Submitted by Alivia Western Colorado My name is Alivia, this is my 3rd year as a Girl Scout and I love it. My troop is always doing things to help our community just last December we donated a scarf to every resident at Mantey Heights Nursing Home. It makes me really proud to be a part of a troop that really cares for others. This cookie season my troop has a big goal of 6,755 packages.  My personal goal is 2,050 packages.  We would love to use our earnings for an energy saving project we are working on, gift packages for Mantey Heights Nursing Home, and to go to an official Girl Scout camp. I hope it’s a science camp. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form and is part of the 2018 contest for Best Cookie Video. #BestCookieVideocontest #WesternSlope #cookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #GirlScoutCookieProgram2018

Submitted by Hazel E. Metro Denver Denver To kick off the Girl Scout Cookie Program, we made a little video of Hazel’s first Girl Scout cookie taste test! As a first-year Brownie, she had never been exposed to all of the different flavors so before she got out to sell them, she wanted to try them. This video has increased her sales dramatically. Our troop cookie sales goal is 900 and we’re well on our way! This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form and is part of the 2018 contest for Best Cookie Video. #BestCookieVideocontest #Denver #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram #MetroDenver

Submitted by Anna L. Fort Carson Pikes Peak Mia is a gifted, STEM-loving, introverted Brownie who loves crafting stories. For the Fall Product Program,  she created a skit with some of her toys because she didn’t want to appear on camera, and she decided to do something similar for cookie season. I helped her film it, but the concept, script, and voice/acting is all her. She drew upon the theme for sales and set her video at the beach, with a hidden appearance from a certain sea turtle, and a cameo from “S’mores,” the mascot from the Fall Product Program (not the actual stuffed animal, but a brown rabbit finger puppet we got at the Fountain Creek Nature Center when we went for our hiking and bugs badges.) As Mia’s mom, I’ve watched Girl Scouts give her the confidence to use her skills, and take risks. As her troop leader, I’ve seen her ambition for reaching her goals pay off. I never would have guessed that she would have an interest in selling or talking to new people, let alone go above and beyond on her own volition. It’s been an amazing adventure to witness! This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form and is part of the 2018 contest for Best Cookie Video. #BestCookieVideocontest #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram #FortCarson #PikesPeak

Submitted by Skyla Decloedt Colorado Springs Pikes Peak My dad is always helping me out. For cookie season, my dad is helping me sell cookies left and right. After school, we might go set up a booth or we might go door to door. He is really good at helping me selling cookies and he is not afraid of the competition– I have to remind him sometimes it’s for our troop. Although its my first year in Girl Scouts, I think I’m doing pretty good (mostly because my dad). I love being in Girl Scouts. Today after school he took me to go sell cookies and I sold about 60 packages of cookies. He has so many friends who like Girl Scout Cookies, which is really helpful. When it comes to helping me sell cookies, my dad is the best at it. This is my awesome dad and I’m so glad I have him. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form and is part of the 2018 contest for Best Cookie Dad.  Is your Cookie Dad the best? Tell us about him and he’ll win a cool prize! #ColoradoSprings #bestcookiedad #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram #cookiecontests #PikesPeak

I had the opportunity to share my Gold Award project with members of my community, and it was one of the most valuable parts of the whole Gold Award process. For my Gold Award project, I am working to help underprivileged students throughout Colorado have access to STEM learning.  I have worked to address the two root causes of this issue: a lack of support and a lack of resources.  My goal is to aid in the participation of underprivileged youth in the quality STEM-based program Destination Imagination. Destination Imagination is a creative problem solving competition, in which teams of students work for up to 9 months developing solutions to science, technology, engineering, and artistic challenges, developing team work and project management skills along the way.  I chose this program, because it has the infrastructure and potential to change kids’ lives and I believe every child should have access to it. To combat the lack of support that students in poverty often face, I developed a mentorship program to aid adult leaders of Destination Imagination teams in underprivileged communities. To address the resource issue, I assembled “Tool Tubs” which contain the tools necessary for students to develop a solution to a Destination Imagination challenge, and which will be distributed to underprivileged teams across Colorado for loan each season.  I knew that to meet my financial goals and be able to assemble the number of “Tool Tubs” that I was striving for, I needed a lot of community support.  That is why I applied for The Conifer Newcomers and Neighbors Grant.  The grant is given to deserving community organizations in my town, Conifer, and is aimed at helping non-profit organizations and groups achieve their goals. I requested enough money to assemble five “Tool Tubs,” and I was very graciously granted the money by Conifer Newcomers and Neighbors.  February 2 was the grant award ceremony, and I had the opportunity to receive my check and speak about my project in front of the 140 members of the Conifer Newcomers and Neighbors organization as well as the leaders of nearly 15 other Conifer organizations.  The audience members included my high school and elementary school principals, the town fire chief, various members of my school’s staff, and leaders of many charitable organizations throughout Colorado.  Being able to share my project with them was especially meaningful, as they are all people working to make a valuable difference in this world. I am extremely proud to have taken on the challenge of writing a grant request and am excited to have been able to share my project with so many people.  The impact that the money will have towards making the world a better place and the many positive responses I got from my audience, made all the hard work worth it and made me feel empowered as a leader. #Conifer #DestinationImagination #GoldAward

From Girl Scouts of the USA Did you know there are five Legacy Athletic badges?  With these badges, girls learn how to be a valuable member of a team by becoming familiar with the rules of the game and how to play so that everyone feels included. The take away is that girls learn what it takes to be a part of a team and support others on and off the field. These badges connect girls to health, leadership, learning, and teamwork through sports. While having fun, staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle, girls earn five age-appropriate athlete badges that teach them about fair play, practicing with a purpose, good sportsmanship, cross-training, and coaching. Fair Play – Brownie Playing fair means that everyone has the same chance to play, because everyone follows the same rules. That’s what this badge is about. You’ll learn to work together to have the most fun possible. That’s fair play! Practice with Purpose – Junior Even the best athletes weren’t born great at sports: They had to practice with purpose. Have fun with these activities as you learn to improve a skill—no matter what track, court, rink, pool, slope, or field you like to play on. Game on! Good Sportsmanship – Cadette It’s good to be an athlete, but the greatest athletes agree it’s just as important to be a good sport. When you make good sportsmanship a habit in games and in life, others want to play with you, hang out with you, and generally live up to your example. So whether you’re a dedicated athlete with a chosen sport or you just like to enjoy an occasional game among friends, this badge will help you have more fun on the field—and off. Cross-Training – Senior Whether you’re a competitive athlete, new to exercise, or want to improve your skills in surfing, hiking, or even throwing a Frisbee, this badge will help you customize a cross-training fitness program that’s effective and, most important, fun! The idea of cross-training is to incorporate a variety of cardio, strength, and conditioning exercises into a routine that trains your whole body. Grab your sweatband, and create a plan that’s perfect for your body, mind, and goals. Coaching – Ambassador What does it take to motivate a team to accomplish its goals? The best coaches put their answers into action at every practice. In this badge, find your answers and share them! Coaching is an opportunity to share your love of a sport, demonstrate your athletic skills, and to inspire and empower athletes to realize their potential. Learn more about how Girl Scouts is preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership! #athletics #GSUSA #sports #Athletebadges #badges

Meet the newest members of Daisy’s Circle, Girl Scouts of Colorado’s monthly giving program! Girl Scout Daisy Troop 66802 is from Westminster. The girls wanted to join Daisy’s Circle because they were excited to know that they are giving other girls the opportunity to be Girl Scouts and have as much fun as they are having. When you join Daisy’s Circle, your gift reaches beyond your family and troop and touches the lives of girls who need a little extra support. No one believes in the power of girls more than you, and you have the power to invest in the heart of Girl Scouts and be a sister to every girl. Join today or learn more: https://gscodaisyscircle.org/ #DaisysCircle #funddevelopment #MetroDenver #Westminster

The Girl Scout Cookie Program got off to a super start as girls went door-to-door on Super Bowl Sunday. We’re hearing reports of girls who had tremendous sales, and plenty of Super Bowl-watching parties featured Girl Scout Cookies for dessert! If your girl sold 50 or more packages door-to-door on kickoff Sunday, don’t forget to fill out this form to claim her free Super Bowl patch. The deadline to submit the form is tomorrow, Feb. 6. Cupboards are open Cookie Cupboards are open around the state if you need to restock your inventory. Please check your local cupboard hours in eBudde and try to give one week’s notice for orders to be filled. Be mindful that many cupboards are managed by volunteers and will have varying hours. Council booth sites begin Feb. 16 Council booth selections have been made, and girls across the state are getting ready to Bling their Booths! Check eBudde for additional booth locations, and please release in eBudde any booths that your girls will not be able to staff so that another troop or girl can have the chance to sell there. Be booth ready While your girls and their families are out and about selling Girl Scout Cookies, they often get asked about Girl Scouting, and we want everyone to know that Girl Scouts is about so much more than selling cookies! Let’s show everyone how the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial program prepares girls to lead, learn, and succeed all while making it possible for them to embark on amazing adventures, form a lifetime of memories, and unleash the power of G.I.R.L. (go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, leaders)™ to change the world. Share this two-sided sheet with girls and families for tips on how to answer “Why Girl Scouts?” like a pro! Don’t forget Digital Cookie Remind the girls in your troop that Digital Cookie is an easy way to add to your sales. Girls can add a video message or a photo, share their goals and what they’ve learning by selling cookies, then share their digital cookie link with friends and family, even those living in other states. Upcoming dates Feb. 16: Council booths begin Feb. 23-25: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend March 11: Cookie program ends March 13: Rewards orders due in eBudde #VolunteerNews #cookiesvolunteers #cookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram

The Pikes Peak Region of Girl Scouts of Colorado will host an open house at its office on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The office is located at 5353 N. Union Blvd., Suite 101 in Colorado Springs. Anyone is welcome to attend, and while an RSVP is not required, it is appreciated. Please call Debbie Swanson at 719-304-8322, or contact her at debbie.swanson@gscolorado.org, to give her your reservation. The invitation to attend has been sent to community and business leaders in the area, along with donors, alumnae, and volunteers. Guests will sample Girl Scout Cookies and learn how to find cookie booths in their area, so they can purchase cookies. They will also see a demonstration of the online cookie ordering process for those guests who are acquainted with a Girl Scout with whom an order can be placed. Other snacks and beverages will be provided. Guests will also hear about what the Girl Scouts will be doing in the Pikes Peak Region for 2018. This will include an Outreach Program to enroll girls who come from low-resource areas, the Gold Award, and some potential fundraisers. All are invited to come and learn more about the Girl Scouts of Colorado! #VolunteerNews #GSCOevents #ColoradoSprings #donors #cookiesvolunteers #openhouse #funddevelopment #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram #PikesPeak #alumnaenews #CouncilNews

Submitted by Jody Clair Pikes Peak Colorado Springs Troop 43810 spent a recent meeting learning about the “Climate Change” patch. Each Girl Scout used her own foot as an example to learn what is harmful to the earth and what can make her carbon footprint smaller, along with other activities! Some of the go-getters asked to make a couple changes in our troop to make our troop’s footprint smaller over time! This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #ClimateChangePatch #ColoradoSprings #PikesPeak

From Girl Scouts of the USA It’s National Thank You Month, and this year we want to shout out our amazing lead taking, logistics crushing, mountain moving, make-it-happen-no-matter-what cookie volunteers who work so hard and give so much during Girl Scout Cookie season to ensure girls’ success! Because when you support girls as they run their very own cookie businesses (through the largest entrepreneurial program for girls in the world!), you’re playing a key role in powering unique experiences for them and their troops all year long. You’re also making it possible for them to learn essential life skills that will set them up for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure. Because success is the Girl Scout way, and the cookie program would not be as effective as it is without your undying passion, dedication, and hard work. That’s a fact! So the next time you feel tired, a little overwhelmed, or even ready to quit, please know that we see you, we appreciate you, and what you’re doing for the girls in your community is meaningful and long-lasting. It is mentors like you who make sure your girls’ G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ spirit continues to shine bright—not just during cookie season but all year. Today, no matter what your role is at Girl Scouts, take the time to celebrate everyone in our unstoppable Movement. Let the cookie volunteers, leaders, and parents you work with know: How their work makes a difference to you and the girls they serve One thing you appreciate most about their efforts during cookie season (and beyond!) One time they really helped you or one of your girls out of a bind A unique story about a girl who they might have had an extra special effect on through their mentorship during this super busy time of the Girl Scout year Write them a thank-you note (have the girls in your troop join in on the fun too!); bring a special treat to your next troop meeting for them; or shout them out, loud and proud, on social media with #NationalThankYouMonth. Make sure to tag @girlscouts and @gscolo, and let us know your favorite way to show thanks for the Girl Scouts who make a difference in your life every day. We can’t wait to hear your best thank-yous and fill up on all that heart-warming, life-changing, bond-forming appreciation! Happy National Thank You Month! #VolunteerNews #NationalThankYouMonth #GSUSA #cookiesvolunteers #cookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #2018GirlScoutCookieProgram

Submitted by Heather Quinn Edgewater I want you all to meet Elena! Elena is the toughest girl I know and I’m a better person for having her and her mom in my life. Elena battled cancer for FOUR years. She beat leukemia and will be 2 years cancer free on February 10! This year, Elena wants to give back to the kids who are still fighting. She heard about this event called Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams, and with the support of Girl Scouts of Colorado and the amazing staff at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, we officially have the green light! With Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams, we will gather as large of a group as possible outside of the windows of the cancer ward of the Children’s Hospital and shine flashlights in their windows and they can shine them back at us. All Girl Scouts, friends, and family are welcome to join. If you would like to donate a flashlight or glow stick for patients to use, you can leave them at Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Denver Corporate Office during business hours between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. All donations will be sanitized and donated to Children’s Hospital patients. Learn more about the event and sign up. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too. #Aurora #ChildrensHospital #MoonbeamsforSweetDreams