Anne Martens Monument Lewis Palmer High School Passion for Pits What did you do for your Gold Award project? For my Gold Award project I promoted education of Pit Bulls through the internet and presentations. Also I assisted a Pit Bull Rescue site by building new dog shelters and donating needed supplies. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? Pit Bulls have a personal connection to me because I have a rescue dog. When I take him out I see that people are judging him based on his breed. I did this Gold Award project to help correct this misconception people have and help Pit Bulls in need. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? My project made a strong impact on the lives of Pit Bulls. By educating people on this breed, I corrected myths and shared facts. When people have actuate information about Pit Bulls they are able to accept these dogs for the loving animals they are. In addition, by helping the rescue shelter I was able to better the lives of the dogs at the shelter. A large piece of my project was education and knowledge continues forever. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? The topic I chose was a controversial subject in society today. A main skill I learned was how to approach people and how to share my ideas in a positive way. I was blessed to have encountered people with open hearts and minds. Perseverance was key to help me realize and complete my goals. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? The strongest memory I will take away from this experience was when I went to the shelter to deliver the supplies and houses. I will never forget the dogs that were there. Having an opportunity to do this type of work at a shelter helped me to understand that I can do this type work for the rest of my life. Every person can make a difference. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? I have a great sense of accomplishment from completing my project. By knowing the magnitude  of my project and the fact that I did it at 16 years old, I have realized the great potential I possess. This will help me in the future because it taught me that I am a strong young lady and am capable of anything I put my mind to. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? Having an opportunity to do an individualized project allowed me to grow personally in so many ways. My project also connected me with my community, and people were very supportive of this project. I feel that two main principles taught by Girl Scouts are leadership and community service. My project allowed me to grow in both of these areas. This was a mission that came from my heart. #Colorado #GirlScouts #GoldAward #Monument

Submitted by Maria Leal St. Bernadette Catholic School, Lakewood To earn the Bronze Award, the highest honor that a Junior Girl Scout can receive, Girl Scout Troop 3449 from St. Bernadette Catholic School in Lakewood completed their leadership journey Agent of Change in the “It’s Your World – Change It” series, and engaged in a Take Action Project that focused on connecting their faith and service to God with the opportunity to serve the local community by helping pregnant mothers in need. Every year over the past six years, Troop 3449 held a “Baby Shower” at their school and parish to collect donations of baby supplies including playpens, diapers, formula, wipes, food, blankets, and clothing to help support Mary’s Maternity of Motherhood in Arvada and the Jefferson County Gabriel House in Lakewood, to further the work of the Gabriel Project of the Archdiocese of Denver Respect Life Office. Girl Scout Troop 3449 also crafted handmade rosaries that were donated to those served to help them in peace, prayer, and devotion so that they may feel God’s powerful presence in their lives. By taking action and annually holding a “Baby Shower” at their school and parish, Troop 3449 discovered that they can continue to inspire others to help improve and make a difference in the lives of pregnant mothers and their children who greatly depend upon the generosity and stewardship of those caring and faithful supporters in the community. Troop 3449 have earned their Bronze Award with courage, confidence, and character by making a real difference in the lives of many families and by making the world a better place. –Maria Quiogue Leal, Troop Leader (Troop 3449) This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form.  You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #GabrielProjectoftheArchdioceseofDenverRespectLifeOffice #Troop3449 #JeffersonCountyGabrielHouse #MarysMaternityofMotherhood #BronzeAward

The Outdoor Property Evaluation Task Force  Town Hall meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, March 8) in Pueblo has been canceled due to weather. We will be rescheduling the meeting. Look for updates next week. Thanks. #GirlScouts #OutdoorPropertyEvaluationTaskForce

View more photos from the signing This afternoon, Friday, March 7, at a ceremony at the State Capitol, Gov. Hickenlooper signed in to law the claret cup as the state’s official cactus. This designation was made possible by the hard work of 6th grade Girl Scout Troop 2518 from Castle Rock. They have been working for several years with State Rep. Carole Murray to have Colorado adopt this new state symbol. The troop has learned a lot about the legislative process and even testified, along with their project consultants from the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Colorado Cactus and Succulent Society, in front a House Committee in January. Their work has also earned the girls the Girl Scout Silver Award, which is a leadership award earned by working to meet a community need. It is not the first time in recent history that Colorado Girl Scouts have worked to name a new state symbol. In 2004 a Girl Scout troop from Lakewood designated Yule Marble as the state rock. CBS4 Denver story Fox 31 and CW2 ran a story on Friday evening, March 7 YourHub.com Castle Rock Castle Rock News-Press (The best moments of the ceremony: The Girl Scouts brought the Governor homemade “cactus cupcakes” (a big hit) and one of the Girl Scouts also asked to take a “selfie” with the Governor after the signing (wonder if we can get retweeted 3 million times ;)).) #SilverAward #bill #DouglasCounty #GovernorHickenlooper #GirlScouts #CastleRock #Colorado #cactus

Monica Weller Westminster Denver Center for International Studies Exchange Student Community Program What did you do for your Gold Award project? I planned and participated in monthly events alongside Rotary Youth Exchange students. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? As a former exchange student, I wanted to create a fun environment in which students can feel comfortable and safe. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? Not only did I create a community get-together for students to connect at, but I also made students more aware of what Colorado has to offer. I’d like to think that these students will be inspired to start communities of their own when they go back to their own countries. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? I gained a better sense of time-management, leadership abilities, how to interact with a diverse range of individuals, and the knowledge of how to set up, plan, and make reservations for events. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? The friendships. I love meeting new people, and being able to create a community that allows this to happen is fantastic! How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? I’ve learned how to better interact with all kinds of people! I now have a better idea of how to manage planning and knowing how to improvise when plans go awry. This project taught me the importance of creating communities that can bring people together, which is something I want to continue promoting in the future. Whatever I end up doing, I will have stronger leadership skills to support me. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? It gave my Girl Scout experience something to focus around. Rather than a mishmash of activities, the Gold Award brought a central idea of responsibility to my experience. In turn, this helped me to take more pride (if that’s possible!) in myself as a Girl Scout Ambassador. #Colorado #GirlScouts #GoldAward #Westminster

The Outdoor Property Evaluation Task Force will be holding a Town Hall meetings to hear feedback about Girl Scout properties. Denver Metro (Twisted Pine, Tomahawk Ranch, general properties): When: Saturday, March 22, 2-3:30pm Where: Denver Service Center, 400 S Broadway Denver, CO 80010 Northern Colorado (Pawnee Lodge, Meadow Mountain Ranch, Magic Sky Ranch): When: Monday, March 24, 6:30-8pm Where: Harmony Library Community Room, 4616 S Shields St, Fort Collins 80526 These are the is the third and fourth of four meetings that are designed to collect feedback on the usage of and demand for Girl Scouts of Colorado outdoor properties. The first meeting was held on December 19 in Colorado Springs and focused on Sky High Ranch. The second meeting is for Saturday, March 8 at the Pueblo Service Center focusing on Lazy Acres, Hamp Hut, and Sky High Ranch. #MagicSkyRanch #GSCOproperty #MeadowMountainRanch #TwistedPine #TomahawkRanch #PawneeLodge #OutdoorPropertyEvaluationTaskForce #GirlScouts #Colorado #LazyAcres

Brianne Azuero Aurora Rangeview High School Passion for Pets What did you do for your Gold Award project? I did pet education nights to educate people about what it means to take care of a pet and not just to own a pet. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I love animals, and I have had many pets. But it saddens me to think that animals are neglected and abused because people don’t understand what it takes to take care of them. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? My project made a difference because it educated people about pets and what it takes to take care of them. It has taught people how to be responsible pet owners. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? I gained leadership skills while earning my Gold Award. I gained leadership skills because I learned that in order to get something done you have to take charge. I also gained the skill of speaking in front of an audience. I am typically terrified to speak in front of an audience, but my Gold Award has made me gain confidence. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? I will remember most not to procrastinate. I procrastinated a lot during my award and I didn’t enjoy having to rush at the end. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? My Gold Award will help me in the future because it has taught my not to procrastinate and has helped me learn how to speak in front of an audience. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? The Gold Award is important to my Girl Scout experience because it has taught me that although being in a group is great you have to take charge sometimes and have your voice heard. #Aurora #Colorado #GirlScouts #GoldAward

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. Our annual spring celebrations are now in full swing! Friends and family are invited to attend any of the following celebrations. Please RSVP for all events online: girlscoutsofcolorado.org/highest-awards-rsvp Fort Collins, April 25. Bronze, Silver and Gold Recognition, RSVP before April 11. Denver, April 29. Silver and Gold Recognition (Bronze encouraged to attend), RSVP before April 15. Boulder, May 4. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Bridging Celebration, RSVP before April 29. Colorado Springs, May 29. Bronze, Silver and Gold Recognition, RSVP before May 22. Bronze Award Recipients February 2014 Troop 40551 – Colorado Springs Anjelina Castrejon Essence Ward Morgan Hebert Shakyra Blue Troop 41979 – Colorado Springs Caitlin Lebakken Emily Sandlin Hope Arnold Julia Schooley Lauren Thoman Makhaila Keown Mariel Maione Rayna White Sarah Rasmussen Sophia Schooley Troop 41979 – Peyton Isabella Albin Troop 42111 – Colorado Springs Alaisha Lemay Arianna Tucker Bryanna Doonan Danielle Turner Dionna Canty Miquela Smith Troop 43422 – Colorado Springs Dana von Lehmden Danielle de Leon Emily Culbertson Nicole Miller Robin Lasswell Troop 43479 – Colorado Springs Hannah Svarverud Troop 43580 – Colorado Springs Aydenlee Stabel Emily Tetrault Jade Sablan Missy Walker Troop 44579 – Colorado Springs Amelia Weldon Brigid Hennessey Brooke Ashbridge Cara O’Leary Erin Roderick Hannah Sheridan Holly White Irelynn Parker Kayleigh Von Hoene Victoria Pappert Troop 50596 – Arvada Ashley McFarland Lauryn Oldenburg Troop 51564 – Littleton Devin Keith Kara Lerudis Kennedy Solheim Kiley Lawrence Libby Matkins Madison Bergman Marisa Ross Meghan Erbeck Morgan Morrell Riley Rosene Sophia Drager Summer Gehman Taylor Chaplin Troop 51823 – Arvada Celia McNulty Makayla Kinard Troop 52493 – Evergreen Megan Esterl Troop 53185 – Littleton Alexis Praska Ella Myers Grace Miller Grace Ptak Isabella Phippen Jaxynn Simons Kaitlyn Shepherd Lilian Howerton Madison Morrin Prasamsha Kaini Troop 53449 – Lakewood Alexis Becker Alycia Vigil Amelia Carrillo Brooklyn Niemi Ciara Leal Elaina Martinez Jennifer Arredondo Jessica Jimenez Nzana Thillot Rachel Medina-Gomez Troop 62201 – Parker Anita Silva Caitlynn Carter Kennedy Breda Rachael Hamilton Tyanna Fox Troop 62521 – Parker Sadie Krause Troop 62856 – Highlands Ranch Asha Kakuda Ava Mount Brianna Hughes Elle Haller Emily Sullivan Georgia Hoekstra Lauren Studdard Sydney Collins Troop 63505 – Highlands Ranch Abigail Ulrich Allison Miller Elise Cary Emily Lucker Madison Weitzel Troop 63888 – Parker Ashlee Taylor Carissa Wecker Emily Salter Hailee Collier Hannah Reynolds Megan Kane Stella Hostin Taylor Ellison Troop 71382 – Louisville Josette Hauser Rory Sweedler Troop 72469 – Johnstown Alanna Daniel Brinley Smith Hope Jackson Joya Haskin Lainey Lowery Michalyn Genau Skylar Daniel Troop 73265 – Erie Camille Arnold-Mages Jasmyne Williams #BronzeAward #HighestAwards #TakeAction

Our annual spring celebrations are now in full swing! Friends and family are invited to attend any of the following celebrations. Please RSVP for all events online: girlscoutsofcolorado.org/highest-awards-rsvp Fort Collins, April 25. Bronze, Silver and Gold Recognition, RSVP before April 11. Denver, April 29. Silver and Gold Recognition (Bronze encouraged to attend), RSVP before April 15. Boulder, May 4. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Bridging Celebration, RSVP before April 29. Colorado Springs, May 29. Bronze, Silver and Gold Recognition, RSVP before May 22. 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 February 2014 Troop 34105 – Pueblo Jasmine Hollingsworth Mariah Cordova Megan Mayo Morgan Patton Troop 40144 – Colorado Springs Amani Monroe Doris Carroll Emily Ouellette Laura Livelli Lillian Vandeweghe Madyson Craver Makenna Sauer Maria Carrero Megan Hennessey Sarah Wettemann Troop 40551 – Colorado Springs Alexia Lucero Alexys Townsend Emily Grant Lydia Donahue Mercedes Melendez Troop 42086 – Colorado Springs Adrielle Baker Elysia Tuttle Faith Parker Kearra Hahne Mollie Metts Victoria Grossman Troop 50031 – Thornton Anika Malone Apoorva Seth Bethani Hartman Carissa Flores Hailey Bickford Josephine Martin Madchen Craig Olivia Johnson Quinn Halgrimson Samantha Martin Shaela Burkert Stephanie Hardee Troop 51303 – Littleton Claire Gibson Lillian Mullen Troop 53302 – Golden Lucy Bennett Troop 60054 – Aurora Gracelyn Gutierrez Mariana Zerr Troop 60193 – Littleton Anna Poelma Ashley Mcferrin Daphne Salisbury Troop 61059 – Aurora Addison Meyer Aubrey Berger Brooklin Banks Jenice Bates Keiondra Wilkerson Kennedy Soureka Sunsiray Fields Troop 61791 – Highlands Ranch Abrianna Desmond Justine Monsell Troop 61951 – Highlands Ranch Alexis Brooker Allyson Story Fiorella Carlassare Kaitlyn Krason Troop 62573 – Centennial Annie Morrison Elizabeth Kahalley Emily Fairbairn Gwyneth Ormes Jenna Link Rachel Moes Victoria Delate Troop 62677 – Highlands Ranch Jillian Holladay Rachel Flin Troop 62699 – Aurora Alyson Ranucci Mariah Byers Sydne Wiederspan Tatyana Bull Troop 69619 – Highlands Ranch Hannah Moore Troop 70480 – Niwot Kayleigh Limbach Troop 70552 – Frederick Hannah Stewart Troop 71245 – Fort Collins Annie Nay Jenjira Siripachana Jessa Salvador Katherine Carlson Troop 71619 – Lafayette Claire Hankla Emily Moore Hannah Topliss Jessica Shuler #HighestAwards #SilverAward #TakeAction

We are pleased to announce that three girls have been awarded a “Look Wider” scholarship for their upcoming international travel. Congratulations to Annie D., Emily K., and Ashley S.! Annie, from Boulder, CO, will be taking a European Adventure to Our Chalet in Switzerland and Barcelona, Spain.  Emily, from Howard, CO, will be going on the destination “Adventure Down Under” to Sydney, Australia. Ashley, from Lafayette, CO, will be visiting Tollymore, Ireland on the destination “Ireland Multi-Sport Adventure”. “Look Wider” International Travel Scholarships are made possible by the Rae Ann and Richard Dougherty Look Wider International Travel Fund Endowment at Rose Community Foundation. Thanks to this generous commitment, Girl Scouts of Colorado will award scholarships to girls every year. Learn more about Girl Scout destinations and other international travel at forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel. Applications for destinations travel are due before Thanksgiving each fall. The application for the “Look Wider” International Travel Scholarship is available from November through February and is meant for individual girl travel. Read more about Global Girl Scouting and how to get involved at girlscoutsofcolorado.org/global-girl-scouting. #travelfund #RoseCommunityFoundation #Dougherty #GirlScouts #Colorado #Endowment

As Girl Scouts nationally celebrate the 102nd anniversary of Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts of Colorado is marking a transformation in its business model that has brought the organization back in the black. It has been a year of transition for Girl Scouts of Colorado. The organization’s leadership made strategic business decisions thanks to the advice and experience from Supple, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of GSCO that has resulted in the audited financial statements showing a positive change in net operational assets for the first time since 2010. In building a leaner, grassroots organization focused on serving girls and volunteers, Girl Scouts of Colorado has: Reduced expenses by 9% (or $1.1 million). Increased contributions from grants and donations by 27%. Improved fundraising efficiency, spending 20 cents less per dollar raised. Taken staff out of the office and into the community, thereby lowering bricks and mortar property costs and investing more in people. Planned a move this summer Girl Scouts of Colorado’s corporate offices in Denver to a smaller, more efficient office space on South Colorado Boulevard. Completed a move of the Pikes Peak Service Center in Colorado Springs to a smaller, more efficient space. Reduced the size of the office space at the Northern Colorado Service Center in Fort Collins. Other GSCO news: Girl Scouts of Colorado was recently awarded a $100,000 grant for operations from the Daniels Fund. This month Stephanie Foote, Girl Scouts of Colorado’s CEO, is launching the Legacy of Leadership Challenge Campaign to the organization’s new endowment fund through the Rose Community Foundation. The endowment began with a $25,000 lead gift from Rae Ann and Richard Dougherty of Golden.  GSCO established the endowment to fund the long-term stability of Girl Scouting in Colorado so the organization can focus on delivering strong programs and services to its members. GSCO surpassed its budgeted goal for the cookie sale and is on track to meet its organizational goals for 2014 girl and adult volunteer membership. The ongoing transformation of Girl Scouting in Colorado will continue to have a positive effect on the financial future of the organization. Regional celebrations Colorado Springs Open House: Thursday, March 6, 2014, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 5353 N. Union Blvd., Suite 101, C. Springs Check out the new office space and Girl Scout memorabilia, meet local staff, learn how to join or volunteer for Girl Scouting and hear a council update from CEO Stephanie Foote. Denver Open House: Wednesday, March 12, 2014, all day, 400 S. Broadway, Denver 7:30-9 a.m.: Breakfast Briefing with CEO Stephanie Foote 1-3 p.m.: Girl Scout Alumnae Birthday Celebration, with a council update from CEO Stephanie Foote 3-6 p.m.: Girl Scouts of Colorado Information Fair – If you want more information on how to get involved in Girl Scouting in Colorado, this is your opportunity! Come learn how to join or volunteer for Girl Scouts or sign up for a Girl Scout summer camp. There will be a Girl Scout memorabilia Road Show, hands-on activities such as a make-your-own-gorp station and crafts. Supporters will have their last chance to buy Girl Scout Cookies, and the Girl Scout Shop will offer discounts all day. 5-6:30 p.m.: Evening Reception with a council update from CEO Stephanie Foote Grand Junction Open House:  March 12, 2014, 1-5 p.m., 580 24 ½ Rd, Grand Junction Celebrate the 102nd birthday of Girl Scouts with the Girl Scout staff in Grand Junction. Join the birthday activities and learn more about getting involved in Girl Scouts, both for girls and adult volunteers. Pueblo Open House: March 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Camp Lazy Acres, near Rye Enjoy a day of celebration in the outdoors, including games, snow sculpting, sledding and more for the whole family. Information on how to join Girl Scouts will also be available. For directions to camp email puebloSEinfo@gscolorado.org. #businessmodel #officespace #GirlScoutAnniversary #goodnews #GirlScouts #Colorado #GirlScoutWeek

Alexa Stringer Boulder/Lafayette Fairview High School Free to be You What did you do for your Gold Award project? For my Gold Award project, I wrote curriculum for and ran a counseling group for middle-school aged girls to raise self-esteem. My group provided peer support and resources to help improve body image and general self-esteem as well as how to rise above the images the social media suggests. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I pursued this project because insecurity is an issue many young girls experience and struggle with. In my project I wanted to help girls who deal with insecurities about themselves. My goal was that this group of girls will go on to help create a generation of adolescents who do not struggle with issues that hinder their relationships with themselves and others and help create a society where they are celebrated, not beaten down. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? The main impact my project made was the education of adolescents and providing the tools and resources necessary to be successful. I believe that after the group’s last session, girls became continually more aware that they were in control of their life. They gained knowledge of how to deal with stressful situations, unhealthy relationships, and how to better themselves and help others. One of the participants wrote on her evaluation that she was so glad she participated in the group and that she was considering taking on a project of her own along the lines of my curriculum. To hear that was so cool for me because that’s when I really knew for sure that I made an impact on these girls and they would be passing it on to their community. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? Through my project, I have gained countless useful skills. One of the most important, though, was problem-solving. I feel that I learned how to encounter and overcome obstacles very well during my project. I also drastically improved my communication skills through this group. I had to learn to advocate for myself when I needed something instead of trying to take everything on by myself. The helpful skills I developed in running this group have since come to use in many situations in my daily life. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? I think the thing I’ll remember most will be the girls’ reactions. It was really cool for me to see how much their opinion of themselves really changed throughout the group and how it positively affected their relationships with themselves and their families and friends. When I presented my Gold Award project to my peers, it was really cool for me to see that people were interested in my project and what I did. In addition, seeing how many of my peers reacted positively to my project made me feel like I had more power to make a change. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? My project really gave me some good experience and a great start in psychology, which is what I plan to get my degree in at Colorado State University this fall. I learned a lot about working with others and how to overcome issues I may come across. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? Not only did it teach me to be organized and manage my time well, my project really showed me what I can do when I set my mind to something. I learned how powerful I can be with my words and leadership and how big of an impact I can make. Since the group has ended, I also feel more connected to my community. I have never really interacted much with anyone too far apart in age than me, but this group helped me connect with some younger girls and see the world through their perspective. #GoldAward #boulder #GirlScouts #Colorado #lafayette