Join Troop 4251 for a fun-filled time learning ways to recognize & overcome the negativity in today’s media! Cadette MEdia Journey Day Date: April 30, 2023, 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Erie Community Center, 420 Powers St, Erie, CO Price: $32 per Girl Scout, badges & Take Action Project Included To register, click on https://cadette-journey.cheddarup.com If you have any questions, please contact Meredith at mltlocke@gmail.com

Get ready to renew for another Girl Scout year full of fun and adventures starting on April 1, 2023! Be a super early bird for big discounts when renewing during the month of April! Renew your membership during the month of April and get a 20% discount ($5 off) on all memberships*! Discount Day! Thursday, April 6 only! Renew on this day and get 50% off all memberships*! That means you can renew your membership for just $12.50! That’s a big deal for another great year of fun and adventures! Keep an eye on your email- discount codes will be sent to all members at the end of March! Renew before June 30, 2023 to receive additional rewards! Girls earn an Early Bird patch sent directly to them! Choice of $25 GSCO shop credit or troop leader nametags for troops renewing 2+ leaders and 3+ girls** $100+$.25/girl for Service Units with 55% or higher renewal** Make sure you're opted in for GSCO emails to receive your discount code. Log in to your account at https://mygs.girlscouts.org/ Select the "My Profile" tab. Scroll to the bottom and make sure the Email box is checked. Save your changes. *Membership discounts for renewal only, not valid on new memberships. New members are eligible for the discounted Extended Year membership starting April 1. **Annual Troop Report and ACH forms must be submitted by June 30, 2023 to qualify for troop and service unit rewards Need help renewing or have additional questions? Reach out to your volunteer support specialist or customer care at inquiry@gscolorado.orgor 1-877-404-5708.

The older Girl Scouts of Troop 63936 have many talents and specialties outside of Girl Scouting or founding from Girl Scouting. They are looking to shares their talents with Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts in a fun afternoon. Girls will learn sewing skills, no bake skills, drawing, cartooning, and a variety of information about musical instruments! Some activities will fulfill portions of badge requirements, a list will be provided at the event. Join up on Saturday March 25th from 1 - 6 p.m. This event is either a drop off event, with the Troop adults of 63936 covering ratios, but adults are welcome to stay as well. Cost is $10 per girl. Register here. We can't wait to see you and share all of our awesome knowledge!

On Sunday, March 12, 2023, Troop 5659 met with three volunteers from the Colorado Hosting Asylum Network. The troop leader explained that CHAN helps people who come here from other countries because their homes were unsafe. Tomi, a CHAN Information Specialist, explained to the girls that many of the kids are just like them. Most of them do not speak any English, so they need a lot of help to get settled. The troop presented CHAN with eighty packages of cookies to honor their volunteers. Cadette Kennedy called it “a reward!” for the volunteers at CHAN who generously donate time and supplies to welcome new asylum seekers to the United States. More information about how to help asylum seekers can be found at CHAN’s website, https://www.hostingasylum.org/. In addition to this wonderful donation, along the way during cookie season, these girls collected donations for three other recipients! Cadette Julianna and Brownie Beckett collected 32 packages for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cadette Talya collected 26 packages for the Special Olympics Otters swim team, and the troop’s Daisy Girl Scout collected 6 packages for therapists and teachers! That’s a total of 144 packages donated for the season.

Gold Award Girl Scout Amy Bechtel chose to focus her Gold Award project around seatbelt awareness. Amy shares with us why she chose this as her project and what it meant to her. Why did you choose this as your Gold Award project? I chose to focus on seatbelt awareness for teenage drivers for my Gold Award Project because of the deaths of three Parker, Colorado area teens over the past two years. I wanted to bring this issue to the forefront for teenagers because it doesn’t seem like it is real until your friends die because they weren’t buckled up. This happened to me. Sammie Caflisch (age 15) died in July 2020 after being ejected from a Jeep. I played soccer with her while we were in middle school and remember her as the team cheerleader, who always had a smile on her face and inspired us to give our best. Her death inspired me to take action because I don’t want anyone else to die because they didn’t take less than two seconds to buckle up. For my project, I partnered with Sammie’s Sunshine Foundation, a foundation started by Sammie’s family promoting seatbelt awareness, to carry out my project. I created little 3D printed charms, in the shape of a sun, to distribute to three local high schools. My hope is, upon receiving these charms, teens will put them on their car keys and every time they reach for their keys, they will be reminded to buckle up when they feel the pointy rays of the sun charm. How completing your Gold Award project impacted you? Completing this ongoing project was no easy task, but once it was finally finished, I felt so proud of myself. I had raised awareness about a prevalent issue affecting teens today, and I hope my project will save many lives. Seeing the positive reactions to my project and how much people are touched by its message, I am glad I was able to make a huge impact on my small community. Regis Jesuit High School has already started printing their own charms, which proves my project is still making a large impact on teenagers. I overcame many challenges along the journey, and I learned what it takes to carry a life-changing project from start to finish. When I first started this project, it seemed impossible I would be able to create over 2,000 charms to distribute to three local high schools on my own, but thanks to the help from my family and friends, I did it. This project has given me confidence that I can do whatever I set my mind to, and that I don’t have to be the loudest, most outspoken, or outgoing person to create a difference in someone’s life. What does being a Girl Scout mean to you? I have been involved in Girl Scouts since Kindergarten, and this program has given me many memories to last a lifetime. Both my mother and grandmother were involved Girl Scouts since they were young, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. In 2012, as a Brownie Scout, my dream for Gold began when my mom showed me her old badges and awards during the 100-Year celebrations because we were learning about Girl Scout history. Seeing her shiny Silver Award, I asked if there was a higher award, and she told me about the Gold Award. Since that moment, I knew I was going to finish the program and earn this award no matter the challenges I was going to face. Over the years, I have experienced many favorite scouting memories: Among the Pines Day Camp, Meadow Mountain Ranch troop camping, selling cookies, Sky High and Tomahawk Ranch summer camps, being at PA at Franktown Day Camp and two camporees, leading journeys for younger girls, and earning both the Bronze and Silver Award. Being a Girl Scout means serving the community, teaching younger Scouts skills, giving them fun memories of camping, following the Scout Promise and Law daily, and making the world a better place. I am truly blessed to have been involved in this program for 13 years, and I wouldn’t have rather spent my time any other way.

Every year Girl Scouts around the world spend a week celebrating the start of Girl Scouts on March 12 with Girl Scouts Week! This is our 111th anniversary of when Juliette Gordon Low stood up for young girls everywhere and created a space where they could grow their courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. Here at Girl Scouts of Colorado, we have created themes for each day to help you celebrate. We want to see Girl Scouts from across the state showing off their participation! If you post on social media, be sure to tag us @gscolo Sunday, March 12 – Girl Scout Birthday! Get your Girl Scout family together and have a Girl Scout birthday party. Instead of bringing presents for the host, give back to the community! That could be a park clean up, food drive, or any other community service ideas you can dream up. Sunday is also Girl Scouts Celebrate Faith Day! This is a day where we lift up these shared values for Girl Scouts, an inspiring tradition where girls explore the powerful connections between their faith and Girl Scouting. Learn more about Girl Scout Faith Day here. Monday, March 13- Make New Friends Monday Have you ever sung the “Make New Friends” song with your Girl Scout? Let’s put some of that into action! Challenge yourself and your Girl Scout to get to know one person that you interact with daily. This could be a classmate or someone you always see while running errands. Making a new friend can brighten up your day and theirs! Tuesday, March 14- Take Action Tuesday We all know community service is part of what we do at Girl Scouts, but have you ever thought of it as philanthropic? Philanthropy is simply the act of giving back and helping others by using your time, talent, and treasure. On this day take one of these steps to begin talking about philanthropy with your troop or family. 2nd – 5th graders – Earn your FREE Project Heart patch by completing just two troop meetings. Take the quiz to discover your Project Heart and share it with the world! Wednesday, March 15 – Wonder Day Let’s get outdoors and explore the wonders of our world! This could be in your backyard, at a park, or on an outdoor adventure. To start your exploring, check out GSCO’s Get Outdoors Challenge for a fun checklist of activities to complete. Thursday, March 16- Throwback Thursday Ready to throwback to reflect on our amazing 111 years of Girl Scouts? You can interpret this in many ways and we have thought of a few! Show off a piece of vintage Girl Scout swag that you have Schedule a troop tour of GSCO’s amazing History Center Post a picture of you when you were a young Girl Scout Earn a badge from one of the themes of the Girl Scout legacy badges – Artist, Athlete, Cook, First Aid, Girl Scout Way, and Naturalist Friday, March 17- Fabulous Fit Friday Bring out all the GREEN from your closet and show your Girl Scout pride this day! Do you think you can dress yourself head to toe in Girl Scout green?! This just happens to be on Saint Patrick’s Day so you won’t be the only one wearing green. Make sure to tell your friends that your love of green is to show your support of Girl Scouts around this world. Saturday, March 18- Sisterhood of Support Saturday After a week of fun, it is time to decompress and reflect. Take a moment to check in on the well-being of yourself and those around you. This could be by writing a letter or calling a fellow Girl Scout sister- simply reaching out can show them you are there to support them. Stay tuned to our social media and communication channels where we will announce an awesome Sisterhood of Support project that every Girl Scout can participate in for FREE.

If you have family or friends who are currently deployed, please send their APO address to hatm@gmx.com and kaymartley@gmail.com no later than Monday, March 20. Volunteers will be packing packages of Girl Scout cookies on Saturday, March 25 at the Colorado Armory in Aurora to be mailed to the addresses provided. If you have cookies to donate to the military, please make a reservation for drop off to hatm@gmx.com. You will receive an email with drop off instruction for March 25th. Troops can help pack the APO boxes on Saturday, March 25th. If you would like the girls to make cards or notes for the military, you can mail them to Kay Martley, Girl Scout Volunteer. To get mailing address or answer any questions, email Kay at kaymartley@gmail.com. The Girl Scouts and Hearts Across the Miles have been working together on this project for many years.

Join Troop 4251 for a fun event of activities and games as you learn how to stay fit in body and mind! Date: April 2, 2023, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Location: Bob L Burger Rec Center, 111 W Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO Price: $12 per Girl Scout. Includes a badge. To register, click on https://junior-staying-fit-badge-event.cheddarup.com If you have any questions, please contact Meredith at mltlocke@gmail.com

Join us for a special Girl Scout hat-making workshop at the Molly Brown House Museum! Whether it’s a hat for Derby Day, an Easter bonnet or just because, come create a Victorian-inspired hat in this hat workshop just for Girl Scouts. Margaret Brown and her daughter, Helen would never leave the house without a hat. Now is your chance to make a hat of your own with feathers, flowers, ribbons and more! The price is $25 per person, including adults. All materials including one straw hat will be provided for participants. The event will take place on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 10:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania, Denver, CO 80203. This workshop is recommended for ages 6+. This one-hour event does NOT include a tour of the house. What are you waiting for? Register today for the hat-making workshop. Please contact education@mollybrown.org or 303-832-4092 ex. 20 for more information. This is not a drop-off event. All girls must be accompanied by their caregiver or attend with their troop. Adult safety ratios must be followed. Please refer to Volunteer Essentials. Event capacity is very limited. You must register in advance.

From television to radio to newspapers and even social media, Girl Scouts of Colorado Media Stars have been working hard to spread the word about all the amazing things Girl Scouts do across Colorado. Here are just a few of the opportunities Girl Scouts of Colorado Media Stars have had over the past year to be in the spotlight. January 26: KOA News Radio (Denver) - Bianca and Robin Morris talk about the great skills you learn through the Girl Scout Cookie Program January 26: Longmont Leader (Northern) - Diya and Dhriti Mehta talk about how the Girl Scout Cookie Program connects them to their community January 30: CBS4 (Denver) - Abigail and Evie Reynolds talk about the cookies available during this year's Girl Scout Cookie Program January 31: KRDO News Radio (Colorado Springs) - Rachel Petty and Rychelle Arnold talk about getting ready to kick off this year's Girl Scout Cookie Program February 4: KRDO (Colorado Springs) - Maddie Jensen is at Rocky Mountain Vibes Delivery Day February 5: The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction) - Emma Raff and Ashley Douglas share their Girl Scout cookie selling experience February 8: 9News (Denver) - Jillian Ingle and Leanna Clark talk about this year's cookie season February 9: Fox31 (Denver) - Alison and Ivana Estrada and Leanna Clark talk about this year's cookie season If you are interested in becoming a Media Star please reach out to Public Relations Manager Hannah Gutkind.

It's time again for the annual Women's Week at Meadow Mountain Ranch Girl Scout Camp! DATES: July 6 – 10, 2023 FIRST MEAL: Lunch on Thursday LAST MEAL: Brunch on Monday COST: $300.00 for the entire event; $80.00 for 3-meal increments. Register here. THEME: “History of Meadow Mountain Ranch” - - we’ll feature special events highlighting the 62 years of MMR’s history, including hikes to special places, tours of the HH and the new “Reflection Room,” songs and skits highlighting decades, etc. So bring your own history items, memorabilia, photos, etc. to share. More later. The event is open to any women 18 years of age or older. It’s most fun if moms & daughters, grandmothers & granddaughters, 3 generations or any combination put their schedules together and travel, sometimes from all over the country. But, neighbors, co-workers, GSCO staff and Board, your best friend from college, MMR staff alums and life-long extended friendships of all kinds are welcome. WHAT DO WE DO? Almost anything you want; program is planned by us participants as we go along. If you’d like to offer a craft, activity, class, trip, hike, or any other way to expand our collective horizons, come prepared with your ideas and materials. There may be new and exciting adventures in place at MMR by next summer, so come prepared. Plan and present a Scouts’ Own or campfire. Read stories, present plays. Make art. Sleep in, stay up late, sleep under the stars, climb Longs, hike to Hercules. Sing until we’ve sung all the songs. SPECIAL NOTES: FOOD: Excellent meals, mostly cooked outside, are selected to please most any palate. Most dietary needs can be accommodated, just let us know ahead of time. We like to try new things, and also recreate the past with “old favorites.” Lots of fresh fruits and veggies are always on hand. HOUSING: We mostly stay in the tabins (wooden floors, wooden roofs and ½ canvas sides), in the units. We sleep on wooden cots with mattresses. The whole camp is available for our event. You can bring your own tent and pitch anywhere that suits. Limited RV space is available, but there are no hookups. Some limited mobility accommodations can be made. WEATHER AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: No smoking on camp. No pets allowed, except certified service dogs. Elevation is 8500’. Temperatures range from 45 – 85 degrees; cool in the mornings and evenings, warmer during the day. Rain is likely, so be prepared. Fire danger might limit cooking and campfire options, but we’ll adjust. Service projects could help make improvements to MMR if groups or individuals are interested. Come check out the new “Reflection Room” in the Homestead House. Hang out, read, rest, visit. WHAT TO BRING: Your favorite camp clothes, but importantly good shoes/boots. Raingear. Hats and sunscreen. Sleeping gear (If you are traveling, we can provide you with bedding.) Musical instruments, song books, memorabilia or old photos to share or donate, arts & crafts supplies. Questions, ideas, comments, suggestions: Contact Very Informal Camp Director, Penny “Pan” Roberts at probertscolo@gmail.com, at P.O. Box 211, Estes Park, CO. 80517, (home) 970 586 1775 or (cell) 970 473 1001.

Girl Scouts sing to have fun, of course, but we also sing to be together, carry on Girl Scout history and traditions, celebrate special events, indoors or outdoors, extend our knowledge of Girl Scout songs and - - did I mention? To have fun! Please join the Songbirds in sing-alongs on the 2nd Saturday of every month from September through April. Here are the details: DATES: 2nd Saturday of every month from September through April PLACE: Berthoud Elementary School, Bunyan Avenue TIME: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Songbirds is open to all ages. There is no charge for this event, and no registration is required. Songbirds is open to everyone, but right now we are recruiting troops, families or individual Girl Scouts to come and join. Songbooks will be provided, along with royal blue logo polo shirts which we use when we perform in various places as requested. We can categorize Girl Scout songs into campfire songs, rounds, graces, international songs, hiking songs, motion songs, clapping games, traditional ceremony songs, lullabies, canons, patriotic songs and more. We think we might have learned all the songs there are, but let’s see if we can learn some more. For more information, please contact the Director of the Songbirds, Penny Roberts at 970-586-1775 or by email at probertscolo@gmail.com.