes. 2. Plan a hiking trip. Take a group of girls out in a field or walk up a new trail. Spice things up by helping them set goals. Maybe older girls want to climb a mountain or the younger ones want to learn about new plants they see along their hike. Setting goals is not only a fun way to learn but also gets girls in the habit of staying physically active. 3. Set up a camp in your backyard. You don’t have to go far to go camping—get creative and bring the camp experience right in your own backyard by setting up a tent. And what’s a campout without some fun activities? Enjoy some stargazing and challenge your girl to map out the stars. 4. Get cooking. Picture this: you and your girl hanging out with friends, relaxing in the sun, and eating good food; sounds like the perfect summer day, doesn’t it? Get inspired by creative recipes to plan your next cookout. Want more fun outdoor ideas? Check out our six, simple, and fun ways to explore nature and the outdoors. #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #outdoors #GSUSA #summer #gsoutdoors

Submitted by Sharon Manning Northern & Northeastern CO Longmont Just a few short weeks ago, Troop 73392 started out with a 20 by 20-foot garden bed filled with weeds at the 11th Avenue Community Garden. After hours of weeding, a lesson in rototilling, spreading two-cubic yards of garden soil donated by Midwest Landscape Supply in Longmont, the girls are finally ready to plant. So far, the girls have planted onions, potatoes, lettuce, and spinach, but have FAR bigger plans in the next several weeks. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Longmont #NorthernampNortheasternCO

From Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) released a new national PSA, “Lifetime of Leadership,” heralding the organization’s legacy of fostering female change-makers and preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure. Featuring notable Girl Scout alums in fields such as technology, politics, media, and sports, the PSA showcases the positive change these powerful female leaders have created through activism, speaking up, breaking glass ceilings, and more—and illustrates the importance of Girl Scouts in providing girls with the leadership experiences they need to make their voices heard and effect change. From philanthropist Melinda Gates and athlete Venus Williams, to supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, Girl Scout alums highlighted in the PSA have inspired people worldwide. Narrated by Queen Latifah, the PSA also features Dolores Huerta, Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ellen Kuras, Dr. N. Jan Davis, Tyra Banks, Sheryl Crow, Céline Dion, Dakota Fanning, Susan Wojcicki, Senator Susan Collins, and Cassandra Levesque, a 19-year-old Girl Scout alum who worked to ban child marriage in New Hampshire. “Lifetime of Leadership” brings to life what recent studies have shown: Girl Scouts have better life outcomes than their non–Girl Scout peers. They are more confident, seek challenges to a greater degree, are more active decision-makers, and are more proficient problem-solvers in their communities. The PSA also shows how civic engagement is a core part of the Girl Scout DNA—which is why it premiered today at G.I.R.L. Agenda 2018: Leading Change Through Civic Action. This unique event, which took place in Philadelphia, featured a keynote address from educator and former second lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden, and a panel moderated by writer, professor, and television host Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry. Thousands of girls and those who care about them joined in-person and virtually for a conversation about preparing girls to lead positive change. The PSA brought to life what a Girl Scout’s leadership journey can look like as she grows into a woman, and it inspired all in attendance to take the lead and take action in support of causes they care about. “We are proud to premiere our powerful new PSA and showcase the impactful change that Girl Scout alums have created to make the world a better place,” said Sylvia Acevedo, GSUSA CEO. “We know that leadership and meaningful civic action start at a young age—at home, at school, and in local communities. This PSA is a rallying cry for more girls to realize their leadership potential with Girl Scouts. The world is counting on them, and we hope our more than 50 million alums will be inspired to reconnect with us and share their leadership journey with the next generation of girls who will lead our country into the future.” “I have no doubt that the girls of today will become the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. Supporting them, empowering them and ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve is good for all of us,” said Dr. Jill Biden. “My Girl Scout experience taught me confidence, perseverance, and gave me skills that inspired me to pursue public service and helped me become a better leader. Girl Scouts is the preeminent organization that gives girls the place and the opportunity to develop their powerful voices.” The new Girl Scout PSA was created and written by Girl Scout alum, Rachel Howald, founder and CCO, Invisible Man. To watch the PSA and for more information about Girl Scouts, visit www.girlscouts.org/leadership. To join or volunteer, visit www.girlscouts.org/join. About the G.I.R.L. Agenda Powered by Girl Scouts A nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action, the G.I.R.L. Agenda makes expert-curated civic engagement resources, derived from Girl Scouts of the USA’s programming, accessible to all girls, as well as adults. The free tools give hundreds of thousands of girls and adults tangible ways to take civic action on topics of their choosing. To advance the G.I.R.L. Agenda and for tips on leading positive change through civic action, visit www.girlagenda.org. #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #LifetimeofLeadershipPSA #PSA #GSUSA #LifetimeofLeadership #GirlScoutalums #alumnaenews

Join us for our annual Girl Scout Night, Bridging Celebration and Overnight with the Colorado Sky Sox, Friday June 15, 2018 in Colorado Springs! The Sky Sox are celebrating 45 years of baseball in Colorado Springs, so the theme for this game is the 80’s. Come dressed in your neon 80’s outfits and big hair and cheer on the Sky Sox as they take on the Las Vegas 51’s! Girl Scouts can participate in a bridging ceremony before the game and enjoy an optional overnight at the game. The game starts at 6:40 p.m. with the bridging around 6 p.m. so come early to enjoy the bridging ceremony and the Fun Zone before the game. The overnight starts after the game, with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. Each participating Girl Scout will get a patch. Cost is $22/person and includes game ticket, parking or Fun Zone Pass, meal voucher, bridging, optional overnight & special event patch. Registration deadline is Monday, June 4, 2018. Tickets can be purchased at https://goo.gl/Yxwtbi. This event is for all Girl Scouts and their families and friends, whether they are bridging or not. Not planning to stay overnight? No problem! You are welcome to just come enjoy the game. Also, the sleepover will happen if we sell more than 100 tickets, so share game info with any interested friends and family. No refunds will be offered on tickets due to our event agreement with the Sky Sox. Questions? For more information, please contact Lori Thompson at lori.thompson@gscolorado.org. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #ColoradoSpringsSkySox #GSCOevents #ColoradoSprings #communitypartners #PikesPeak #baseball

Design the Elitch Gardens Girl Scout Days event patch! GSCO is looking for creative Girl Scouts to share their best design. The winning design will be the picture on our 2018 event patch. The Girl Scout who submits the winning design will win two Elitch Gardens Day Tickets, VIP Rapid Ride Passes, and two Attraction Tickets (choice of XLR8R or Sling Shot). The contest is open to all Girl Scouts. Entry forms can be found at https://goo.gl/rEtG7N. Registration deadline is June 1, 2018. Entries can be returned to your area GSCO office or the GSCO shop or emailed to Lori Thompson at lori.thompson@gscolorado.org. Save the date for Girl Scout Days at Elitch Gardens, July 27-29! All Girl Scouts, friends, and family are invited. Cost is $25.99/person. Tickets can be purchased at https://goo.gl/Ekz6Hx. Not able to make it? No problem. Elitch Gardens is offering a Girl Scout discount for daily entry tickets all season long that can be purchased through the same link. A portion of all tickets sold will be donated back to GSCO. Questions? Please contact Lori Thompson at lori.thompson@gscolorado.org. We hope to see you there! #GSCOevents #Denver #ElitchGardens #communitypartners #MetroDenver #patchcontest

This year’s honorees were selected by a committee of their peers led by Selection Chair Tasha Jones, Woman of Distinction ‘15, and chosen based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally. They are shining examples of corporate, civic and philanthropic leadership and serve as role models for our female leaders of tomorrow. The Women of Distinction program brings together a group of women dedicated to raising support for Girl Scout leadership programs. Janine Davidson, President, Metropolitan State University of Denver Ruth Fountain Eide, Community Leader Therese Ellery, Senior Program Officer, Aging Program, Rose Community Foundation Gretchen Hammer, Medicaid Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Peggy E. Jennings, CPA, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP Lisa Zúñiga Ramirez, Principal, Senior Portfolio Manager, Segall Bryant & Hamill Meshach Rhoades, Partner, Armstrong Teasdale LLP Terri Richardson, MD, Kaiser Permanente Colorado Tinesha Ross, Government and Commercial Programs, Manager, System Safety & Quality, United Launch Alliance Becky Takeda-Tinker, Ph.D., President & CEO of Colorado State University-Global Campus; and CEO of Beyond Campus Innovations, Inc. an entity of the CSU System Foundation Girl Scouts of Colorado will welcome the Class of 2018 honorees with a private reception on June 21, 2018 at the Colorado Auto Dealers Association from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The celebration concludes with the Thin Mint Dinner on October 2, 2018 at Denver Marriott Tech Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event includes Thin Mint Cocktails and dessert made with Thin Mints, three-course meal, and event program. Event co-chairs are Brook Kramer, Senior VP, Senior Regional Fiduciary Manager, Philanthropic Services, Wells Fargo Private Bank, Woman of Distinction ‘16 and Pat Cortez, Senior VP, Community Affairs Manager, Community Relations and CRA Risk Management Department, Wells Fargo Government and Community Relations Group, Woman of Distinction ’04. For information regarding tickets and sponsorships, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org/woddenver or contact Heidi Books at 303-607-4833 or at heidi.books@gscolorado.org. #ThinMintDinner #GSCOevents #Denver #funddevelopment #MetroDenver #WomenofDistinction

From Girl Scouts of the USA No matter how long you were a Girl Scout or where you took part, all alums share the same G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ DNA: the confidence and courage to be leaders and open doors for the next generation. Girl Scout alums, whether globally or in their communities, are doing amazing things to make our world a better place. And we want to share that story, loud and proud! Be part of the action, and raise your voice on behalf of all Girl Scouts! We need you to: Tune in to our livestream event. Join us via livestream on Monday, May 14, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. ET for G.I.R.L. Agenda 2018: Leading Change Through Civic Action. You’ll hear from groundbreaking female leaders, including keynote speaker Dr. Jill Biden, about the importance of civic engagement and celebrate women and girls who have led positive change in government, public policy, and the democratic process. Watch the livestream 2. Rock your Girl Scout swag. On Tuesday, May 15, show the world what a Girl Scout alum looks like! Dig out your Girl Scout sash, place your Girl Scout pins on your shirt or blazer, or head to your local council shop to get some Girl Scout gear. Are your pins hiding somewhere in your attic? Wear green on Tuesday to show your support for the organization that helps girls grow into the leaders we need. Share your Girl Scout spirit on social. Post your favorite empowering memories from Girl Scouts across social media. If you’re a Girl Scout alum on LinkedIn, visit the Girl Scout Network and tell us how your Girl Scout experience helped shape your success! #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #GSCOevents #GSUSA

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Rusty Merill of Woodland Park in the Pikes Peak region was nominated by a GSCO staff member as a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Rusty to answer a few quick questions about her volunteer experience. We hope you find her as inspiring as we did. Why did you become a Girl Scout volunteer? I was a girl member for 10 years, started as a Brownie in 1948, and continued through INTERMEDIATES, and Seniors, receiving my Curved Bar award in 1957. I enjoyed Girl Scouting so much, I wanted to continue and share it with other girls. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. Assistant leader to an Intermediate troop, leader of one of the first JUNIOR troops in Jamestown, N.Y in 1963, then was leader of Brownie, Junior, Cadette and Senior troops, including being the Skipper of Mariner Ship 10 in Newport, R.I. Camping was was kept me in Girl Scouting, so became a camp counselor, unit leader, riding counselor at Tomahawk Ranch, program specialist, program director, and camp director at Girl Scout camps around the U.S. Have also been a Neighborhood Chairperson, Troop Consultant, Council Delegate to local council and national council meetings, and Master Council Trainer and curriculum design, a role I still hold. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? That you learn as much as the girls,  you make hundreds of lifetime friends, and you learn how to be FLEXIBLE and keep your sense of humor even in the middle of a disaster! What do you hope girls have learned from you? That it really IS COOL to be a Girl Scout, no matter your age.  You get to experience wonderful opportunities, make lifetime friends, and learn skills that help you your entire life! I recently reconnected with a former troop member on Facebook, and renewed a friendship after an absence of over 50 years! How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? G-I was very shy as a young girl, but being in Girl Scouting helped me gain confidence, that has carried over to my adult life. Now I am able to lead a group, teach skills, and speak to a large group. I.Innovator-I have learned by trial and error, not afraid to learn from my mistakes, and how to be creative, especially in primitive camping, when you realize you don’t always have what you need. We devised an “architectural victory” on a backpacking trip, when we were on a 10 day donkey pack trip and it rained for 7 days, using our creative GS skills. RISK TAKER-As a Girl Scout, you can be faced with a lot of challenges, either as a girl or adult, but the skills and experiences you learn as a girl or adult Girl Scout, helps you face new things with courage and confidence. I love trying new experiences! LEADER-In the old program, troop government was the basis of all Girl Scouting, so I learned leadership when I became a PATROL LEADER, and eventually a TROOP PRESIDENT, and a member of the STATEWIDE SENIOR PLANNING BOARD. All these experiences continued to build on my leadership skills which continues in my adult life in and out of Girl Scouting. As a retired teacher, and a current camp and outdoor professional, all my leadership skills have helped me in my varied careers of teaching, recreation, physical therapy, and above all camping and outdoor skills. Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #PikesPeak #VolunteerNews #volunteerspotlight #WoodlandPark

This year’s honorees were selected by a committee of their peers led by Selection Chair Sue Conry, Woman of Distinction ‘17, and chosen based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally. They are shining examples of corporate, civic, and philanthropic leadership and serve as role models for our female leaders of tomorrow. Sister Barbara Aldrich SCL, VP of Mission Integration, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Jeni Brown, Chief Financial Officer, J.G. Management Systems, Inc. LeAnn Zetmeir, Philanthropist and Community Leader Since 2013, including this year’s honorees, Girl Scouts of Colorado has recognized 18 women on the Western Slope as Women of Distinction. The Women of Distinction program brings together a group of women dedicated to raising funds to support Girl Scout leadership programs. Girl Scouts of Colorado will publicly honor these inductees on Nov. 8, 2018 at the annual Women of Distinction Breakfast. This year’s event will be held at the Two Rivers Convention Center. The 2018 Event Chair is Stacey Mascarenas, Woman of Distinction ’17. Event Sponsor: Gold Presenting Sponsor, US Bank. For information regarding tickets and sponsorships, visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/wodgj or contact Cindi Graves at 970-628-8003 or cindi.graves@gscolorado.org. #funddevelopment #GrandJunction #WesternColorado #WomenofDistinction