Submitted by Charity Brennan Metro Denver Lakewood On April 14, 2018, the Rosewood service unit hosted its 4th annual World Thinking Day event with more than 275 girls in attendance. This included all levels of Girl Scouts representing 30 countries and vendors, Spark Fun, Waste Management, Outdoor Adventure, and WAGGGS, at the event. The day started off with opening words from Stephanie Foote, President & CEO of GSCO, informing the girls about the importance of travel and how she had recently visited Morocco. Ms. Foote said when she visits a new country her favorite thing is to pick up a new recipe, then shares it with family and friends when she returns. There were also two Ambassadors, Eilish “Silky” and Taylor “Doppie,” who have been Girl Scouts for 12 years. They spoke about their Gold Award plans. They have always helped support unit events and have also earned their Bronze and Silver Awards. Rosewood’s mission is “Girl Scouts for life, leaders for life,” which we are promoting as an incentive for the Girl Scouts to earn all three Highest Awards. Then, the Girl Scouts, leaders, and families toured the countries, tasted new food, exchanged SWAPS with each other, and learned about Girl Scouts in other countries. This year’s WTD focus was IMPACT. Waste Management joined us to talk about recycling and how to protect the planet. “It is something small that has a big impact”. Everyone was also asked to bring Girl Scout leader supplies to swap &/or share and we took ARC donations as another way to cause an IMPACT. A big thank you to all the volunteers and Girl Scouts that made this a fun and educational event for everyone. We hope you can join us next year for our fifth annual event. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Lakewood #MetroDenver #WorldThinkingDay #WorldThinkingDay2018

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Marcia Roe of Westminster in the Metro Denver region volunteers with the Outdoor Adventure Club, in addition to leading a troop of older girls, running a day camp in the summer, and helping lead the Peak to Peak service unit. She is also a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Marcia 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? When my daughters were five they were watching a show on TV that showed a fictional version of Girl Scouting. They were into asking if things were real or not real for things they saw on TV, so when I told them the show was not real but that being a Girl Scout was real, and that I had been one too, they begged to try it out and we have been living real Girl Scout adventures together for the last eight years. It was an amazing thing to start together as a family tradition and the girls in our troop have become like family after all this time. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I am a leader for Troop 1359. Our troop has 16 girls 4th grade- 8th grade. I am also the cookie mom. I am a co-service unit manager for the Peak to Peak service unit. We are small, but mighty. I volunteer with GSCO’s Outdoor Adventure Club where once a month I work with an amazing team doing outdoor adventures, like dog sledding, with older Girl Scouts. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? I have learned that it is always necessary to be prepared with a song, riddle, and good story. Live the good stories, they make better tales to tell later. I have learned to ask for help when I need it. Elaborate plans and themes can be awesome, but not nearly as awesome as spontaneous free opportunities. Girl-led is always the way to go. What do you hope girls have learned from you? I hope that I am a role model to them that adventure is always out there. That they can accomplish great things with commitment and a big heart. How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? I feel that being a Girl Scout volunteer is to live all the aspects of being a G.I.R.L. Go-getter because I never dreamed we would have such big cookie program goals as to set and meet goals that can get our whole troop to super sellers and that we are planning and saving to go on an EF tour. Innovator because I don’t have to be an expert at everything, I just have to be open to trying new things, experiences, badges, etc. Risk-taker because outdoor adventures are equal parts of risk and awe. I am always up for the next adventure. Finally, a leader, I am humbled and honored that my girls look to me for guidance in their own leadership. Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #VolunteerNews #volunteerspotlight #VolunteerAppreciationMonth #Westminster #VolunteerAppreciation #MetroDenver

From Girl Scouts of the USA It’s once again time for your girl to check her outdoor gear, restock her daypack, and get ready to spend more time in the great outdoors—like a Girl Scout! Whether she’s having camping adventures with her troop at Girl Scout camp, visiting a National Parkwith her family, or even pitching a tent in her own backyard, there are so many ways to have a Girl Scout adventure. Plus, she just might earn a Girl Scout badge or two… Daisy Buddy Camper badge: Camping is a great adventure to do outdoors. Here she’ll play in nature, eat outside, and sleep under the stars with her family, friends, or Girl Scout sisters. When she earns this badge, your Daisy will learn how to plan for a camping trip and properly pack her outdoor gear—so she’s always Girl Scout prepared! Earn this badge. Brownie Cabin Camper badge: When your Brownie earns this badge, it’s a chance for her to spend time in nature and have fun with friends or family. She’ll dive deeper into planning her camping trip, learn how to use camping gear, prepare a delicious meal in the outdoors, and try her hand at a new camping skill! Earn this badge. Junior Eco Camper badge: We already know it’s easy being green when you’re a Girl Scout, and with this badge, your Junior will not only learn the Leave No Trace Seven Principles but also how to apply them! She’ll plan meals with the environment in mind, prepare a minimal-impact campsite, and go on a conservation hike. Having fun and protecting the environment at the same time? We’re in! Earn this badge. Cadette Primitive Camper badge: Primitive camping can be difficult, even for experienced campers, but we know your Girl Scout Cadette is up for the challenge! Through this badge, she’ll step up her outdoor skills—from planning a primitive camping adventure with her troop to gathering the gear she’ll need to succeed. Earn this badge. Senior Adventure Camper badge: Girl Scouts are natural outdoor adventurers, and whether your Girl Scout Senior likes to kayak, mountain bike, or go rock climbing, why not combine her passion with an overnight camping trip to make the most of her outdoor experience? Adventure camping requires minimal equipment and gear because she’ll be active all day and possibly moving campsites. And thanks to this badge, your girl will know exactly how to prepare for the challenge. Earn this badge. Ambassador Survival Camper badge: Is your girl ready to test her camping skills with minimal supplies? Once she earns this badge, she will be! She’ll learn what it’s really like to go off the grid, survive off the land, and explore the great outdoors with her crew. And she’ll not only be prepared for future adventures outdoors but also be able to share her knowledge with others. Earn this badge. #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #outdoors #camping #GSUSA #GirlScoutCamp #troopcamping #camp #adventure #badges

Submitted by Aydin Hoo Pikes Peak Colorado Springs Troop 43893 chose Honor Flight of Southern Colorado as one of our Hometown Heroes this year. This organization transports heroes to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at war memorials. A few of our girls were able to meet two of the amazing veterans flying out on the next Honor Flight and give them 60 packages of Girl Scout Cookies. It was a thrill to meet these heroes and send them off to with some delicious treats. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #HonorFlightofSouthernColorado #ColoradoSprings #Veterans #HometownHero #veteran #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram #PikesPeak

kr Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Linda Gibbs of Cheyenne Wells in the Pikes Peak region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Linda 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 started out as a volunteer for my daughter’s troop. As the years went on and all three of my girls graduated and moved on, I continued as a volunteer because I enjoy what I do. The girls’ enthusiasm for something new and different makes me happy. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I started out as a co-leader.  Through the years, I have been a leader for all age groups. I have been a troop leader, group leader, day camp director, camp coordinator with awesome helpers, TCM, SUCM, SUM, and trainer.  I may have missed some …or not, but after 30 plus years of Girl Scouts, I just never thought to keep track. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? l have learned how to be a group leader, how to do public speaking without stammering too much, and have learned a bit about organization. What do you hope girls have learned from you? I hope the girls have learned to be kind and caring, to give without expecting something in return, respectful, leave any place they use clean or cleaner than when they started, and have fun while doing whatever they are doing. I always hope that they have learned one or two life skills, whether it be cooking, camping, or sewing. How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? I have learned that people are not always going to do everything for you.  If you want something to happen: Go do it. Sometimes what works for one person or group, doesn’t always work for everyone. Change things, make them work for you. Sometimes you just have to try something new and hope it works, if it doesn’t work, you try something different the next time. Taking the lead is how it all starts, it doesn’t mean you have to do it all! Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #CheyenneWells #VolunteerNews #volunteerspotlight #VolunteerAppreciationMonth #VolunteerAppreciation #PikesPeak

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jennifer Ayers of Johnstown in the Northern & Northeastern CO region started as a troop leader, but quickly became a product program volunteer as well. She is also a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Jennifer 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? When we first moved to Colorado from California a few years ago, my daughter wanted to join Girl Scouts and had asked me to be her leader. Knowing it would be beneficial to meeting people in our new community, I registered, but wasn’t able to get a troop formed right away, so she ended up joining a local multi-level troop. The next year, they needed someone to lead the Brownies and I gladly volunteered! Now, that both of my daughters are in Girl Scouts, I love being involved in their troop and doing something with them, instead of watching from the sidelines. I know that Girl Scouts has helped my family find an amazing group of people and I LOVE seeing these girls outside of Girl Scout activities and getting the biggest and warmest hugs! Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I started volunteering as a troop leader and fall product program manager. This year, I added the role of cookie program manager and am becoming a service unit manager. We have a multi-level troop ranging from Daisies to Seniors. Although I’m officially leading the Brownies, our leadership team works well together and we all help each other out wherever needed. It is definitely a team effort to make sure we are helping our girls develop their G.I.R.L. skills. I wasn’t sure where to start as a leader and the flexibility of the Girl Scout Program was kind of intimidating to me, so the volunteer online and in-person training summits have been a huge help. Networking with other leaders has been reassuring and inspiring on how to lead meetings and get ideas for activities so the girls can gain a lot from their time with Girl Scouts. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? The girls have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Our troop is full of incredible girls from all different backgrounds with different interests. It’s really been wonderful trying to make sure each girl is getting her own experience, helping them earn all of the badges that they want, and keeping things fun and character building. I have definitely had to learn to let them lead a lot more. Girl-led isn’t something that I excel at because I tend to take charge and over plan, but I am working on stepping back a bit and letting the girls have more opportunities to figure things out for themselves. These girls have also taught me the importance of getting outside my comfort zone and having some fun. I’m not exactly the most adventurous person, but leading our girls is pushing me to be a better version of myself and to just try new things. I am excited to see where our troop takes us as they get older! What do you hope girls have learned from you? As a troop leader, I really love being able to devote my time and energy into helping our girls grow and succeed, not only by earning badges and awards, but also as a valuable member of our community. I hope they have learned that they are fully capable of making the world a better place, no matter what their age is. I also hope they have learned the Girl Scout Promise and Law is not just something they pledge at the beginning of our meetings and is something that really applies to our daily lives through our actions. How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? Volunteering has definitely helped me become a G.I.R.L. These girls deserve the best and I absolutely do not want to let any of them down so I have had to push through my own insecurities and hesitations and support our girls wherever I can. Life certainly has been a lot more fun and fulfilling because of volunteering with Girl Scouts and encouraging our troop to be more G.I.R.L. strong! Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #Johnstown #NorthernampNortheasternCO #VolunteerNews #volunteerspotlight

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Rachel Van of Alamosa in the Pueblo & Southeastern CO region started out as a troop co-leader, but quickly took on more volunteer roles. She is also a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Rachel 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 when my oldest daughter, Amelia, was in first grade in 2011-12. The previous school year she had joined a Girl Scout troop at the end of cookie season and that troop was in need of another volunteer to help lead the Daisies as the troop grew to over 40 girls in both Brownies and Daisies. I had been a Brownie for a couple of years as a child and had such fond memories of that time so I wanted to make sure that my three daughters had the opportunity to experience Girl Scouts as well and that is why I chose to volunteer. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I started as a troop co-Leader in Monte Vista in 2011 and was a troop cookie manager for the first time in 2012. I have continued in these roles since then. Since we live in a small rural area that is some distance from the bigger cities and we have fewer volunteers, I am currently in the roles of troop leader and TCM, volunteer trainer, cookie cupboard manager, and service unit manager/SUCM and I love getting to volunteer in so many different ways with such a great organization and getting to work with our wonderful troop of 16 girls in grades kindergarten through 7th grade. I also enjoy getting to work with the other volunteers and troops in the San Luis Valley when we have service unit events. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? As a volunteer, I have learned many things over the years. First and foremost, I have learned how to be a better leader in all aspects of my life. As I have taken my troop on their journey to be the future leaders of our country and even the world, I have learned to be more patient and kind as well as a good example for them. I have also increased my ability to handle things on the fly and go with the flow. As many other Girl Scout volunteers can probably attest, we really have to be able to roll with the punches because you never know what might come your way at a troop meeting. The best instance of this for me was one particular troop meeting we had where we were trying to make silly putty and something went wrong with the mixture and we ended up with slime instead. It was a great example to the girls to make the best of a bad situation and find another use for what you have instead of just throwing it out and starting over. They still had a blast and I honestly think they enjoyed the slime more since it was a mistake. We all had a great laugh that night. What do you hope girls have learned from you? I hope the girls I have worked with have learned to be confident in themselves and to take on any challenges that the world might throw at them. I also hope that the Girl Scout Promise and Law stick with them as they grow and they keep them as solid tenants in their life. The world would be a much better place if everyone knew and followed the Girl Scout Law! How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? I would say that my experience as a volunteer has helped me become a G.I.R.L. in too many ways for me to name them all. Seven years ago, I never would have imagined that I would be this involved in Girl Scouts, but here I am and I love it! Working with my troop and the other wonderful volunteers in the San Luis Valley as well as the staff in the council offices I have learned so much. I have developed friendships and connections in my community that I never would have had without Girl Scout in my life and I am so grateful for the opportunities it has created for me. I have had the confidence to take on risks and believe in myself within my own career so that I can develop professionally as well. I don’t know that I would have taken the same risks or believed in myself without all the great things I have learned from being involved in Girl Scouts. Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #VolunteerNews #volunteerspotlight #VolunteerAppreciationMonth #PuebloampSoutheasternColorado #Alamosa #VolunteerAppreciation

From Girl Scouts of the USA We’re Girl Scouts. We know a thing or two about being green! It’s in our DNA. Our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, was a famous nature enthusiast—and we always encourage everyone to use our planet’s scarce resources wisely, for themselves and for everyone! On Earth Day—and every day—you can take action to help protect and honor the planet we all call home. There’s only one Earth, but there are so many ways to celebrate it! Here are some ideas to get you started: 1. Go outside. Nothing says you love Mother Nature like spending some quality time with her! Take a walk. Smell a flower. Listen to the birds. Take photos in a national parkand share your best shots on Instagram and Twitter using #gsoutdoors. Then check out your photos—and others. 2. Recycle. Items made from glass, paper, metal, or plastic can all be recycled into new products instead of clogging our landfills or spoiling the environment. So don’t trash it, recycle it! You’ll help conserve resources, prevent pollution, reduce greenhouse gases, and make the environment healthy for future generations. 3. Plant a garden. See firsthand how plants develop and thrive. Grow your own flowers, fruits, veggies, a tree, or all of them! You can start from seeds, cuttings, or potted plants. Go ahead—it’s OK to get your hands dirty for a good cause! 4. Say “goodbye” to plastic water bottles. It’s important to stay hydrated, but those disposable plastic water bottles are bad news for our animal friends and the environment. Just switch to a refillable water bottle you can carry with you. It’s healthy, environmentally friendly, and economical. Win, win, and win! 5. Flip the switch on energy use. Turn off lights, computers, televisions, game consoles, and other electronic devices when you’re not using them— simple, but so effective! 6. Go to an Earth Day fair. Find an Earth Day event in your community and go! It’s your chance to learn about environmentally friendly practices, products, and volunteer opportunities. Plus, you just might make new friends who share your interests or pick up a tip or two on how to be more environmentally aware. 7. Use less, reuse more. You can reduce waste by not creating it in the first place. Try to buy reusable items instead of disposable ones. Repair broken things instead of buying new. Do a good deed by donating unwanted clothing, toys, and other items to charity instead of tossing them in the trash. 8. Spark a conversation. Talk to your friends about environmental issues that interest you. Together, you can make a plan to have a positive impact on our planet. Or get in touch with elected officials and community representatives to share your ideas on the environment. Raise your voice and be heard! 9. Conserve water. Did you know that only 1% of the Earth’s water is suitable to drink? So let’s use it wisely. Turn off the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth. Take a quick shower instead of filling the bathtub. Be on the lookout for leaks at home and school. We can do this! 10. Organize a cleanup. Get your friends and family together and have some fun cleaning up your local park, beach, school, or playground. After you’re done, have a picnic to celebrate a job well done. And that’s just the beginning! In Girl Scouts, there are plenty of ways to make every day feel like Earth Day! Girls can explore the It’s Your Planet—Love It! Journey—or work toward their Outdoor badges, find an awesome summer camp, or even be part of the Girl Scout Ranger Program in our national parks. So let’s get out there and make this an Earth Day to remember! For more information on Girl Scouts and the outdoors, check out the special report, More Than S’mores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Experiences (PDF). #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #outdoors #GSUSA #environment #gsoutdoors #environmentalstewardship #EarthDay

Submitted by Andrea Robison Metro Denver Thornton Cadette Troop 60569 is hosting another Brownie Journey event! Our Cadettes are excited to help Brownies complete this fun and essential journey in just ONE half-day session! There are two sessions from which to choose: -Saturday, May 5, 2018 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. -Saturday, May 5, 2018 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. All sessions will be located at Northglenn Christian Church (1800 E. 105th Pl., Northglenn, CO 80233). The Wonders of Water Journey will be completed in one half-day session by learning Ways of Working (LOVE water, SAVE water, SHARE water) led by our enthusiastic Cadette guides. LOVE water: Bring your love of water activities to share and learn all about water. SAVE water: All girls will participate in a community service activity to help promote the conservation of water. SHARE water: Brownies will be working independently and together to create posters for their schools to spread the news about how to save water. Cost: $10 per Brownie This is not a drop-off event. Leaders are expected to adhere to adult to girl ratios. Journey books and badges are not included. All payments must be made prior to the event (echecks are accepted). No on-site registration will be available. To register or for more information, contact Andrea Robison at troop0569@gmail.com. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Journey #GSCOevents #GirlScoutBrownie #Thornton #MetroDenver #WOWJourney

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jenni Esser of Peyton in the Pikes Peak region has had many different volunteer positions at both the troop and service unit levels. She is also a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Jenni 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 pretty much “volun-told.” Haha. I took my oldest to the first Girl Scout meeting of the year in Peyton and told them, while holding my three-month old second daughter, that I’d help where I could but that I had the little one. At the end of the meeting, I was introduced as the new Daisy leader.  Lol. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I know how important and influential Girl Scouts was to me. When I was 12 or 13, my Girl Scout troop traveled from Ohio to Rocky Mountain National Park via the Badlands and Cheyenne, WY. It was the trip of a lifetime to me. I knew from that trip that I wanted to be a geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey and live in Colorado. I made that goal happen at age 22. I want to make sure my girls (and others too!) have a great experience through Girl Scouts so they too can experience and explore new places and things and find their goals and have them become reality. And that role has expanded. I started out as a Daisy Leader and have moved up with my oldest daughter through Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes. I will soon be her Senior leader when she bridges this summer. I am also the Service Unit Manager for SU 10 (both before the merge and after the split from SU 13). What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? I have learned that my Girl Scouts leaders were saints. It is a lot of work leading girls, but it is also an enriching experience. I love seeing the girls explore something new. I love their excitement and energy. It’s contagious. What do you hope girls have learned from you? I hope the girls have learned how to lead and to be great women by living the Girl Scout Law. I hope they continue to learn and explore throughout their lives and that they also become leaders and role-models to younger and future Girl Scouts. How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? Being a leader hasn’t helped me become a G.I.R.L. I have been one because I grew up a Girl Scout. Being a leader has given me the opportunity to help girls become a G.I.R.L. Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. #VolunteerNews #volunteerspotlight #VolunteerAppreciationMonth #VolunteerAppreciation #PikesPeak #Peyton

Submitted by Barbara Light Metro Denver Aurora Troop 71 of Aurora is putting on a Powder Puff Derby on April 23, 2018 from 5 – 8 p.m. Details and registration for the race available on our link. https://race-like-a-g-i-r-l-powder-puff-derby.cheddarup.com This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Aurora #GSCOevents #MetroDenver

Submitted by Sharon Manning Northern & Northeastern CO Longmont Troop 73392 recently earned their Senior level “Car Care” badge with the help of Bowen Street Garage in Longmont. The girls learned about the different fluids used in a car, belts, engines, and how to check and add fluids, if necessary. The girls also learned about various motors, parts of the motor, and what happens if you don’t maintain appropriate fluid levels. Andreas, the owner of Bowen Street Garage, showed the troop the damage caused by low oil levels with an engine he was in the process of repairing as a result of low oil in the engine. But, the favorite part of the evening was learning how to change a tire and actually doing it! This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #oldergirls #NorthernampNortheasternCO #Longmont #BowenStreetGarage #CarCarebadge #SeniorGirlScouts