Girl Scouts Week 2022 – March 6- 12 Every year Girl Scouts around the world spend a week celebrating the start of Girl Scouts on March 12 with Girl Scouts Week! This is our 110th anniversary of when Juliette Gordon Low stood up for young girls everywhere and created a space where they could grow their courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. Here at Girl Scouts of Colorado we have created themes for each day to help you celebrate. Self-Care Sunday Recharge yourself to get ready for this exciting week. Self-care is doing any activity that improves your mood and state of mind. We’ve come up with a couple suggestions, but do whatever feels good to you! Create a bath bomb, then take a soak – https://youtu.be/uGNWdTOTVHQ Make a happy place with five things that make you smile- https://youtu.be/MHpA3SZz13k Mindfulness Monday Be present in the moment. Mindfulness is all about clearing your mind and thoughts to just be in the moment. It doesn’t have to look like sitting quietly meditating, it can be done while walking, coloring, and even enjoying your favorite foods! Together Tuesday Celebrate your sisterhood of support and International Women’s Day! Show your support for Girl Scouts and your Girl Scout sisters by wearing green. Snap a picture of you wearing green with this pose to support International Women’s Day #BreaktheBias. Share on social media with the hashtag to show girls around the world that you support breaking gender biases. Warrior Wednesday Who has been that woman that has inspired you? Draw a picture or create a piece of artwork that celebrates how they are a warrior for you – even if they do not know it. Need some inspiration? Check out these couple stories of amazing warrior women. https://www.rebelgirls.com/podcast Thankful Thursday What are you thankful for? Take a moment to appreciate these things. This could be writing a letter to them or just saying thank you! Thankful for your pet or nature? You can tell them to! Think of a creative way to show them you care. Fun Friday One of the best things you can do for your mental wellbeing is to just HAVE FUN. Fun looks different with every single person. Try to have a “yes” day where you say “yes” to something you haven’t tried before. Saturday – Girl Scouts 110th Anniversary We’ve celebrated all week and now lets go out with the biggest celebration of them all! Get your Girl Scout family together and have a Girl Scout birthday party. Instead of bringing presents for the host, give back to the community! That could be a park clean up, food drive, or any other community service ideas you can dream up. Earn the limited-edition patch and learn more about how you can create our future here: https://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/gsusa/forms-and-documents/discover/GSUSA_110-Anniversary-activity-sheet_GirlScouts.pdf Don’t forget to share with us how you are celebrating this week. Tag @gscolo or use #gsco , #girlscouts , #becauseofgirlscouts

If you have family or friends who are currently deployed, please send their APO address to hatm@gmx.com and kaymartley@gmail.com no later than Monday, March 14, 2022. Volunteers will be packing packages of Girl Scout cookies on Saturday, March 19 at the Colorado Armory in Aurora to be mailed to the addresses provided. If you have cookies to donate to the Military, please make a reservation for drop off to hatm@gmx.com. You will receive an email with drop off instructions for March 19. Troops may be able to help with the packing if we get approval because of COVID. If you would like the girls to make cards for the Military, you can mail them to Kay Martley, Girl Scout volunteer. To get mailing address or answer any questions, email Kay Martley at kaymartley@gmail.com. They Girl Scouts and Hearts Across the Miles have been working together on this project for many years.

GSCO Delegates Across Colorado 2020-2022 Delegates: Metro Denver: • Leanna C. (CEO) – Denver • Rae Ann D. (Prior- Chari Person of the Board) – Golden • Caroline C. (Prior- Chair Person of the MCC) – Aurora • Marie W. – Golden • Cassidy C. – Highlands Ranch • Melissa H. – Highlands Ranch • Teya F. – Centennial • Robin M. – Denver N/NE Colorado: • Bonnie L. – Yuma • Penny R. – Estes Park Pikes Peak: • Martha A. – Colorado Springs • Kimberly J. – Colorado Springs Western Slope: • Elena G. – Grand Junction • Sue S. – Grand Junction SW Colorado: • Angela K – Durango Pueblo & SE Colorado: •Katy E. – Pueblo West Mountain Communities: •Christine K. – Steamboat Springs What delegates had to say about becoming a delegate: “I wanted to go to Orlando, because I had never been there. I had been to NCS sessions twice before, and the events are really wonderfully uplifting to remind us how great the Girl Scout movement is. I loved the “fun” parts, like the break-out sessions, the concerts, the sing-alongs, etc. I loved seeing the involvement of the girls, some of whom were delegates, too. It is also great to get the up-to-date scoop on what’s happening in Girl Scouting on a national level. I am hoping to be able to convey some of that energy, information and commitment to GSCO as the delegation unfolds its plans to increase communication among our membership, both girls and adults.” -Penny R. “I am currently a trainer, a mentor for new leaders for our service unit, a member of the Western Slope Outdoor Explorers, and a member of the MCC. I started volunteering as a troop leader when my granddaughter asked to join Girl Scouts 15 years ago, I became a trainer after my experience of learning what the heck I was doing and wanted to help others. Then of course that led to several other volunteer opportunities. Why did I apply to become a delegate? I read in our area Facebook page that GSCO was looking for delegates, at a local event I asked local staff what a delegate does and was encouraged to apply. Although I didn’t get to experience the camaraderie with other delegates at the convention it was a great experience and an honor to have a voice representing Colorado and would do it again.” -Sue S. “I’m a Girl Scout volunteer to help ensure today’s girls are tomorrow’s leaders. My delegate connection is because I was the chair person of membership, a member of the MCC and am now the Board Chair. FYI – those 2 people plus the CEO are automatically part of GSCO’s delegation. I enjoyed being a delegate to the NCS in both 2017 and 2020 to help introduce our girl delegation to the wonders of the democratic process – showing them the ropes and empowering the girls to discover first hand that its not impossible to participate in the governance of our movement today and tomorrow the state, nation or even the world!” -Caroline C. “I am leader with a multilevel troop here in Colorado Springs. The girls really like camping and outdoor skills. I applied to be a delegate to learn more about the governance system of Girl Scouts–the why and how of the organization works.” -Martha A. “I am an Ambassador Leader, advisor to the high school Girl Scouts for Service Unit Events, Trainer, Delegate and previous Camp Director. I find my volunteer experiences very satisfying and know that I am making a difference. After attending National Council Sessions, I am always inspired to become more involved locally. Making my voice heard and impacting the entire Girl Scout Movement is thrilling. I cannot encourage others enough to apply to become a delegate. It is a life-altering experience.” -Christine K.

As a guinea pig owner I wanted to make a difference in my community as I have been seeing an upward trend of guinea pigs being surrendered to our humane society in large numbers. As a result of this not all are adopted and have to be either euthanized or placed in a guinea pig foster home. I wanted to reverse this trend by putting together a brochure and a video on caring for a guinea pig to reduce the number of guinea pigs surrendered.

Thank you to all the Girl Scouts who entered this year’s contest for Best Cookie Video! We received twenty-seven entries from across Colorado and are so impressed by your creativity and enthusiasm. Third Place- 50 Cookie Credits Girl Scout Evelyn from Durango plans to use her winnings to do more fun Girl Scout activities with her troop. “Evelyn is truly LOVING her first year of Girl Scouts. This Troop has been such an amazing way for her to connect with the girls in her class. They have been incredibly welcoming, and literally pile around her in a huge hug every time she comes! I love how excited she has gotten about sharing about all of the cookies, her goal is to sell 250 boxes of Girl Scout cookies.” – Evelyn’s mom Second Place- 100 Cookie Credits Girl Scout Maible  from Longmont plans to use her winnings to buy supplies from the Girl Scout store for her troop. “I love being a Girl Scout because I have the opportunity to participate in fun activities and adventures. Our adventures have been limited by COVID, but we still did a lot of cool stuff this year, from fishing and crawdadding outings to a clinic in competitive jump roping. I am saving some cookie funds to go to camp and take a big Girl Scout trip in the coming years. My goal this year is 1,000 boxes and to break my personal record to collect more than 185 boxes for our hometown hero Our Center in Longmont.” First Place- 200 Cookie Credits Girl Scout Peyton from Denver plans to use her winnings to go on fun outdoor adventures. “Thank you for helping my troop fund our fun! We want to go camping, horseback riding and rock climbing with our cookie money. Selling cookies lets me practice my people skills.” 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.

Three Highlands Ranch Girl Scout troops came together to host a food drive. Brownie and Junior Girl Scout troops 65443, 67322 and 68101 hosted food drive donations to The Backpack Society. They ended up collecting 343.83 pounds of food! The girls helped collect, sort and organize the donations! The Backpack Society collects and distributes food for school children who don’t have access to consistent meals. Since 2019, The Backpack Society has provided over 85,000 meals to children in need. Ninteen (19) local schools have Backpack Society food pantries within their schools and they partner with 29 schools in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Sedalia & Littleton who benefit from the program. The Backpack Society’s mission is to alleviate hunger among school children by providing supplemental nutrition on the weekend and during school breaks, when they would otherwise go without. www.backpacksociety.org

Women’s Empowerment Night at the Colorado Springs Switchbacks! Bring your Girl Scout to this event that will educate girls and women on forging a path in the sports and business world. Panelists: *Tyler Cutler – Switchbacks FC Communications Manager * Kristen Washburn – Switchback FC Assistant GM * Candy Brooks – Pride Soccer Executive Director * Hillary Saba – Former USA Judo and Movie Star * Jennifer Grubb – Former US Women’s National Soccer Team Member After meeting the panel, enjoy the game at 6 pm – Switchbacks FC vs. Monterey Bay FC. Register here: https://qrco.de/bbLwt4 Questions? jtaylor@switchbacksfc.com

Join your Girl Scout sisters as we celebrate accomplishments, reflect on the fun times, and bridge to the next level of Girl Scouts at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. We’ll have a Girl Scout bridging ceremony, and symbolize this moment by walking together as a sisterhood across the highest suspension bridge in the United States! Then we’ll enjoy a celebration on the other side at Juniper Junction. More details at: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/sf-events-repository/2022/2022-statewide-bridging-event—royal-gorge.html

DEI Updates: Week of 02.14.22 Upcoming: Black History Month Events Feb 14 – Community Presentation: Black Women in American History Feb 23 – DuSable Museum Virtual Talk Back Session: Equiano.Stories Feb 28 – Black History Patch Showcase Please check gsEvents to register or share these events. Upcoming: Monthly Equity Talks – ADA Accessibility in the Outdoors Our next MET session is on Feb 23. Please check your calendar for an invite. The chat will be recorded for those who can’t attend and would like to tune in later. New: Implicit Bias & Microaggressions gsLearn Course We have a new gsLearn course that focuses on understanding unconscious bias and its connection to microaggressions. The course has three modules: definitions, everyday examples, and strategies for intervention. Please check it out and reach out with any input. DEI Learning Track Complete this brief form to let us know which DEI trainings and events you’ve attended. Call to Action 9 Leaders from Black History You Should Know Check out this list of lesser-known Black leaders who fought for civil rights and contributed to our American society. Upcoming Opportunities Gender in the African Diaspora Monday, Feb 28 at 6:30pm MST. Join the Center on Colfax for a talk that will cover the history of gender, gender non-conformity, and finish with a look at transgender in the African Diaspora.  The talk will name categories of queer ancestors, spaces, and lifeways from the pre-classical through contemporary period.  We will look at third gender in African societies.  Then gender non-conformity through European contact, transatlantic slavery, and resistance to the slave system.  Then finish with a look at gender-nonconformity in the US in the 19thand 20th century leading to black, transgender history in the 21st Action Beyond the Quote Join Points of Light and Morehouse College on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 11:00am MST, for a conversation that will explore a collection of MLK’s most well-known quotes. Learn how you can use his words as a foundation to advance his teachings and nonviolent philosophy in your own community. Click here to register. Melanin MagiQ: QTBIPoC Community Group Calling all LGBTQIA2+ and BIPOC young people! Melanin MagiQ is a new program that Inside Out is hosting in partnership with Joy as Resistance! Meet and connect with queer BIPOC adults and other youth, and embrace your melanin magic! Groups meet on alternating Thursdays. Next Melanin Magiq will be Feb. 17 History on the Plate: Deconstructing African American Food History Wednesday, Feb 23 at 5pm MST. Join Phipps Conservatory for a virtual free special presentation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris on African American cuisine. At this special virtual event, Dr. Harris will use traditional stories, illustrations and history to discuss the importance of food in African American history and culture. Beginning with a traditional African American plate, the presentation will focus on eight plants important to African American cuisine: rice, corn, peanuts, okra, watermelon, chili peppers, leafy greens and sweet potatoes. The presentation will run 40 – 45 minutes and be followed by a 15 – 20 minute Q&A. Sign up here.

Join us at this Inspiring Futures with Colorado Parks & Wildlife School Programs Coordinator, Erin Kendall to learn about her education, career and why she loves working for CPW! Erin will also enlighten Girl Scouts about other job opportunities within Colorado Parks & Wildlife and see a short interactive example of what an environmental educator might do! There will be plenty of time for questions about our parks and the breath of opportunities. Register here: Daisy, Brownie, Junior: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/sf-events-repository/2022/-inspiring-futures—state-parks—dbj—life-skills—virtual-.html Cadette, Senior, Ambassador: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/sf-events-repository/2022/inspiring-futures—state-parks—life-skills—csa.html

What does being an emergency room physician really entail? We’ll find out what Life in the ER is like from Dr. Katie Bakes, an emergency physician at Denver Health and a Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. Emergency room physicians experience great stress in their jobs, but along the way, they’re saving lives, learning the field and preparing for a lifetime of making a real impact on people’s health. As an emergency room physician, Dr. Bakes works on the front lines, stabilizing patients before directing them to specialists who can take over their care. Join us as we learn about emergency medicine, why ER Doctors do this job, do some diagnosis of medical conditions and hear about Dr. Bakes’ time in New York City helping with the COVID-19 outbreak. Register here: Cadette, Senior, Ambassador: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/sf-events-repository/2022/inspiring-futures—er-doctor—csa—stem.html

One of Rachele Alpine’s first jobs was at a library, but it didn’t last long, because all she did was hide in the third-floor stacks and read. Now she’s a little more careful about when and where she indulges her reading habit. Rachele is a high school English teacher by day, a wife and mother by night, and a writer during any time she can find in between. She’s written eleven books for early readers to teens, and her newest series, THE INVINCIBLE GIRLS CLUB, celebrates girl power and the ability for anyone to make a difference in the world. Rachele joined the Girl Scouts when she was in kindergarten and participated into her teens. She now considers herself a life-long member and loves talking books with troops! She lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her two young boys, husband, and the cutest dog in the world (no, really…she is!). Visit her at RacheleAlpine.com. Join us as she first takes you through a writing prompt that will leave you with endless ideas for stories (please show up with five sheets of paper and a writing utensil (Rachele loves writing with markers and gel pens!) and then join her in a Q&A to ask any and all questions you have about her books, author life, and the writing process. Register here: Daisy, Brownie, Junior: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/sf-events-repository/2022/-inspiring-futures—author—dbj—life-skills—virtual.html Cadette, Senior, Ambassador: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/sf-events-repository/2022/-inspiring-futures—author—csa—life-skills—virtual.html