I’d like to address some of the concerns I am hearing around the state about the future of Girl Scouts of Colorado’s properties. I know how much every one of our camps are loved by our members – camp is where memories are created that shape our lives. We are presently compiling data on usage, demand, program costs maintenance/upkeep costs and customer market research to analyze how much camp property our council can maintain and support on a lean budget. While we have already undertaken some creative solutions to try to increase our property revenue by extending property rentals to Girl Scout family, friends and other groups, this takes time. Girl Scouts of Colorado’s camps are our most highly subsidized programs, with camper fees covering less than 50 percent of the program and property expenses. No decisions have been made on the future of our camp properties at this time, but we do know that we own more property than our membership uses and our property maintenance and upkeep costs are exorbitant, especially considering the low percentage of our membership who use them. We know we need to devote less resources to property and more resources to serving our members in the ways that they are participating in Girl Scouting. As for our offices, Girl Scouts of Colorado staff increasingly work directly with girls and volunteers in the communities they serve rather than in the office. GSCO is conducting a thorough analysis of all of our office and camp properties to reduce costs while still providing the tools staff need to effectively deliver on our mission and provide a quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Our focus is on service to people, not buildings, therefore, we anticipate downsizing office space at all service centers, including the home office in Denver, over the next few years. Currently, the only office or camp property that is listed for sale is the Colorado Springs Service Center, and we are trying to sublease the Fort Collins Service Center. However, real estate agents and other property experts are visiting all of our properties to assess values and liabilities. Our goal is to be even more visible in the communities where our members live. Property decisions are always very difficult; but please know that I am committed to keeping our membership updated as we carefully move through this process. If you have more questions or concerns, I’m here to listen. I thank you for everything you do for Girl Scouts. You are sincerely appreciated!

View more photos from the event Hundreds of Girl Scouts and their families and friends joined Girl Scouts of Colorado for our Healthy Living Expo at the DaVita World Headquarters in Denver on Wednesday evening, July 10. The event was sponsored by DaVita, ZisBoomBah, Anthem, Waterpik, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, Delta Dental, Sports Authority and Big 5 Sporting Goods. Participants discovered more about healthy living through hands-on activities in a fun carnival setting. Activity booths included information about nutrition, exercise, strong bones, heart health, self-esteem, fitness and more. There were also prizes given away, including iPods and restaurant gift cards. Booths and activity stations were courtesy of Girl Scouts of Colorado and our community partners, including ZisBoomBah, Live Well Colorado, Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, DaVita, United States Olympic Committee, Mary Lee Chin – Dietician, BYOU “Be Your Own You!” Magazine, Juice Plus+, MELT Bath & Skincare, and Body & Brain Holistic Yoga. Recognition was also given to Girl Scouts who had completed Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Live Healthy, Lead Healthy Challenge during the past year. Posted by Amanda Kalina, PR Director with Girl Scouts of Colorado, with help from Rachelle Trujillo, Chief Marketing Officer with Girl Scouts of Colorado, and Sloan Gonzales, Program Support Specialist with Girl Scouts of Colorado #HealthyLivingChallenge #ZisBoomBahcom #programs #Denver #DaVita #HealthyLiving #ZisBoomBah #Zisboombah #GirlScouts #LiveHealthyLeadHealthy #Colorado

As summer progresses, it is amazing to hear the wonderful comments and stories parents tell about how camp impacted their child and family. Thanks to Candace for her wonderful feedback! Dear Betsy, It is with great pride I write this letter to you.  My daughter is finishing up the week long  Art in the Park day camp.  I cannot begin to say enough wonderful things for the camp staff at DeKovend park.  Every day my daughter and I were greeted and welcomed in the most kind and sincere way.  The activities that she did were  exceptional and very age appropriate.  Her smile was bigger each day at pick up from all of the fun she had.  The stories of her experiences have been endless each night.  Her unit leaders (Poppy and Cocoa) made her feel very safe and secure from the first day forward.  Poppy was very conscientious of Sarah’s food allergies, and did a fabulous job of creating a menu that allowed her to still be a part of the meals. Both of my daughters attended day camps last year under the supervision of Wyoming.  It was very reassuring to see her again this year.  My older daughter had Poppy as a unit leader last year in Pioneer camp.  They were both greeted Monday morning by Poppy like they were long lost friends.  This reassured me that I was leaving my daughter in a safe place. My older daughter will attend the day camp at Clement Park in July.  I have no doubt in my mind that her experience will be as terrific as her Sister’s. Thank you for all of your hard work and planning that goes into running a day camp so smoothly. I would recommend Girl Scout camp to anyone who asked.  As long as my daughters are in Girl Scouts, they will attend Girl Scout Camp in the Summer. Sincerely, Candice Falgout #daycamp #GirlScout #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #Wyoming

[slideshow] Submitted by Tina Saunders Denver Metro MONDAY – Had a WONDERFUL first day of our Animal Planet day camp in Westminster. Met some wonderful parents, volunteers, Program Aides and campers. The campers broke into their groups for the week, got to know each other, created patrol banners, discussed SWAP ideas, created their kaper charts and designed their field journals for the week. Thanks to JC Jackman for putting on such a GREAT performance! The kids loved it!! Afternoon snack was S’mores in a bag. TUESDAY – day 2 of Animal Planet and we covered islands. The campers made bird masks, decorated dolphins, learned about habitats in the water through a dishpan tidal pool activity and explored an ecosystem trunk from The Wildlife Experience. For lunch we made walking tacos and in the afternoon we made Jell-o with gummy fish. WEDNESDAY – day 3 of Animal Planet and it was rainforest day and so they made rainforests in a jar, we had a program kit from The Butterfly Pavilion and for crafts we had egg carton turtles, clay owls & toilet paper roll owls. For lunch we made cocoons (pigs in a blanket) and banana boats for lunch. We opened the day with the 6th grade girls teaching a healthy habit by teaching some yoga poses. THURSDAY – day 4 of Animal Planet was desert day. They made animal track casts, painted wooden snakes and explored a trunk from The Wildlife Experience about camouflage. Lunch was pita pizzas and cake in an orange! YUM! FRIDAY – Great last day of day camp. The girls received a copy of their group photo with JC Jackman for their frames, made clothes pin giraffes, learned about poachers with stuff from a Wildlife Experience trunk, and had a visitor from the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. We had hamburgers & watermelon for lunch and pudding cones for snack. We did a habitat clean up through the park, exchanged SWAPS and signed T-shirts. Every day we opened and closed with a flag ceremony and announcements. Morning snacks were either fruit or something like crackers or pretzels. We also shared information about animals key to these areas and found fun games to play that were different every day so that they were learning new games. View more photos from the week here. This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #AnimalPlanet #daycamp

The whole morning of the 4th campers and staff visited different stations enjoying each activity. To wrap up our Fourth of July extravaganza, we watched and joined in the parade that led us to the dining hall and lunch! Then to continue the celebration, for our Friday mini all-camp, all of the campers were excited to show off their dance moves during the western hoedown! When we were not celebrating the holiday, units enjoy all of the other fun and exciting things we have at camp, including arts and crafts, archery, dance and drama and everyone’s favorite: Piggy Parties! Be sure to check out all the pictures of this session’s excitement at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gscolorado/sets/72157634430081786/ Happy Camping. #summercamp #overnightcamp #MagicSkyRanch #GirlScoutsofColorado #FourthofJuly

The Girl Scout Brownie Event Horse Fun in the Sun was a great success. We had so many interested in attending and had a full event plus extras! The Brownies learned about caring for a horse, which included grooming, tack, nutrition and facility, and a short riding lesson in arena. The girls also got to make horse treats, which were fed to the horses at the end of the event, as well as got to try their hand at some roping! With the high interest from Girl Scouts for this event, we will have it available for troops and individual Girl Scouts to do year round. Those interested can contact Colorado Riding Academy to register. The rate will still be $15 per Girl Scout and the girls will receive a patch and glow in dark “I love Horses” rubber/elastic band bracelet. Jessica Soucy – Colorado Riding Academy 303-840-7105 www.coloradoridingacademy.net #Parker #Brownies #programs #horses #ColoradoRidingAcademy #GirlScouts #Colorado

The Girl Scouts of Colorado Daisies had a great time at the Ponies and Pals Event June 22nd in Parker, CO.  They learned about caring for a horse, which included grooming, tack and a short riding lesson in arena.  The girls also got to make horse treats, which were fed to the horses at the end of the event. With the high interest from Girl Scouts for this event we will be offering this event for troops and individual Girl Scouts to do year round. Those interested can contact Colorado Riding Academy to register. The rate will still be $15 per Girl Scout and the girls will receive a patch and glow in dark “I love Horses” rubber/elastic band bracelet. Jessica Soucy – Colorado Riding Academy 303-840-7105 www.coloradoridingacademy.net #Parker #programs #Daisies #horses #ColoradoRidingAcademy #GirlScouts #Colorado

View more photos of the Top Cookie Seller Luncheon in Denver Over the last month Girl Scouts of Colorado held several events throughout the state to honor the more than 400 Colorado Girl Scouts who sold 750 packages of Girl Scout Cookies during the 2013 sale. (View the program of this year’s top cookie sellers) On Saturday, June 22nd, I had the honor of attending the ever-popular Top Seller Luncheon at the Denver Marriott Tech Center with roughly 95 of this year’s top sellers from around the state. Girl Scouts of Colorado’s President and CEO Stephanie Foote as well as retired Vice President of Product Sales Dorothy Gregory, the new Director of Product Sales Angel Haxton and Denver Product Sales staff, Jordan Alvillar and Dana Harrod, also joined me at the event. I always love seeing the girls of all ages dressed up in their fancy attire with smiles ear to ear! The luncheon includes a presentation of the top cookie seller medals, voting on next year’s cookie recognitions and dancing with the yearly conga line through the banquet hall. Also on Saturday a rock climbing top seller event near Durango took place. Volunteer Dena Thomason snapped these photos at the event to share with us. Looks like fun was had by all! Other cookie top seller events this month included the Glenwood Caverns and Pueblo Dinner Theatre on June 8 and coming up on June 29 is high tea at Victoria’s Tiny Tea Room in Eaton. Did you attend one of these events? Please share your photos and stories with us so we can showcase them here on the blog as well . Congratulations to Girl Scouts of Colorado’s 2013 Cookie Top Sellers! #topsellers #topseller #cookietopsellerevent #Denver #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScouts #Colorado #topsellerevents

[slideshow] Submitted by Amy Ibarraa Steamboat Springs Cadette Girl Scout Troop 11482 in Steamboat Springs and some Daisies and Brownies volunteered on Sunday, June 9, to plant trees as part of ReTree Steamboat. The trees were planted at Steamboat Ski Area where large sections of trees were devastated by the pine beetle epidemic. The efforts made by these volunteers will benefit generations in the future! This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #communityservice #SteamboatSprings #TakeAction

[slideshow] Submitted by Lisa Westrope Red Feather Lakes, CO On Thursday, June 13th, The Red Feather Lakes Girl Scouts, Troop 4288 helped clean up their community, by picking up trash around Parvin Lake! The girls wore gloves, carried bags, and hiked around Parvin Lake, sharing stories, admiring the wild iris and golden pea wildflowers, as well as cleaning up garbage along the way! Afterwords, we enjoyed popsicles and a craft for Father’s Day! The girls really enjoyed doing something nice for the community and look forward to doing it again soon! This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. 22007redfeathergirlscoutsweb 22007trail #communityservice #RedFeatherLakes #Troop4288

View more photos from the event Our May 30, 2013, Cocktails & Cookie Creations event at Catamount Ranch & Club in Steamboat Springs was a huge success! More than 80 people attended this inaugural event and helped raise more than $8,500, which will be used to provide Girl Scout programming in the area and to send Routt County Girl Scouts to Keystone Science camp. Girl Scouts of Colorado thanks all event sponsors and chefs, Catamount staff and the many Routt County volunteers who made this possible. The chefs/restaurants involved included: Catamount Ranch & Club, Golf Course, Chef Ben Hunt prepared Chicken Satay with Spicy Do-si-Dos Sauce Catamount Ranch & Club, Lake House, Chef Dan Hoffman prepared Lamb Chop Thin Mint Mole Creekside Café, Chef Joe prepared Ancho Tenderloin Crostini (Trefoils) Moving Mountains, Chef Heather Craigen prepared Lemon & Almond Crusted Shrimp with Cilantro Pesto (Savannah Smiles) Vista Verde Ranch, Chef Chol McGlynn prepared Shrimp Mole with Pineapple Salsa (Tagalongs) Steamboat Grand, Chef Midnight Wahya prepared Samoa Crab Cakes Lead sponsors for the event included Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation and Steamboat Motors. Beverage sponsors were South Side Liquors and Breckenridge Brewery. In addition to fabulous creations made with Girl Scout Cookies, the evening included games, a silent auction and live entertainment by Todd Musselman. We are already looking forward to the 2nd annual event in Spring 2014. Posted by Amanda Kalina, PR Director, Girl Scouts of Colorado, with assistance from Carol Griffin, Donor Services Manager, Girl Scouts of Colorado #CatamountRanchampClub #SteamboatMotors #SteamboatSprings #fundraisingevent #CocktailsampCookieCreations #CraigScheckmanFamilyFoundation #GirlScouts #Colorado

View more photos from the event The beautiful grounds of the Penrose House Garden Pavilion are always a treat to visit annually when we hold our Highest Awards Celebration in Colorado Springs. On Tuesday evening, May 28th, we enjoyed a beautiful evening as we honored seven of this year’s Colorado Gold Award recipients as well as dozens of Silver and Bronze Award recipients. It was a great evening to hear how these recipients have gained leadership through earning one of Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards! Learn more about our 2013 Highest Awards season on the blog we wrote after the Highlands Ranch event in April. A video capturing the essence of the Colorado Springs event, especially personal remarks from each of the Gold Awardees honored, can be viewed below. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bihHHqTWWU8?rel=0] Information compiled and posted by Amanda Kalina, Director of Public Relations for Girl Scouts of Colorado, with assistance, including the videography and photography work, from Rachelle Trujillo, Chief Marketing Officer. #GoldAward #SilverAward #ColoradoSprings #communityservice #BronzeAward #TakeAction #GirlScouts #PikesPeak #Colorado #leadership