From Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Embarking on outdoor adventures has always been a part of Girl Scouts’ DNA. Many of the badges the first Girl Scouts earned were tied to learning and refining outdoor skills and becoming environmental stewards (Foot Traveler badge, Animal Kingdom badge), and that hasn’t changed in our more than 100-year history. As Girl Scouts we’ve found new ways to connect with the great outdoors and one another. We’ve spent time in our backyards, earned outdoor art badges, and even taken virtual national park tours! Now, with warmer weather and longer days, we’re ready to take our love of the outdoors to the next level. So pack some snacks, lace up your shoes, and head outside to unlock the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors patch! You’ll enjoy nature, channel your creativity, and learn fun new things. Here’s how to get started: Download the worksheet. Visit Girl Scouts at Home and download the official Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge worksheet. Review the list of activities and mark the ones you’re interested in. Don’t rush. The Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge kicked off May 21 and ends with Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend, September 11–12, 2021. This means you have plenty of time to select the activities you’re most interested in and complete them at your own pace. Share! Use #gsoutdoors to share your story and to see how other girls are completing this fun outdoor challenge. Don’t forget to tag @girlscouts for a chance to be featured on GSUSA’s social media channels. Nominate someone. This challenge is a great way to connect with your fellow Girl Scout sisters and invite your non-Girl Scout besties to join in the fun! Nominate someone to take the challenge with you. Be prepared. As Girl Scouts, we know the importance of being prepared! If you’re venturing to a local park or hiking trail, first make sure they’re open. Pack sunscreen, bug repellant, GORP, protective gear (sunglasses, hat), and water! Get your patch through the shop via phone or email. Remember, you don’t have to do all 50 suggested activities to earn your snazzy new patch! Complete the required number of activities based on your grade level. Getting outdoors isn’t just fun—it’s good for your overall well-being. Did you know that girls who participate in outdoor activities on a monthly basis are stronger challenge-seekers and problem-solvers than those who don’t? So don’t wait: get out and unlock your Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors patch. Tag @gscolo and @girlscouts on Twitter and Instagram and include #gsOutdoors and #GSColo to share your adventures with us. Hydro Flask is generously supporting the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge with the goal of getting more girls outside this summer and helping build future outdoor leaders. #GirlScoutsoftheUSA #outdoors #GSUSA #2021GirlScoutsLovetheOutdoorsPatch #2021GirlScoutsLovetheOutdoorsChallenge #GirlScoutsLovetheOutdoorsChallenge #GirlScoutsLoveStateParksWeekend #GirlScoutsoftheUSAGSUSA #GirlScoutsLovetheOutdoors #2021GirlScoutsLoveStateParksWeekend #gsoutdoors #patch #GirlScoutsLovetheOutdoorspatch

For my Gold Award project, I created and implemented a closet into my high school office that held various feminine hygiene products and resources, called the Closet of Confidence. Along with the closet, I began open and honest conversations with faculty, students, and parents about the discomfort felt in young female students coming to school on their periods and not feeling prepared. My project overall addressed the issue of the lack of availability of feminine hygiene products in middle and high schools, and the statistically low self-esteem gained when a young woman is on her period, which can lead to her missing school days and prohibiting her from getting a full, uninterrupted education. The Closet of Confidence ensures that a young woman will never have to limit her education by a circumstance she cannot control and provides her with confidence and assurance to learn without barriers. How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience? The Closet of Confidence has been used by several high school girls, and in talking with them about the closet’s impact, they have stated that the product’s presence has eased their mind about coming to school on their periods. My audience learned that being on their period doesn’t mean they have to stay home and miss out on their education. They have products there for them to equip them to have the confidence to get a good education. The Closet of Confidence has been publicized and will have even further use going into the coming school years How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement? I partnered with the National Honor Society at my school, and they have agreed that any products brought in for the closet will be counted for service hours, depending on how much product. Along with the National Honor Society, the Parent Teacher Organization will be contributing. They plan on evaluating every semester if the closet needs refilling and will place in products via their own funds or run a PTO sponsored donation drive for the closet. My project advisor, Jana Wilson, works in the school office and will ensure that product gets placed. What is your project’s global and/or national connection? For my national connection, I have been in contact with several educators around Colorado and the country who are eager and willing to help encourage their communities to implement the Closet of Confidence into their school districts. What did you learn about yourself? Throughout this whole process, I learned several things about myself. I learned that I am fueled by what I am passionate about. Uplifting young women and giving them the resources they need to be successful and confident gives me great joy and encourages me to continue on a path of persuing passion. I also learned a lot about what confidence truly is, where it comes from, and what it means to me. Confidence does not come from an outside source or someone telling you you’re worthy, it comes from a deep knowledge that the authentic you is worthy and capable, which gives you the confidence to be bold and be yourself. This is definitely the biggest insight I gained in doing my project. How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future? In earning my Gold Award, I have gained an experience in leadership, management, and service that will benefit me in my academic and professional careers as I continue toward my goals. My interests and passions were reinforced, and I intend to continue my journey to uplifting and empowering women of all ages. Above all, in the midst of a pandemic, and an extremely challenging year, I saw this project to completion. I had to dig deep to make it happen and I did it. I am confident in my ability to see future projects to completion as well. Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience? I have been involved with Girl Scouts since first grade and have met some of my best friends and have gained experiences that I will treasure forever and look back on with gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned. The other girls in my troop and my troop leader have truly inspired me, and we all have offered love and support for one another these many years. Completing my Gold Award is the best way to conclude a phenomenal Girl Scout experience. How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? Earning my Gold Award undoubtably helped me become a G.I.R.L. I learned how to reach for my goals for the Closet of Confidence as a go-getter. I saw the need for a change and something new in my school system, so I took action in creating it as an innovator. I entered into conversations about topics that are considered taboo, such as feminine hygiene, and encouraged open discussion, teaching me to be a risk-taker. Finally, I learned how communication, cooperation and management are what make a good leader. **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 #HighestAwards #ColoradoSpringsChristianHighSchool #ColoradoSprings #GoldAwardGirlScout #menstralequity #GirlScoutGoldAward #TakeAction #PikesPeak #period

Submitted by Jody Clair Pikes Peak Colorado Springs We have moved the Florida trip to 2022! Please join us on a super fun, new adventure. All details are in the flyer linked below. Feel free to email your questions to  girlscoutjody@gmail.com. Whole troops or individual Girl Scouts are welcome if they are sixth grade -twelfth  grade (or just graduated) at travel time. Orlando_2022_flyer 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. #GSCOevents #ColoradoSprings #Orlando #travel #PikesPeak

Submitted by Greg Pixley Metro Denver Denver The Denver Fire Department Career Exploration Camp is an excellent opportunity that allows young adults to learn, experience, and recognize the possibilities of a future career as a Denver firefighter. Campers will participate in hands-on simulated emergency fire and rescue situations, while earning certificates in first-aid and CPR. It is the mission of our instructors to instill participants with team building and leadership skills, along with valuable life lessons, while having fun! Our hope is to inspire these participants to consider working as a Denver Firefighter after their high school and college careers. The Career Exploration Camp is three, seven-hour sessions dedicated to introducing local youth to the life of a firefighter with the Denver Fire Department. Our firefighters will help attendees build a sense of teamwork, responsibility and career awareness during the camp. Dates: July 28-30, 2021 Times: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Grades: 4th through 12th Grade Fee: FREE! Camp will begin each morning at 9 a.m. at the Rocky Mountain Fire Academy (5440 Roslyn Building F, Denver, CO 80216). The day will end around 4 p.m. at the same location Registration is limited, and parents/guardians will be notified once their camper(s) has been confirmed to participate. The email for registration is below. Once selected to attend, a parent/guardian must attend a mandatory orientation meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. on either Thursday, July 15or Friday, July 16. The orientation meeting will be in the second-floor classroom at the Denver Fire Academy located at 5440 Roslyn – Building #5, Denver 80216, and is anticipated to end around 8 p.m. Again, parent/guardian attendance of the orientation is mandatory if their kiddo is a first-time participant with this camp. Camper Checklist: Jacket or sunscreen (weather depending) All campers must have waiver on file at the time of attendance. Water snacks and lunch will be provided Registration and Waiver: Contact Capt. Greg Pixley at 303-503-7490 or greg.pixley@denvergov.org Young Adult Career Exploration Camp Application 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. #firefighter #GSCOevents #DenverFireDepartment #Denver #RockyMountainFireAcademy

Submitted by Silvia M. Pikes Peak Woodland Park I love animals, and wanted to do something to help them. I went to TCRAS, Teller County Regional Animal Shelter, and talked to the staff about what they needed. They suggested snuffle mats, which are made out of plastic or rubber mats, with strips of fleece woven in the holes, and tied in knots. Treats can be hidden for the dogs to find. Instead of being bored all day, they have something to do while waiting for a new home. The Junior group in my troop researched the material, and made nine mats for the shelter, and we’re still making some more. The shelter and dogs LOVE them! I’ve been a Girl Scout since I was a Daisy, and am now in fifth grade. Girl Scouting has taught me so many skills, and I’ve made so many new friends. With this Bronze Award, I’ve learned decision-making and leadership, teaching the fourth graders how to do this project and getting their opinions about what we should do. I am looking forward to becoming a Cadette, working on new badges and Journeys, and earning the Silver Award! 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. #WoodlandPark #BronzeAwardproject #TellerCountyRegionalAnimalShelter #HighestAwards #dogs #animals #GirlScoutBronzeAward #BronzeAward #snufflemats #TakeAction #PikesPeak

Submitted by Carol Raburn Pikes Peak Colorado Springs This year, our Girl Scouts voted to deliver Girl Scout Cookies to their Hometown Heroes, the teachers of Inspiration View Elementary School.  These teachers have invested so much during this year of COVID schooling and we appreciate all that they do! Drop-off day was this week and the girls were not only excited to take a picture with the principal, but also to share about the fun things they’ve accomplished! 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. #ColoradoSprings #2021GirlScoutCookieProgram #InspirationViewElementarySchool #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #GirlScoutCookieProgram #D49SchoolDistrict #HometownHeroes #PikesPeak

Submitted by Erin Sullivan-Ortiz Northern & Northeastern CO Troop 72886 shared 251 packages of Girl Scout Cookies with their Hometown Heroes, staff and volunteers at local shelters. Guadalupe Center in Greeley, Fort Collins Rescue Mission, and The Mission (also Fort Collins) all have dedicated staff and volunteers who continued selflessly providing essential care during COVID-19, and our troop was grateful for the chance to thank and honor them! 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. #TheGuadalupeCenter #NorthernampNortheasternCO #TheMission #Greeley #2021GirlScoutCookieProgram #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #FortCollinsRescueMission #GirlScoutCookieProgram #HometownHeroes #COVID19 #FortCollins

Submitted by Marie Merrill-Exton Southwestern CO Pagosa Springs and Durango Sage, a Brownie from Pagosa Springs, and Avery, a Brownie from Durango, became pen pals over a year ago through a pen pal bridging activity Sage was participating in with her troop. The girls met in person this winter for a playdate at the park and it was evident they had built a lasting friendship. Sage and Avery enjoyed their first sleepover together and made many fun memories. The girls are excited to attend Girl Scout Camp together for the very first time together this summer. 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. #Durango #PagosaSprings #penpals #SouthwesternCO

Submitted by Nikki Milton Metro Denver Aurora Troop 35 was in the middle of their Bronze Award project when the pandemic hit, putting everything on hold. We are happy to say that we were able to finish the project, a year later, and the results are amazing. Our troop picked The Delores Project, which provides safe, comfortable shelter and services for unaccompanied women and transgender individuals experiencing homelessness. They asked us for help on two fronts, build shelving for their pantry and create an outdoor garden of herbs and vegetables they could use in their kitchen. Our troop of 18 split into two groups and tackled both projects. The residents couldn’t stop asking us questions and expressing their gratitude for our work. It was a great experience for the girls and we are looking forward to starting our Silver Award project next year. 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. #HighestAwards #BronzeAwardGirlScouts #Aurora #GirlScoutBronzeAward #BronzeAward #MetroDenver #TakeAction #TheDeloresProject

Get your tickets NOW for our Girl Scout Night AND CAMPOUT at Rocky Mountain Vibes in Colorado Springs on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts should wear their vest or sash to help show their Girl Scout spirit! For $20/person, you will receive: Ticket to the game Parking Meal Voucher (hot dog/chips/drink) Post-Game fireworks and s’more Opportunity to camp out in a tent ON THE FIELD! This family-friendly event is open to everyone! All Girl Scouts must attend with their parent/guardian/caregiver or troop leaders. Adult to girl ratios for events must be met. If participating in the campout, attendees must bring their own tent and sleeping supplies. Rocky Mountain Vibes and Girl Scouts of Colorado WILL NOT be providing these. Tickets can be purchased on this online registration form (https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/girl_scout_night_with_the_rocky_mountain_vibes_pp_08_27_2021) and will be physically distributed at the Girl Scout table outside the game. Groups that indicate the same troop number will be grouped together as best as possible. You may register up to 25 children and 25 adults in one submission. You will need to submit multiple forms if you have more attendees 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. #ColoradoSprings #GSCOevents #PikesPeak #RockyMountainVibes

Submitted by Sarah R. Johnson, GSCO Global Action Team Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world join the United Nations each year noting World Environment Day by increasing our worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It is celebrated on June 5 in more than 100 countries, and this year is particularly notable as it kicks off the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This ten year project aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change, and prevent a mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part. The overexploitation and degradation of ecosystems is often linked to inequality, including unfairly restricted access to and control of natural resources by women. Integrate your restoration projects with steps to eliminate the exclusion of and discrimination against women and other disadvantaged groups so that sustainable development benefits everyone equally.  #GenerationRestoration and #GenerationEquality go hand in hand. Girls are encouraged to stand up for your now and your future by raising your voices so that policy makers hear the call to protect and restore ecosystems. Organize those discussions yourselves and invite environmental experts to speak and the wider public to listen so that awareness of the benefits of restoration can blossom. Match all the words with deeds by volunteering collectively to get your hands dirty in restoration projects, or devise and launch one of your own. One way Girl Scouts of the USA is encouraging girls to get involved in through tree planting with the Girl Scout Tree Promise. Participate in an online event; see the schedule here:  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/latest/official-event-schedule Download the Playbook and find specific take action ideas for Colorado ecosystems: Mountains Farmlands and grasslands Towns and cities Rivers and lakes Forests and trees How you can participate: Volunteer for an existing restoration effort such as the Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliance and other post wildfire restoration projects across Colorado Clean up a lake, beach, park, or other natural area Green your home, business, school, or a public space with indigenous trees or plants Take the Girl Scout Tree Promise Start a new diet based on seasonal, sustainable and plant-rich foods Do the Girl Powered Nutrition Challenge from WAGGGS Write a letter to your local newspaper, use Climate Generation’s tips for writing letters Take pictures of your World Environment Day activities and post them on social media with the tag #GenerationRestoration and #WorldEnvironmentDay to maximize your contribution to the restoration movement. You can also tag Girl Scouts of Colorado on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Twitter and Instagram users should also use #GSColo. 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. #2021WorldEnvironmentDay #GlobalActionTeam #GlobalGirlScouts #WorldEnvironmentDay

Join Girl Scouts of Colorado online to honor the 2021 recipients of Volunteer Recognition Awards! All Girl Scouts, including adult volunteers, girl members, families, and friends, can join GSCO Chief Executive Officer Leanna Clark on May 27 at 7 p.m. for this special celebration. No need to register or even RSVP! You can watch the live premiere on our Facebook page. You can get a notification that the event is starting, by clicking the “Get Reminder” button on the bottom right of the video premiere post. Aren’t on Facebook? That’s okay. Watch on our YouTube channel using this link. Please note that the link will not work until the celebration starts. If you log on early, you may need to refresh your screen at the start time. Can’t join us on May 27? The video will be available to watch at your convenience or share with others. 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. #2021VolunteerRecognitionAwards #GSCOevents #VolunteerNews #Volunteerrecognitionawards