We are excited to recruit new adult volunteers (including young adults) to the Girl Scouts of Colorado Global Action Team (GAT)! In collaboration with GSUSA and GSCO, the GAT's mission is to raise awareness and inspire action on global issues affecting girls and women, thereby contributing to a better world through the global sisterhood of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. This statewide leadership team brings together experienced troop leaders, lifetime members, and other seasoned Girl Scout volunteer leaders from across Colorado. They serve as ambassadors for the global sisterhood, promote global citizenship education programs and events, and support the council's travel progression initiatives. The GAT convenes quarterly each year, with two in-person meetings and two virtual meetings. Additionally, sub-team meetings (either global citizenship or council travel) are held at least six times annually. A few exciting possible projects we have in mind for the GAT to make happen include (but not limited to): Engage with the Older Girl Advisory Board in a meaningful way. Promote GSCO Courage, Confidence, Character podcast stories that focus on global citizenship and travel. Encourage GSCO camp international staffing to include active Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world. Develop a relationship and explore possibilities of partnership with the Denver/Cuernavaca Sister City program. Create plan to facilitate GSUSA Global Action Award workshop for older girls. Promote older girl virtual travel webinars. Support and promote Council led and sponsored trips. Encourage and promote independent WAGGGS travel with the Look Wider Scholarship for girls and young women. Be available to support leaders across Colorado who request support for girl-led national and international troop travel. Support and promote girls and volunteers to travel to the 2026 National Convention in Washington DC. And more! All adult Girl Scouts are invited to apply to serve on this active working team. Please spread the word to recent alumna graduates, college students, non-traditional volunteers (not active troop leaders), traditional volunteers, staff, former board members, and all who may be interested. The fall 2025 deadline for applications is Sunday, Sept. 7. The spring 2026 recruitment process will happen in March/April. Please carefully review the GSCO Global Action Team Guideline and apply via Google Forms. The first onboarding in-person meeting will be Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Denver with the entire Global Action Team. New members are strongly encouraged to attend. Please be in touch with any questions. Yours in Girl Scouting, Global Action Team Girl Scouts of Colorado Global Girl Scouting gscoglobal@gmail.com

Five Daisies, one Brownie and one Junior from multi-level Troop 65659 came together on April 5 to deliver over 270 packages of donated cookies to the volunteers of the Trans Continental Pipeline. The mission statement of the Denver-based non-profit is to help “Queer and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals move from unsafe environments to Colorado and provide connections and resources through our relocation program.” The Girl Scouts gave the cookies to Executive Director Keira who told them that the team at TCP was eager to receive the cookies and several team members had already told her what varieties they were looking forward to. Keeping our community safe is an important theme for Troop 65659. The troop agreed that the volunteers at TCP are heroes in our community.

Chants of “We are the Brownies. We are Voter Girls, “ was heard when the Brownies paraded thru the halls of Timberline Church in Fort Collins on Saturday, April 12. Forty-nine girl scouts in kindergarten through eighth grades attended our League of Women Voters' Voter Girl Project. Our League, in partnership with the Girls Scouts of Colorado, held workshops to earn citizenship badges. Girl Scouts voted in a mock polling center with voting booths, ballot box, and "I Voted" stickers supplied by the county clerk’s office. Larimer County Clerk Tina Harris attended to see the polling center in action. State Senator Cathy Kipp spoke for the Juniors’ badge workshop. Two high school girls volunteered to play the roles of Voter Girl and Suffragist to help the Girl Scouts learn the importance of voting. Troop leaders and parents viewed a PowerPoint overview of the history of women’s suffrage and the beginnings of the League of Women Voters. Join us for the next Voter Girl Project on Saturday, November 8 in Fort Collins.

Thanks to our partners at Union Pacific! Through their Community Ties Giving programs, Girl Scouts are provided hands-on opportunities to gain life changing skills for their future careers! Here are some highlights from recent GSCO STEM programming. Girl Scouts explored space, what it's like to be an astronaut, and met influential women in aerospace at the Space Explorers event in April. Girl Scouts discovered different aspects of generative artificial intelligence (AI) with a special event in January. Girl Scouts and community members got to explore fun STEM concepts (like coding and ice cream making) at Girl Scout DreamLab's Summer STEM day last July. Want to learn more about Girl Scout's STEM programming? Check out the event calendar to see what's coming up! Thank you again to our partners at Union Pacific for supporting our programming with their Community Ties Giving programs.

Each year, Gold Award Girl Scouts are eligible to earn the Stephanie A. Foote Leadership Prize. This award was made possible through a generous gift to Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Endowment by former Girl Scouts of Colorado President and CEO Stephanie A. Foote. “I am proud to recognize Girl Scouts whose Gold Award projects have made a lasting impact,” Foote said. This year's Stephanie Foote Leadership Prize recipient is Abigail Reynolds. For Reynolds' Gold Award project, she created a program, Gearing 4 Engineering, that set out to break down gender stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing careers in engineering. To do this, Reynolds created an inclusive, hands-on expo where third - eighth grade students tackled real-world engineering challenges and showcased their solutions through creative presentations. By making project submissions anonymous, the program ensures fair evaluation based solely on innovation and effort, fostering a space where all students can thrive. Her project will continue to inspire and empower future generations of young engineers with a commitment from Aspen View Academy. The Scholarship Committee would also like to recognize an honorable mention. Kanshita Dam’s Gold Award project established a sustainable system for donating ethnic clothing from the United States to communities in need in India. By collecting gently used garments to reduce waste and support individuals working to rise out of poverty, the project built strong partnerships with local temples and cultural organizations. A temple in Denver and the Milonee Association committed to hosting regular donation drives, ensuring the program continues beyond the creator’s involvement. With three shipments sent in just six months and a dedicated volunteer team in place, this initiative is set to make a lasting impact through ongoing clothing drives and international support. This year the Debbie Haskins Spirit of Girl Scouting Award went to Darja Jaceva . Driven by a desire to create a safe and welcoming space for teens, especially those feeling out of place, Jaceva's project transformed the Warehouse Youth Center into a vibrant, inclusive environment. As an immigrant teen herself, Jaceva understands the importance of a space where young people can truly be themselves. By leading a team to design and paint three beautiful murals the project infused the center with warmth, kindness, and a peaceful atmosphere. "What makes the Gold Award so special is the passion these Girl Scouts bring to creating meaningful change,” said Leanna Clark, CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado. “These young women have identified issues important to them, made a tangible difference in their communities, and excelled as leaders. We celebrate their initiative, their leadership, and the profound impact they are already having. The possibilities ahead for them are limitless.” Open only to girls in high school, the Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls—and the most difficult to earn. The Gold Award project involves seven steps: 1. Identify an issue, 2. Investigate it thoroughly, 3. Get help and build a team, 4. Create a plan, 5. Present the plan and gather feedback, 6. Take action, 7. Educate and inspire. Of the skills learned through Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards, leadership, organization, and critical thinking are the fundamentals of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Many universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements. New this year, the University of Colorado, Denver is showing its support for Girl Scouts by offering guaranteed admission to any Girl Scout who earns a 3.0 GPA and a Gold 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 .

Every three years, members from each council in Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) gather to conduct business on a national scale. Girl Scouts of Colorado will send National Delegates to the 2026 National Convention to attend the festivities and represent us at the National Council Session in July 2026 in Washington, D.C. It's time to apply and take your Girl Scout experience to the next level! Nominees must be willing to commit to: Attending all local orientation and preparation meetings prior to the National Convention. Participating in all GSUSA preparatory webinars, learning sessions and pre-reads Time commitment: approximately 3 hours per month from September 2025 -June 2026 and then 10 hours per month leading up to the National Council Session Studying the National Council Meeting agenda. Understanding Girl Scouts of Colorado's stance on actions to be taken by the National Council Obtaining a broad view of opinions and voices of members throughout the council. Attending all National Council meetings and reporting National Council actions to Girl Scouts of the Colorado members. Knowing and understanding of parliamentary procedures. Attending the National Council Session July 20-25, 2026, and available to travel days of July 19 and 26, 2026. Participating as a National Delegate for the entire three-year period of 2025-2028. Eligibility requirements Every delegate must be: A  citizen of the United States of America A  registered member of Girls Scouts of the USA active in GSCO 14 years of age or older by Sept. 1, 2025 Able to represent the points of view of various ethnic, racial, educational, civic, religious and socioeconomic groups Willing to prepare thoroughly on the issues and business that will come before the National Council

Actually, I can't count the ways, there are too many! My dad knew there was pretty much nothing girls couldn't do or learn to do. He helped me start as a Brownie and I am now a Life Member. In high school, I was a Mariner. We lived in a town with no large body of water. No problem! We had a pond. We found a way. Our senior pack trip was canoeing in, around, and out of the Boundary waters in Minn. and Canada. We packed in everything. Maybe I can't count the ways, but I can say, it's because of the girls. That's why I became a leader. It was a blessing to watch my Girl Scouts grow from giggles and crayons to pitching tents and mining quartz. To run service projects, like making a quilt for a local non-profit, gathering supplies for another, and on and on. Through all their years together they discovered who they were, sharing their weaknesses and strengths as they grew together, bonding and supporting each other. Whether they were pitching a tent, digging a latrine, learning the characteristics of quartz and silver, or picking up trash in the 31st St. canal, they were learning skills, building confidence, setting goals, and looking to their future. Learning and teaching respect for the outdoors and the same for those who they meet. And once they had learned those new skills, they taught them to younger Girl Scouts! That's what Girl Scouts is all about.

This fall, a meaningful Silver Award project is taking root across several Girl Scouts of Colorado camp properties. Dedicated Cadettes have designed and installed flag burial markers at six locations: Twisted Pine, Tomahawk Ranch, Sky High Ranch, Meadow Mountain Ranch, Lazy Acres and the Grand Junction Service Center. These burial markers serve a special purpose: to provide a sacred space for troops to bury flag ashes after flag retirement ceremonies, whether held at camp or before arriving. This thoughtful initiative gives Girl Scouts a respectful and permanent place to lay retired flags to rest, deepening the traditions and symbolism that come with flag ceremonies. Flag retirement ceremonies are a powerful part of many Girl Scout camp experiences, often marking the close of day, the end of a camp session or a time of reflection. Until now, troops didn’t always have a dedicated place to bury ashes after a flag burning ceremony. This Silver Award project ensures that Girl Scouts have a dedicated, honorable location to complete this final step in the flag retirement process.    Planning a Flag Retirement Ceremony? Troops wishing to hold a flag burning at camp must first contact the property manager ahead of time to discuss fire safety guidelines and permissions. Once your ceremony is complete, the new burial markers will be ready for your use.   This project not only honors our country’s flag but also empowers Girl Scouts to take the lead in preserving tradition, respecting history, and leaving a legacy for others to follow.

Why Girl Scouts? Why not? Girl Scouts has given so much to me and my family over the years it amazes me. From my own years as a girl selling cookies to now, as a mom of a Cadette and a leader. I have made great friends and watched some amazing young girls, like my daughter, grow from little Daisies to these independent, young women. I have the joy of being in a troop that is in its twelfth year and takes any age of Girl Scout. I was transformed from just a volunteer wanting to help to a leader just three years ago! Getting to watch these girls grow has been amazing. Those who have been super shy suddenly start finding their voice and lead a meeting. Those who start off wanting to earn badges learn the real fun is helping the younger girls with their skills. I love seeing our shy girls become the giggly girls to the ones leading the meetings. I love seeing our older girls squeal and be just as involved as the younger levels. Our troop would have almost all been in khaki vests this year but we were called to see if we would be open to taking in younger girls again. It was a resounding "YES" from the troop. Seeing these girls support each other and learn from each other is just a privilege to see. Our troop and a sister troop just went ice skating. The biggest takeaway was watching 20 Girl Scouts out on the ice and the rule seemed to be to let no one fall alone. The girls encouraged those afraid and even my own Cadette daughter, Kyren, pretended to fall several times to make our new Daisy comfortable on the ice. These two troops were able to skate together and knew how to make the most of it for all ages. So why Girl Scouts? What other organization can take a group of young girls and help them explore, learn, support, and find their passions into adulthood, and beyond? Girl Scouts allows the freedom for the girls to try new things, gain real-world experiences, and have the confidence to apply their skills. Why Girl Scouts? Instead, I ask, why not?

“Always a Girl Scout!”  Colorado’s Plains to Peaks Chapter #22 of the Green Hat Society (GHS), actively involved in the national organization, is hoping to expand our membership so that we can have more involvement in “Helping Troops…Helping Girls.”  The Mission of the Green Hat Society is “to have fun while passing on Girl Scout traditions.” The Goals of the GHS are:  Teaching contemporary Girl Scouts the “old” skills such as knots, lashing, tenting, fire building, outdoor cooking, singing, etc.; Continuing to keep the Girl Scout oral traditions alive through ceremonies, songs, poems, pledges, graces, skits; Engendering the love and respect of the pre-technology natural world; and Supporting the ongoing values of Girl Scouts; respect for others, for one’s self and for the natural world. The National GHS offers large events on a three-year rotation, including an encampment held in a camp setting, a large travel opportunity and a national cultural touring event.  Green Hats also are well represented at GSUSA’s National Conventions.  There is no cost for membership in the Green Hat Society but members must be registered members of GSUSA either as Lifetime Members or through annual registration. Pins, patches, shirts and jackets can be purchased from the national group. A fillable registration form for the National Green Hat Society  is attached to this blog post. In September 2024, our chapter hosted a national cultural touring event in Loveland at the La Quinta Hotel.  The activities, tours and sites visited included a model train museum, Fort Collins city trolley ride, the Lee Maxwell Washing Machine Museum, a mountain tour including Estes Park, Lily Lake, Camp St. Malo and Meadow Mountain Ranch, a bronze foundry, the Benson Sculpture park in Loveland, the Global Village Museum in Fort Collins, and many others.  Approximately 40 GHS members from all over the country enjoyed four days of fellowship, sing-alongs, crafts, swaps, and a service project to benefit Days for Girls in Sierra Leone in Africa.   The local GHS chapter is also taking on a project to assist the GSCO History Center in helping with tours and activities for troops seeking to earn the new History Center patch.  The group also has a connection between the GHS and the Songbirds Girl Scout Choir, who help with the International Festival and other campfire and training events in the area. Karen D’Ambrosio is the “Green Queen” for Chapter #22, and she can answer questions and help you get registered by contacting her at greenhat22co@gmail.com Join us - - - sing along, travel, go camping, teach kids, and most of all HAVE FUN!

One thing I love about Girl Scouts is that it is always where you are. I was an Army brat growing up, going from place to place, school to school. My first memory of Girl Scouts was in Belgium where my family was stationed for three years. I did my first year as a Daisy there. In fifth grade, my family was able to settle down and we landed in Castle Rock, Colo. I joined Troop 2145 which was part of the Wagon Wheel Council. I was part of this troop for eight years until I graduated high school. Our troop started with more than 10 girls, but at the end of high school, we only had four. Many of my memories about Girl Scouts involve these four girls. Women now, all with children of our own. Three of us have Girl Scout daughters. Two of us are now leaders in Colorado. While many girls don't stay in the program through high school, the four of us really made Girl Scouts into something we loved. We were known for running weekend camps at Tomahawk Ranch and Flying G. Planning and running fun theme camps like Alice in Wonderland. Making up a grace to go along with the theme to sing before dinner. Teaching the girls about hiking, doing so many crafts, and singing a million songs. Girl Scouts taught me how to be a great human. To always be a helper, to look for goodness, look for ways to better our community, and always leave a place better than you found it. It taught me about goals, working hard, and how important it is to help others. When I became pregnant and found out I was having a girl, I COULD NOT wait to start our troop! I emailed Council the day I registered my daughter for kindergarten. I was so excited to become a leader. We are now in our fourth year as a troop with nearly 30 girls. The pure joy I feel as a leader is indescribable. Knowing that I (along with my other awesome volunteers) are giving the girls the same experience I had is so amazing. Knowing what they'll get from it, knowing the kind of people they'll become because of Girl Scouts. Knowing that I get to extend my love to them every week. Often people say to me, “I don't know how you do it.” To which I respond, “Being a Girl Scout leader fills my cup. And my cup runs over every time I hear,'Hi Ms. Ashley!'”

The Fort Collins and Loveland Day camp team put on an overnight Program Aid basic training for 23 Cadettes this past March 28 - 29 in Loveland, Colo. Having a full weekend stretched out the training and added more fun and team bonding to the event. Not only did the Cadettes learn the material, they grew together as a team, learning new songs, skits and having fun with the PA leaders (Artemis, Puppy, Sharpie, Wolfie) and one of the PA camp leaders, Mmama Llama. Making memories for older Girl Scouts; a tradition to continue!