Middle and high school girls throughout Western Colorado enjoyed an amazing morning at Secrets to Success, a career networking event recently hosted by the Grand Junction Program Team! The event paired 67 girls and professional women, where the girls spent a few minutes with each woman learning about her career. There were many Girl Scouts present, but also a large number of non-members, who were exposed to a Girl Scout event for the first time. Rhonda Johnson, Employment Specialist with Mesa County Workforce, opened the event by teaching girls how to introduce themselves and shake hands. It was a great session! The professional women really rallied around the girls. More than 25 women from a wide range of career fields visited with girls. Being an event mentor was extremely popular as numerous women reached out to participate. Girls met with a wide range of professionals including doctors, chefs, veterinarians, scientists, paramedics, engineers, reporters, attorneys, and more! A BIG SHOUT out goes to Cindi Graves, Allison Ellington, Hilary McGilton, and their wonderful Girl Scout volunteers for hosting a great event! And a big thank you to all of our great professionals who came out to support the girls! #GrandJunction #oldergirls #SecretstoSuccess #WesternSlope

From Girl Scouts of the USA Senior Girl Scouts and volunteers have the opportunity to take part in a weeklong intensive space science workshop June 18–23, 2017 at NASA’s premier research facility, Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Teams from ten councils, made up of two Girl Scout Seniors, one volunteer, and one amateur astronomer each, will enjoy presentations by NASA scientists, tours of the Goddard facility, access to remote robotic observatories, fun and engaging space science activities, and a “star party” hosted by the Goddard Astronomy Club. Teams will also receive NASA science education materials and guidelines for starting their very own Girl Scout Astronomy Club. If interested, use the following link to apply by March 17: https://girlscoutsusa.ca1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0GOBSXjhowc1aBL #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #NASA #STEM #oldergirls #SeniorGirlScouts

What did you do for your Gold Award project? For my Gold Award project, I planned and hosted the Miles for Meals 5K run and 1 mile walk to raise awareness and collect donations for Fresh Harvest Food Bank. I wanted my project to address the issue of food insecurity within my community, and also raise awareness for the resources that are available for those who need support. There is no reason anyone should be hungry: as one of the wealthiest nations on earth, there is enough food available, but connecting people to resources is the biggest challenge. On October 23, 2016, I hosted the fun run, where the entry “fee” was a donation of food or personal care items that went directly to Fresh Harvest. Through the event, I was able to gather more than 1,700 donations and reach at least 1,800 families through flyers, social media, and local newspapers. How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience? My target audience was largely my peers because many students were unaware of the need for these resources within our community. They gained the knowledge of the issue, as well as of the resources available and the ways they can help. Several of my friends who volunteered at the race or heard about Fresh Harvest through the event now volunteer at Fresh Harvest regularly. Additionally, I hoped to reach families who need support, and I was able to do this through my project. One example of this is that after speaking to a family friend about my race and Fresh Harvest, they shared the information with one of their friends who needed support and didn’t know of any organizations that were nearby. Through my race, I was able to help families in need of support become connected to helpful resources. This is just one example of the impact I hoped to have with my project, and the impact I created is continuing to help families in need, even months after the project was completed. How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement? My project will be sustained through the Colorado Young Leaders Chapter at my school, Rock Canyon High School. The faculty sponsor, Mr. Bart Blumberg, and the president, Shelby Lamkin, have both committed to sustaining a community donation event in the following years, whether it is another race or other community event to support Fresh Harvest. Mr. Blumberg is also working with his Freshman Seminar class to organize another donation fun run in the spring, and I have committed to support his efforts and provide advice. I have also put together a “How-To Manual” so that others know where to start and how to put on a successful donation fun run. I will provide this to Mr. Blumberg and the Colorado Young Leaders so that a similar project can continue after I graduate in the spring.  Before the race, RockCanyon was the only high school in Highlands Ranch that did not have some kind of connection with Fresh Harvest, but since the race, a lasting link is already being formed, and this system of support will continue into the future. What is your project’s global and/or national connection? Food insecurity is an issue that affects people all over the United States and throughout the world. An estimated 49 million people in the United States alone have some level of food insecurity, and somewhere between 500 and 800 million people worldwide face a similar problem. Assistance programs, such as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Programs (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits, are available, but not always widely known or used. Since a community event such as a fun run both supports the organization and raises awareness within the community, I wanted to share the idea with others who want to help and get involved. I contacted Feeding America, Hunger Free America, and Why Hunger, as well as Hunger Free Colorado and Feeding Colorado. These five organizations are committed to supporting food banks and connecting people to the resources they need. I have heard back from several of these organizations and am working to share my “How-To” manual so that people across the country can put on their own event to support their local community resources and raise awareness. What did you learn about yourself? I learned that planning all starts with me. I needed a large team of people to help with planning and putting on the race, but I had to take the lead in it all. With that in mind, I also had to work as a leader and designate responsibilities, because I could not have done it alone. A lot of my friends were eager to help and get involved, and so I used their energy and excitement to get everything done. I knew what my goal was, so I learned that as a leader, I need to be able to share this vision and lead by example. I was the one who came up with the project and was most excited, so I learned that if I shared this excitement and passion, other people would want to follow and get involved as well. Through this project, I also learned that people love to help, so use it. People want to support a good cause, so I learned to ask for help and share my story with as many people as possible. This was just another platform to get the word out. I learned that I can be an inspiration for others, so it is important to always act with integrity because I never know who is watching what I do and taking after me. For example, at my race, there were several younger girl scouts who were excited about what I was doing and starting to plan their own Gold Award projects. They looked up to me and all that I was doing, so it was important that I acted as a positive role model for them. Lastly, I learned that communication is key. I am the only one who knew exactly what I wanted for the event, so it was important that I share this vision with everyone to keep them informed, engaged, and wanting to help! How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? This project gave me a new confidence and attitude of perseverance that I did not have before. I never thought that I would be able to make the impact that I did, and after seeing what I can do with a little hard work and commitment, I have a new attitude on every challenge that I face. I now know that I can accomplish incredible things if I just set my mind to it, and I can inspire others around me to help and follow if I share my passion with them. Spearheading this project on my own taught me valuable lessons as a leader that will only continue to grow. After completing this project, I have seen the impact that an individual can have, and I have learned the impact that my leadership can have on others and things that are important to me. In the future, I will continue to use the lessons and leadership skills I have gained, such as perseverance and confidence, and intend to continue making a positive and meaningful impact in everything I do. This project has given me the skills to accomplish anything I set my mind to, and that is the most valuable thing any leader could ever have. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience? This project has taught me a lot about myself, as well as about the people within my community. For me, Girl Scouts has always been about getting out into my community and making an impact, and this project provided a means to actually decide who and what I wanted to impact and then plan and complete it. Growing up, I had been involved in service activities both inside and outside of Girl Scouts, and I think it was all building up to this project. This project really combined everything I’ve done so far, including volunteering for other projects or planning a project with my troop for my Bronze and Silver Awards, and applied it to my very own project that I planned and implemented on my own. The Gold Award project really exemplifies everything that it means to be a Girl Scout, and in honoring the Girl Scout Promise, it really encouraged me to take the line “to help people at all times” to heart and really see that serving and helping others can be an aspect of my everyday life and incorporated into all that I do. **IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org #Denvermetro #FreshHarvestFoodBank #GoldAward #HighlandsRanch

Submitted by Katie Singleton, Girl Scouts of Colorado Older Girl Experience Manager The GSCO Older Girl Advisory Board held their first retreat at Tomahawk Ranch on January 21-22, 2017. The board, which is currently made up of 12 girls from across the state, spent their time getting to know one another, discussing current programs available for older girls, and brainstorming for future programs. The girls on this board range from ninth to twelfth grades and represent Metro Denver, Northern & Northeastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Western Slope. The board is still seeking representatives from the Pueblo area and Southwestern Colorado. Girl Scouts interested in filling one of the remaining spots should email Katie Singleton at katie.singleton@gscolorado.org. #MetroDenverNorthernampNortheasternColoradoPikesPeakWesternSlope #OlderGirlAdvisoryBoard #oldergirls #TomahawkRanch

Submitted by Katie Singleton, GSCO Girl Experience Manager Pikes Peak Colorado Springs The Girl Scouts of Colorado Rocket Team is off to a strong start after their first few meetings! The team has submitted a proposal for the 2017 United Launch Alliance Summer Intern Launch and will build the payload they will launch in July 2017 together over the next five months. The team is based in the Pikes Peak region and is made up of girls in 6th through 9th grade. Dr. Warren B. Layfield, Ph.D., a former NASA scientist, is serving as the team’s mentor and advising the girls on their design and construction. Dr. Layfield is one of the founders of the Colorado Springs Rocket Society and has previously mentored numerous youth in rocketry and Aerospace sciences. #STEM #ColoradoSprings #RocketTeam #UnitedLaunchAlliance #PikesPeak

Submitted by Cricket Hawkins Mountain Communities Summit Cove This lively bunch earned their “Tula the Tulip” petal – COURAGEOUS and STRONG! The girls cheered each other on as they worked in teams to complete a blind obstacle course and then made some fabulous ninja-style headbands This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #Daisies #Daisy #mountaincommunities #SummitCove

From Girl Scouts of the USA Girls have spoken! The winning Girls’ Choice badge topic for 2017 is in. So, without further ado, we’re pleased to announce . . . The next Girls’ Choice badge will be Troop Camping! What a great way to build go-get-‘em problem-solvers, encourage challenge-seeking, and expose girls to new experiences as they grow their skills, confidence, and character. After all, camp life is the best life! Many thanks to everyone who voted and shared the poll with girls. That’s how we keep this process girl-led, which is so important! We can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get started on these badges. Daisies will get a first taste of the camping fun and excitement in their first-ever Girls’ Choice badge, and then the Brownie Ambassador badges will build on that foundation. Badge requirements will be available for download on June 15, 2017; badges and printed requirements will be in council shops by August. Keep an eye out for the badge design poll, which will be open from February 13 to 17. We will share that link in February. In the meantime, start thinking about where this adventure will take you: Troop Camping awaits! And girls, always remember, it’s your world. #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #GirlsChoiceOutdoorBadges #GirlsChoice #OutdoorBadges

Submitted by Mitzi King Metro Denver Littleton We’d love for you and your families to join us for our second annual event. We had such a great time last year, we’re doing it again. The Colorado Quilting Council is hosting this family-friendly event to encourage Colorado youth to enjoy learning about quilting and related sewing arts. The event is being held at the South Fellowship Church in Littleton at 6560 South Broadway. From 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. We’ll have giveaways, a raffle, make & take projects, a presentation, food, and fun. This year we’ll be giving away an American girl doll complete with her very own mini quilt. And our grand prize is a brand new sewing machine donated by Costco. Come join the fun and learn about CQC. Don’t forget to bring any project that you’d like to show us. We look forward to seeing you. Questions or to request more information: Call Mitzi 303-816-9566, or email cdc.youth@gmail.com The CQC website: coloradoquiltcouncil.com This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #quilting #ColoradoQuiltingCouncil #MetroDenver #Littleton #events

Submitted by Denine Dains Metro Denver Westminster Springtime brings a third year of Camp Specialty PA Training at Twisted Pine. In addition to learning the valuable skills of assisting younger Girl Scouts in a troop or small group setting, Girl Scouts will specialize in leading larger groups in a day camp setting. They will learn how to: -lead large groups of Girl Scouts in camp songs -assist young girls in a flag ceremony -assist young Girl Scouts with chopping food at camp while using a knife -set up a propane stove -make a foil packet lunch -follow the rules regarding fire and cooking with a Dutch oven -create a safe cleaning station for dishes -lead themselves in a professional, safe manner while working with younger girls -being a good role model to younger Girl Scouts Training will be held at Twisted Pine on March 19 and April 29, 2017. We will start promptly at 3 p.m. and finish at 8 p.m. Afternoon snack, dinner, and dessert-snack will be provided. Bring a mess kit. To register, click the links below: March 19: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_rGltml7dT_p1s2xPw3R9Q1KAb_I-iJHCNzVZGuY3Zg/edit April 29: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJ-copliKeN4GsK7hsLl1iEkYtFOeYG1kBGeif0Vl5C3vV_A/viewform This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #camp #MetroDenver #PATraining #TwistedPine

Purchase your 2017 Elitch Gardens season pass and benefit GSCO! Season passes are $69.99 per person and for each pass purchased through our link, GSCO will get back $5/pass. To purchase a pass, go to www.tinyurl.com/GSCOatEG . Save the date for Girl Scout Days at Elitch Gardens, planned for August 11-13. Discounted tickets and Girl Scout activities will be offered. We’ll also host our annual Elitch Garden patch contest and this year we’ll have new, fun prizes for the Girl Scout who submits the winning design. More info on tickets, activities and the patch contest is coming soon! Questions? Please contact Lori Thompson at lori.thompson@gscolorado.org . #Communitypartnerships #Denver #ElitchGardens #MetroDenverampPikesPeak

Submitted by Ashlea Beers Metro Denver Thornton After learning that many Girl Scouts in her area were attending the Women’s March on Denver, a local troop leader set about getting a fun patch made for attendees. Thanks to local graphic designer, Lauren Harwood, permission was granted for a fun patch to be created using Harwood’s design for the Denver march. If you would like to order your own March on Denver fun patch, the troop leader is collecting orders here: http://bit.ly/2j6UUQJ Production time is approximately 2-3 weeks from time of order. The Women’s March on Denver will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Civic Center Park in Denver. More information can be found here: http://www.marchoncolorado.org/ This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #MarchonDenver #Denver #funpatch #Thornton #MetroDenver

Submitted by Cindy Fry Northern & Northeastern Greeley During the month of December 2016, Troop 74273 did a toy drive and donated the toys to Santa Cops of Larimer County. The Colorado State Patrol came to our meeting and picked up the toys. The girls were able to carry the toys out to the patrol car and load them in. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #ColoradoStatePatrol #Greeley #NorthernampNortheasternCO #SantaCopsofLarimerCounty