Girl Scout Camp is a place where YOU can be YOU! That’s why we want YOU to design the t-shirt for Girl Scout Camp 2015. As the designer, we want you to choose the theme, words, etc. Requirements: T-shirt must be designed by an active Girl Scout, who is between the ages of 7 and 18-years-old Designer must be an individual Girl Scout (this is not a group/troop project) Design must be in black and white and should be a clear, bold representation of Girl Scout camp Entries must be received by January 25, 2015 All entries should be emailed to Betsy Till with the subject line “Summer Camp T-shirt Contest.” While you may enter as many designs as you like, each design must be submitted in a separate email with the following information: Your first and last name Age Girl Scout level Hometown Phone number You may include a brief description about your design, but it is not required. The winner will be announced by January 30, 2015. Questions? Email Betsy Till. *** The Girl Scout summer camp schedule is now live on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website girlscoutsofcolorado.org. Register online starting Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. Register early. Some sessions fill in just a few hours. #summercamp #GirlScout #GirlScoutsofColorado #girls #GirlScouts #camp

Submitted by Penny “Pan” Roberts Meadow Mountain Ranch near Allenspark, Colorado, will be the site for two very special events in the summer of 2015. Women’s Week launched for the first time in the summer of 2014, and nearly 45 women from all over the country gathered for three days of fun, food and fellowship. There was such a resounding expression of support, enthusiasm and encouragement that it’s easy to offer it again. This event is open to any adult women, ages 18 and up, in any location, even out of state. It is not necessary to be registered Girl Scouts, just have a love of camping, the Colorado High Country and meeting and having fun with new and old friends. So bring your daughters, friends, neighbors, old camp buddies, GSCO Staff members, or just yourself whether or not you have ever attended camp, or always wanted to! We most enjoyed playing like we were campers again – – – doing crafts, hiking, experiencing nature activities, singing all times of the day and night, archery, tai chi in the meadow, campfires and most especially, the outdoor cooking. The weather cooperated so we could cook out every single meal and we experimented with old favorites like stick cooking, one-pot meals, bean-hole cooking, and a special chili cook-off! There was even a Coffee Queen who made sure the brew was fresh and hot at all times of the day and evening. Early morning hikes took us to the top of Vista Spur, a big circle tour acquainted and reacquainted all of us to the larger view of MMR and a few even ventured into Rocky Mountain National Park to see how the old familiar trails, bridges and natural settings had fared following the 2013 floods. The History Group of GSCO launched a permanent history display in the Homestead House and we also reinstalled the Time Capsule near the lodge for another 25 years. Core Camp for Troops is being offered for any Girl Scout troop who wishes to have a special experience in Colorado’s High Country. The Women’s Week and other alumnae volunteers will be available to help with program and coverage support if needed. Core Camp used to be offered every summer after resident camp was over, and this provided a time for troops to come up with their leaders, and have special programs offerings by experienced camp staff. We are offering two sessions for flexibility of scheduling, and Core Camp is open to all age groups Brownies through Ambassadors. Anyone with questions or who needs information can contact the volunteers listed on the flyers at any time. We hope a lot of you can join us to make these events a huge success! 2015 Womens Week publicity flyer 2015 Core Camp publicity flyer #womensweek #camping #troopcamp #MeadowMountainRanch #CoreCamp

Kirsten Brandes Parker Chaparral High School “Beauty Is…” What did you do for your Gold Award project? I designed the curriculum for a series of workshops that fostered self-worth and self-esteem in teenage girls. I then presented the workshops to groups around the state. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I spent the last seven years attending, then aiding, and most recently instructing at Girl Scout water camps. I spent my summers surrounded by preteens in swim suits, and it’s never easier to read a girl’s insecurities in public than when she’s in a swimsuit. I watched confident, carefree 11-year-old girls become self-conscious at 13, and self-hating at 15-years-old. So, I decided to dedicate my project to teaching girls to be kind to themselves, that they are capable of so much more than being looked at. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? It started girls on the long journey towards self-love, and gave them the tools to face down insecurity with optimism. How did you make your project sustainable? I had scouts volunteer to take over the presentation for older girls at future recruitment events and leadership workshops. I’ve trained them in how to run and present it, and will leave with them a condensed guide to the workshop. What was your connection to the national or global community? My project began in Parker, Colorado, with four high school freshman and me in my living room. At this first workshop, a family friend was impressed with the presentation and its message, asking me to present it again in Arvada, which I did two weeks later. At the Arvada presentation, a separate scout leader was present and she has asked if I could present it at statewide recruitment events. I have no doubt that, even without my direct involvement, the project will continue to grow, expanding its influence. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? While I’ve never been one to shy away from crowds, I’ll be honest: I was nervous about presenting in front of teenage girls. I’d been a teenage girl; I know how they think, and more importantly, I have intimate knowledge of the year or so when they convince themselves it’s not cool to care, where insensitivity is synonymous with strength. But for my project to work, that barrier had to fall, and I found the easiest way to do that was to lead the way, and systematically deconstruct my own. Allowing them into my struggle with self-esteem and admitting my own insecurities was difficult, but effective. It created the necessary environment to address issues of such a personal nature. Leaders aren’t strong because they’re impervious, leaders are strong because they wear their insecurities like armor, acknowledging that it is not our faults that weaken us, but a failure to accept them and grow. I won’t soon forget that. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? In the literal sense, the accomplishment of my Gold Award will allow me to enter the Air Force a rank higher, as an Airman, as opposed to the standard Airman Basic. Thanks Girl Scouts. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? I feel as if I’ve achieved ultimate Girl Scout status, like the Gold Award is a cape tied around the neck of my scouting experience. And I spent so much time promising myself I was going to put on that cape someday, so to finally be able to feels absolutely super. ***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 #GoldAward #Parker #HighestAwards #GirlScout #oldergirls #GirlScoutsofColorado #girls #MetroDenver #GirlScouts

Submitted by Allison Ellington I love Girl Scout camp! I was fortunate enough to sell cookies and earn enough to be able to attend Meadow Mountain Ranch several times. Each time, I had such an amazing experience. I did things I had never done before and enjoyed every moment. Some of those firsts included the ropes course, hiking to the top of Meadow Mountain, and sleeping under the stars in both tee pees and cabins. I also rode horses (my favorite’s name was Pantyhose), and hiked over to a creek that had a rock that was slick enough to be a slide into a pool! What an awesome experience I had with the fun-loving counselors (one named “Bananas”) and girls I met from all over Colorado. I went to MMR as an individual girl, with my troop, and once with my dad. I truly had a fantastic, life changing time every time I went to  Girl Scout camp! One experience at Meadow Mountain Ranch stands out as one of my best memories ever- as in top 10 experiences of my life! So many of my Girl Scout experiences were with my mom, who was a troop leader and cookie mom for many years. I treasure those moments and will have to write about those another day. The memory I am talking about now is one I had with my dad. We had the pleasure of going to a “Dad and Me” weekend at Meadow Mountain. My dad and I were so looking forward to the weekend because it was a Horse Wranglers weekend. He and I both loved horses and what a perfect time to spend some quality time together! We arrived and met all of the other campers. I took my dad down to the stables and was showing him around. One of the horses was laying down and my dad knew that something wasn’t right.  He talked with the stable manager and head wrangler. She was busy making sure the horses were taken care of and that all of the campers that weekend would have a great time. After some talking and investigating, they discovered that some of the hay the horse had eaten was moldy. That can be bad news for horses – serious stomach ache and could prove fatal if the horse continued to lay there and not move. So, the stable manager and my dad talked about what the best course of action was. I was right there learning about the care of horses and how serious this whole situation could be! I was in awe of my dad’s knowledge. They decided that the horse would have to stay in motion or he would just lay down again. Of course, my dad volunteered us to do that, they also decided to hire the NJ Mold removal Specialists to make a full inspection around the stable. I have to admit, at first I was a little miffed at not being able to go back with the other dads and girls. They were doing some really great activities! So, for the next few hours and then some more the next day, my dad and I were in charge of walking this horse all around camp. Did I mention that it rained every afternoon in the mountains? Yep, we even walked through the rain! We walked and talked for hours about my dad’s time as a cowboy and hunting guide, enjoyed the peacefulness of the camp, and bonded. I learned so much about the care of horses and my dad’s own experiences in his life. That time was truly priceless! I couldn’t believe that we had saved the horse’s life. That was very impactful for such a little girl.  It may not have been the weekend with my dad that I was expecting, but it turned out to be so much better! Little did I know how much spending that time with my dad would resonate with me my throughout my life. I learned about horses, my dad, and that sometimes it’s ok to vary from the plans you’ve made. You never know what you may learn by taking a different path! Thank you Girl Scouts and Meadow Mountain Ranch for making such a difference in the lives of girls and their families. I can definitely see the difference they have made in my life! #camping #GirlScout #girls #MeadowMountainRanch #GirlScouts #camp #girlscoutsalumnae

Madeline McWhorter Colorado Springs Pine Creek High School Golden Paths to Great Meals What did you do for your Gold Award project? For my project, I created a cookbook for Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank, using ingredients that are primarily donated to food banks. My cookbook contains 60 original recipes, menu ideas (for holidays, too), high altitude baking instructions, and helpful cooking tips. I also made tri-folds containing different holiday menus for Care and Share Food Bank, Mercy’s Gate Food Bank, and Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I pursued this project because I have a passion for cooking. Meals with my family are so incredibly important to me, and I wanted to give other people the resources and skills they needed to do the same, no matter how much money they make. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? My project gave people the skills and resources they need to put creative and healthy meals on the table for their families. People that receive food from food banks will feel more confident when cooking for their families and friends, even during the holidays. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? I gained the skills it took to talk to people I didn’t know. I had to call, email, and meet with a lot of people that I didn’t know. At first, it made me very uncomfortable, but soon, I grew more confident in my ability to speak to people I didn’t know. How did you make your project sustainable? I gave Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank the rights to reproduce my cookbook for their clients. Also, Mercy’s Gate and Care and Share will reproduce the holiday meals tri-folds for their clients. What was your connection to the national or global community? There is a huge increase, nationwide, in the number of people relying on food banks, especially because of the recent wildfires in Colorado, California, and Oregon. There is also a huge national push towards making sure children have healthy meals, no matter what their families’ financial situation may be. My project connected to those two national issues, and I hope it will make a difference in my community. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? I will most remember the feeling of completing the project. I was overwhelmed with happiness, relief, and pride when I completed my cookbook. I hope it will touch many lives, and I will never forget the amazing feeling of completing a task of this size. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? Earning my Gold Award has increased my confidence in ways I never thought possible. The project also taught me time management, which I will definitely be able to use in college and in life. I also hope that potential employers will see that I have completed this award, and they will know that I am hard-working, dedicated, and passionate. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? The Gold Award is the culmination of my 13 years of being a Girl Scout. The award gives you a huge sense of pride and accomplishment. It is important because it gives you the confidence to know you can take on any challenge that is thrown your way. ***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 #Colorado #ColoradoSprings #GirlScoutsofColorado #GoldAward

Submitted by Troop 2851 Parker Our Cadette troop got to experience Tomahawk Ranch in a whole new way.  The campgrounds became the set of our music video, featuring Troop 2851. We rewrote the lyrics to Miley Cyrus’ song “Party in the USA.” We knew it was a catchy song, and wanted to create a better influence for girls. It was our way of sharing our experiences’ in Girl Scouts. We recorded the video when we were at Tomahawk Ranch. Most of the video takes place at our cabin. We had a lot of fun recording it, but that was just the beginning. At our next several Girl Scout meetings we went through the process of editing. We learned how to cut the video, add our voice over and background music, move slides around and create credits. It was a lot of hard work but we learned to persevere. We hope you enjoy it. #Cadette #GirlScout #Cadettes #GirlScoutsofColorado #girls #TomahawkRanch #MetroDenver #GirlScouts #camp

Individual or combined Service Units are encouraged to plan celebrations honoring the highest awards recipients. Please contact your local Program Support Specialist for additional support. Silver Award Recipients November 2014 Troop19113 – Glenwood Springs Carily Cook Troop33359 – Wiley Emily Smith-Sena Kalie Black Kari Mosier Kimber Robbins Troop42393 – Colorado Springs Alyson Serio Troop50257 – Golden Cameron Preston Zoi Johns Troop50516 – Thornton Carissa Lobb Troop60100 – Highlands Ranch Abby Barnes Jessica Sweeney Katherine (Kate) Bleyle Troop60470 – Aurora Abby Klopfer Adriana Joga Averi Eisaman Troop73488 – Longmont Isabella Karina Mendoza #HighestAwards #SilverAward #TakeAction

Individual or combined Service Units are encouraged to plan celebrations honoring the highest awards recipients. Please contact your local Program Support Specialist for additional support. Bronze Award Recipients November 2014 Troop13542 – Glenwood Springs Abby Cook Troop33359 – Wiley Audrie Black Troop42166 – Colorado Springs Alessandra Dotson Troop44179 – Colorado Springs Kaylee Brown Troop52129 – Golden Emily Reid Jade Preston Katy Radcliffe Raine Lee-Findling Troop54386 – Lakewood Avery Wilson Juliana Hebel Kayli Langan Laura Bunetta Lucy Carney Zoe Hafner Troop71748 – Fort Collins Evelyn Henning Kanyon Hardle Keira Gillespie Kya Tracy Sierra Barkau O’Connor #BronzeAward #HighestAwards #TakeAction

Submitted by GSUSA Yes, you read that right! Digital Cookie is a groundbreaking new addition to the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program you know and love—the first-ever national digital platform in the program’s history. This enhancement takes the cookie program beyond the booth, creating another fun, safe, interactive space for girls to sell cookies. It’s a total game changer! And this is just the beginning. The 2014 launch of Digital Cookie is only the first phase of a multi-year project to get Girl Scouts building their online cookie businesses—learning more, earning more, and having more fun. Future versions of Digital Cookie will provide improved user experiences for girls and cookie customers alike, and a more robust customer interface to make it even easier for customers to support girls through their cookie purchases. Right now the majority of the 112 Girl Scout councils nationwide are participating in Digital Cookie during the 2014–2015 cookie season, and more are expected to be on board by the end of 2015, using an updated “version 2.0.” Just like with our traditional cookie sale, all the money girls earn through Digital Cookie stays with their local council, and girls decide how to reinvest it back into their neighborhoods and communities. Like all Girl Scout Cookie consumers, Digital Cookie customers are not only getting a delicious treat—they are also making an important investment in their communities. Keep in mind, though, that Girl Scout Cookies are still only available during Girl Scout Cookie season, so whether you stock up at a traditional sale or through Digital Cookie, make sure you get them before they are gone! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers… Will Digital Cookie be available in my area? Visit www.girlscouts.org/digitalcookieto see if Digital Cookie is available in your market. How will shipping be calculated? All shipping costs associated with Digital Cookie are in line with industry standards set by many reputable delivery services. The cost associated is comparable to what a customer would pay when buying Girl Scout Cookies at a booth sale and shipping the cookies themselves. Is this online option safe for girls? Digital Cookie emphasizes the safety of both girls and customers. There are specific safety requirements and regulations put in place that are in line with the traditional cookie program’s safety regulations, with the appropriate caregiver monitoring the cookie sale. As is true with the traditional cookie program, a parent, guardian, caregiver, or buddy (depending on the age of the Girl Scout) must be with the girl when she’s delivering cookies. What about the girls who are not participating in Digital Cookie? Girls not participating in Digital Cookie may call and send email messages to alert friends and family to product sales, and they can accept customer commitments via email or telephone. Girls who are 13 years of age or older may use social networking sites to market product, but must follow council and GSUSA guidelines. Today’s girls are digital natives, and they wanted a cookie program that could teach them twenty-first-century skills in twenty-first-century ways—skills they’ll need to have in order to be leaders in today’s high-tech world. Well, that cookie program is now here, and we’re more excited than ever before! #GirlScout #GirlScoutsofColorado #girls #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScouts #volunteer #volunteers

Submitted by Tiffany Baker, (Co-Leader)  Girl Scout Troops 59 & 1226 Lone Tree When our Brownie Girl Scouts asked us leaders to have more hands on learning experiences and less sit down discussions, we thought, “How could we make the Brownie Money Manager Badge more interactive?” Badge requirement ideas included asking the girls to pretend to shop at a supermarket for groceries, an outfit, school supplies, and entertainment with friends all on a budget. Each of the girls spoke with their teachers about what supplies were still needed in their classrooms. In true Brownie Spirit, the girls worked at home to earn classroom supply funds from their parents with agreed upon chores. Some items were donated by businesses. We decided to meet up at WalMart, which has all the departments we needed.  The Brownies did a scavenger hunt in the Grocery and Clothes departments with a set budget, calculators, and lists of items they needed to find.  Then, they took their teachers’ classroom supply wish lists and worked together as a team to purchase all of the items on the lists for under their $100 combined troop budgets.  But, the learning didn’t stop there! Afterwards, the girls ordered and purchased their own snacks using cash at the in-store McDonalds with their Girl Scout sisters. The girls learned a simple way they could say thank you to their teachers and work as a team to stay within their budgets. #Brownie #Brownies #communityservice #MetroDenver

Submitted by Tiffany Baker, Co-Leader of Girl Scout Troops 59 & 1226 Lone Tree Looking for a messy and fun service project to help the homeless?  Consider The Denver Peanut Butter Plan!  This organization meets once a month to make as many peanut butter sandwiches as they can.  Young kids can help make the sandwiches for 2 hours in the morning. Adult volunteers distribute the sandwiches in the afternoon. Our Brownie Girl Scouts chose to work on a Lunches with Love service project this October.  They learned how to work on an assembly line team and that kids can chip in too to help feed others in need. Each Peanut Butter Plan participant is asked to donate one jar of peanut butter and one jar of jelly, plus 2 or more loaves of bread.  This organization can also use sandwich size Ziploc baggies.  Volunteers are welcome to stay for the fun or just drop off donations.  Other donation ideas to consider would be toiletry kits (deodorant, tooth brushes, etc.), first aid kits or Adult Size t-shirts.  These items are welcome for distribution, anytime! These troops have a goal of completing one or two service projects a month during the school year.  Next up: Collecting classroom school supplies for their teachers’ wish lists. #Brownie #Brownies #communityservice #MetroDenver

Submitted by Robert Dotson Colorado Springs Junior Juliette Allie spent the last month working with Mountain Ridge Middle School drama teacher Chelley Gardner-Smith to improve the state’s newest (and soon to be largest) Shakespeare Garden. Allie jumped on the chance to help out by assembling a team, developing a proposal and budget, and procuring, painting, and placing stepping stones in the walkways. Thanks to the vision of Mrs. G-S, a grant from the state, and support from area Girl Scouts like Allie, the garden promises to provide entertainment, aesthetic beauty, learning opportunities, and food for the school campus for years to come. This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #communityservice #MountainRidgeMiddleSchool #ShakespeareGarden