Troop 72208 delivered HTH cookies to the Poudre Valley Hospital NICU unit. The girls chose the NICU unit as their HTH because a brother of 2 of the girls had spent time in the NICU last summer and the staff is wonderful.

Girl Scouts of Colorado Highest Awards Manager Kaitie Lodolce presented the 2022 Debbie Haskins Spirit of Girl Scouting Award and the 2022 Stephanie A. Foote Leadership Prize to Gold Award Girl Scouts on April 20, 2022. This year’s ceremony was a virtual celebration due to COVID-19. In past years, this special ceremony has been part of Gold Award Day at the Colorado State Capitol. Lauren Frisch, Broomfield, Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness – Lauren partnered with the Family Promise organization to create a bridge housing program at her church for families experiencing homelessness. The church now provides short-term housing for families, so they have a self-reliant living situation while they get back on their feet. Lauren is the 2022 Stephanie Foote Leadership Prize winner and will receive a cash gift to recognize her sustainable impact through leadership. Nicole McCloskey, Colorado Springs, Stitching for Good – As an avid seamstress herself, Nicole created an online resource to connect people who love to sew with organizations that take donations of sewn items. Anyone can visit stitchingforgood.org to find places to donate the items they make and find sewing patterns for frequently donated items. Nicole was named 2022 Stephanie Foote Leadership Prize Honorable Mention. Celeste Fullerton, Carbondale, Vaping Prevention Program – Celeste launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to inform students about the dangers of vaping. As part of her campaign, Celeste created a podcast and developed the Junior Vaping Prevention Specialist program. Both allow students to hear from their peers about the negative effects of vaping. Celeste is recognized with this year’s Debbie Haskins Spirit of Girl Scouting Award for her confidence, resilience, and courage in succeeding in life. Each year, Gold Award Girl Scouts are eligible to earn the Stephanie A. Foote Leadership Prize. This award was made possible through a generous gift to Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Endowment by former Girl Scouts of Colorado President and CEO Stephanie A. Foote. “I am proud to recognize Girl Scouts whose Gold Award projects have made a lasting impact,” Foote said. In addition, the Debbie Haskins Spirit of Girl Scouting Award is given in memory of Girl Scout Gold Award Mentor Debbie Haskins, who had a passion for working with older Girl Scouts. It recognizes one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout from Colorado who exemplifies the Girl Scout spirit through courage, confidence, and character. “Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just change the world for the better, they change it for good—and these Girl Scouts embody everything this achievement stands for,” said Leanna Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Colorado. “Each of these young women addressed an issue that’s important to her in order to earn her Gold Award, and we congratulate each of these Gold Award Girl Scouts on this momentous accomplishment.” Open only to girls in high school, the Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls—and the most difficult to earn. The Gold Award project involves seven steps: 1. Identify an issue, 2. Investigate it thoroughly, 3. Get help and build a team, 4. Create a plan, 5. Present the plan and gather feedback, 6. Take action, 7. Educate and inspire. Of the skills learned through Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards, leadership, organization, and critical thinking are the fundamentals of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements. Regional Highest Awards celebrations are back in-person this year are planned in April and May to honor the 800 Girl Scouts who earned Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards this year. Email highestawards@gscolorado.org to register. We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

More than 40 Western Slope Girl Scouts gathered at Colorado Mesa University to celebrate earning one of Girl Scouts Highest Awards on April 24. Regional Highest Awards celebrations are back in-person this year are planned in April and May to honor the 800 Girl Scouts who earned Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards this year. Celeste Fullerton and Jayden Thomason received their Gold Award pin at a ceremony this afternoon at Colorado Mesa University. For Celeste’s project, she launched an awareness campaign to inform students about the dangers of vaping. For Jayden’s project she partnered with the Montelores Early Childhood Council to host a booth at their annual health fair in Cortez, to educate parents and kids about the dangers and impacts of sugary drinks. View the Flickr album with photos and videos of the celebration.

Troop 70720 went on their first trail ride! We did a class about horses beforehand and then off on a ride we went. The horses were perfect for our level of riders. Everyone enjoyed their ride and experience. We are all so glad for Girl Scouts and all the experiences they are able to have because of it.

Cadettes and bridging Juniors: Come join us for a day-long mini workshop highlighting points of the outdoors skills competition. This is your chance to learn more about this fun and fabulous outdoor skills challenge! We’ll brush up on outdoor skills including: Emergency Shelters, First Aid, Lashing, Knots, Site Set Up, Fire Building & Tool Craft, Map & Compass and Camp Cooking May 14, 2022 Sky High Ranch, Woodland Park, CO Tentative Schedule 7:45 am to 8:20 – Check in 8:30 am – Introduction of Stations and Committee 9:00 am – Let the Stations Begin! Don’t delay; registration deadline is April 29, 2022. Registration information and link to RFTP 2022 files folder: https://goo.gl/8eGWxd

Daisy Troop 65804 and Brownie Troop 68383 are passionate about giving back and doing good with their cookie money! When these girls heard that their HTH cookies could help kids right in their own schools, they didn’t hesitate! Food for Hope is a Food Pantry specific to Adams 12, Adams14 and 27J School Districts. Not only do they have pantries located in several schools, but they also make available weekly take home food bags for kiddos. Troops 65804 and 68383 enjoyed a quick tour of the store rooms at Thorncreek Church and learning about how F4H helps local kiddos have food in their house when they might not otherwise. After the tour the girls each filled a bag, consisting of all the major food groups to be available to a kid in need. Before the girls left, they handed over cookie money checks totaling $415!!! What an eye opening experience! These girls rocked giving back to their community!!!

Join us Saturday, April 30 for a Girl Scout Titanic Soiree! Stations will be set up inside the the Molly Brown House Museum for Girl Scouts to learn about Margaret Brown and the Titanic. The soiree will wrap up with a small tea! Girl Scouts will receive a special patch for attending this event. Entries are every 15 minutes starting at 4:30 p.m. Last entry is at 6 p.m. This event will last about an hour. Price is $20 per Girl Scout and $15 per adult. Please visit mollybrown.org for more information and to register!

Admission is free to the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures on Friday, May 6, from 5-8 pm as part of First Friday Art Walk. In the Museum’s Main Gallery, Girl Scouts Impact the World explores the Girl Scouts’ global influence and service through their courage, confidence, and character. The Songbirds Girl Scout Choir will perform from 5:30-6:30 pm on the Museum patio, weather permitting. Under the direction of Penny Roberts, the Songbirds have been sharing traditional and international campfire songs since 2002. On Saturday, May 7, Moms and graduates will enjoy free admission in honor of Mother’s Day and graduating seniors. Girl Scouts Impact the World is curated by the Girl Scouts of Colorado History Committee. From an initial meeting of 18 girls in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, there are now 10 million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in over 150 countries. Girl Scouts, founded by Juliette Gordon Low, celebrated their 110th anniversary on March 12, 2022. The exhibit runs through May 21. The Global Village Museum is located at 200 W. Mountain Avenue, and Museum hours are 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit globalvillagemuseum.org or call 970-221-4600.

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Meleah Williams 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 Meleah 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 older daughter was in kindergarten. I was excited for her to be a Girl Scout, and when a Daisy troop was not available in my area, I decided to start my own troop. My mom was my troop leader, and I have so many great memories of my time with her as a Girl Scout. I wanted to share those experiences with my own girls. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I am a leader of two troops, a Junior/Cadette troop and a Daisy/Brownie troop and am the event coordinator for our Service Unit.  I also serve as the fall product manager for both troops. I feel that my main role is to make my girls’ wishes and hopes a reality and to help them develop their relationships with girls in their troop and in the Girl Scout community. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? I have learned so much from my time as a Girl Scout volunteer. My older troop has shown me how to be supportive while letting the girls take charge, and my younger troop has reminded how much fun Girl Scouts can be. My co-leaders have taught me how to be a better teammate so that we can provide our troops with fun new adventures and opportunities throughout their Girl Scout experience. Finally, I feel the most important thing I have learned is that Girl Scouts can accomplish amazing things with the help of volunteers who support them.  I feel truly privileged to be a part of my girls’ lives, and I love watching them learn, grow together, and gain confidence in themselves. What do you hope girls have learned from you? I hope my girls learn that that their voice matters, that they can accomplish any goal, and that they are capable of great things. Finally, I hope the girls learn that they are an important part of my life, and that they make my world a better place by being in it. Nominate an exceptional volunteer for a Volunteer Award! Nominations are open April 1-June 30, 2022 https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/for-volunteers/volunteer-appreciation/adult-recognition-nominations.html

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Jen Rotar in the Northern Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Jen 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 my daughter wanted to camp and have exciting outdoor adventures. I quickly learned that the best way to introduce girls to these experiences was to volunteer to lead. I love the Girl-Led philosophy. I enjoy listening to what my troop wants to do, then giving them the guidance they need to make it happen. I’ve always been proud to represent Girl Scouts in our community and show the people of our town the amazing things that girls can do.  My Troop has taken me on amazing adventures and spending time with them brings me so much joy – that’s what keeps me going as a leader. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I started as a co-leader for two years, then formed a new troop, #70700. My Troop has been active for 7 years and we’ve never gone a month without a meeting or activity. I was the secretary of our very active Berthoud Service Unit for several years, organized many of our SU activities over the years, and now participate in SU meetings as often as I am able. My Troop has partnered with a team of adult volunteers to organize Core Camp at Meadow Mountain Ranch, and I am excited to be working with that team in marketing the camp, planning the activity stations with my Troop, and helping prepare the PA crew for camp. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? Volunteering with Girl Scouts has taught me so much! I love working with diverse families, and especially teens, because they give me so many new perspectives to look at life. Each troop member, and each of their family members who have stepped up to help, have brought a unique personality and set of talents to our Troop. As my Troop has aged from 4th grade to High School, they have grown so much in their leadership skills, that I have had the privilege of stepping back and just going along for the ride on their Girl Scout journey. As a Troop, we have evolved in our planning skills, problem solving skills, and conflict management skills. And as a leader I have evolved in my ability to trust in their strengths and encourage their ideas.  I love the emphasis in Girl Scouts on setting and achieving goals. I’ve watched my Troop work and save for three years for an international trip (Belize in 2021) and share that experience with me. Being their leader has been inspiring in that I’ve seen what these incredible young people can accomplish when their minds are set on a goal. What do you hope girls have learned from you? What I hope my Troop has learned from me, is that it takes dedication to achieve big things. I hope that my commitment as a leader has given them an example of how personal dedication to a cause or a group or a goal can lead to incredibly satisfying life experiences. I know that our time in Girl Scouts has taught them a huge range of skills, from how to build campfires and set up tents, plan a meeting agenda, speak to a group, to marketing a product or fundraising event.  I hope that I personally have set an example of kindness and inclusivity, and have taught them to embrace new experiences, and to welcome new people to the team. Nominate an exceptional volunteer for a Volunteer Award! Nominations are open April 1-June 30, 2022 https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/for-volunteers/volunteer-appreciation/adult-recognition-nominations.html

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Maggie Navarro-Bowring 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 Maggie 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 had signed my daughter up for Girl Scouts when she was in kindergarten and along the way I became a volunteer for her troop leaders.  I have always enjoyed helping others in different ways.  I hope that my volunteering will inspire my daughter to have a strong work ethic and show her that there are no obstacles that girls can’t overcome. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I began as a parent volunteer for my daughter’s troop.  I have worked since I was 16 which instilled a deep work ethic in me.  Helping has always been in my blood, seeing my own parents always work hard.  It is easy for me to jump into any situation and try to find solutions no matter how difficult they may seem. I took over as our Troop Cookie Mom for a few years which I’ve always liked doing.  Our troop leader and I get along extremely well, so it was natural to then slip into the role of being Troop Co-Leader while still performing the role of our Troop’s Cookie Mom. I have been with Girl Scouts for so long, it was a seamless transition for me to then add Service Unit Cookie Manager as an additional volunteer role.  I like working with people and helping out as much as I can–teaching new Cookie Moms what I have learned over the years about what has worked for me, to help make their job easier. What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? I have learned that being a volunteer at times can be very difficult for any of us.  It can seem at times that our jobs are taken for granted and we take a lot of heat from those we help, especially considering that as a volunteer you are donating all your time and effort.  And while we all want that pat on the back as well as recognition for our time spent and to be shown gratitude, we don’t often receive it, beyond the reward we get and feel in the end which has so much more value than what we wish we had gotten.  The feeling of accomplishment and pride is something you will carry with you always.  Being selfless with your time has a level of value that will make you better. What do you hope girls have learned from you? To always strive for more and that there is no limit to what is possible.  I want them to see that being compassionate, kind, helpful, open to change and new experiences will make us better and help us reach our dreams and goals.  I hope they learned from me to think outside the box while problem solving.  That no matter how difficult life can be, everything has a solution even if we don’t always see it immediately.  Failing means we are learning, improving. Nominate an exceptional volunteer for a Volunteer Award! Nominations are open April 1-June 30, 2022 https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/for-volunteers/volunteer-appreciation/adult-recognition-nominations.html

Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Audrianna Martinez in the Pueblo and Southeast Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community. GSCO asked Audrianna 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 I was little my mom was my troop leader. So, when it came time for my own daughter to join I was thrilled to join as a volunteer! We were new to the area and it was a great way for the both of us to make new friends. Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout. I wear many different hats as a volunteer. I am a troop leader, fall producer manager, cookie manager, craft organizer, field trip planner, and event coordinator. Our troop of seven Daisies (Kindergartners) stays busy! What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer? I have learned just how hard everyone works to make Girl Scouts happen. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on and I appreciate all of the GS staff immensely. Especially Desiree McBride (volunteer specialist)! I’m not sure I would have been able to get through this without her guidance. Being a volunteer has made me appreciate all of my former leaders so much more. What do you hope girls have learned from you? Our troop consists of seven Daisies. Kindergarten is such a fun age! They are just starting school, making new friends, and learning how to navigate difficult situations. I’ve really enjoyed watching each of the girls problem solve, work together, and make lifelong friends. Each and every girl is blossoming into a confident and strong leader. I’m not sure this is something they have specifically learned from me, but I am thankful to hold space for them as they grow and learn. Nominate an exceptional volunteer for a Volunteer Award! Nominations are open April 1-June 30, 2022 https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/for-volunteers/volunteer-appreciation/adult-recognition-nominations.html