How will you survive the Zombie Apocalypse?! Watch this video and Kitty from Tomahawk Ranch will show you how to make your own survival kit and get prepared! VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: How to Make Your Own Zombie Bag 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. #GirlScoutingatHome #GirlScoutsatHome #GirlScoutCamp #TomahawkRanch #TomahawkRanchCamp #TomahawkRanchGirlScoutCamp

Girl Scouts of Colorado is allowing in-person gatherings of troops and groups as long as they follow social distancing and safety guidelines. At this time, state guidelines allow groups of 10 to gather and maintain 6-feet of social distance between non-family members. COVID-19 has made different impacts in different locations. You may follow the current guidelines posted in your county, however gatherings should be limited to the size of one troop (no service unit in-person gatherings at this point). Please review this document with GSCO recommendations and links to county restrictions before planning your in-person activities. All minor and adult participants will need to have a COVID waiver on file with Girl Scouts of Colorado. We will continue to monitor local, state, and national guidelines, and re-evaluate our status every two weeks. All GSCO property reservations are canceled through July 31. Refunds are being processed. Note: These guidelines are in effect for all in-person Girl Scout gatherings, including those where girls might not be present. For more information about how Girl Scouts of Colorado is working to keep our community safe, visit our website. #COVID #InPersonGatheringsGuidelines #InPersonGatherings #COVID19 #CouncilNews

Submitted by GSCO Media Star Juliette H. Metro Denver Parker I am a Girl Scout Junior from Troop 67749. Together with my family, we worked on the  “Diverse. Inclusive. Together.” patch. The purpose of the patch is to launch the conversation of race and racism to strengthen our respect for all people. When working on this patch, the goal is to identify our uniqueness as well as those similarities we have with our friends, family, and community. Lets step in other’s shoes and learn how to relate to them! Hand Identity Chart When working on my Identity Chart (pictured above), I talked with my family about what words they also thought related to their identity. I traced my hand and wrote words around the hand that relate to me and my identity. Our identity is not just what’s on the inside. There are many things that make you you. Some of our words were common, like vegetarian, and many of the words we used to describe ourselves were different. My sister spent a lot of time projecting her identity onto me. Fourth Grade Stories My mother and I reviewed the photographs of students in different parts of the world in gelles portfolio located at fourthgradeproject.com. We read the answers to their questions, after answering them myself: Who do you live with? What do you wish for? What do you worry about? Many of the students lived with parents and siblings like me, and while each portrait had a response to wishes and worries that were different than mine, all fourth graders have their own things they wish for and we all worry too. What are your answers to these questions? My Favorite Book My favorite book is “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” The character I relate to is Lucy because I’m very adventurous and brave. In the book, Lucy is the first one to discover Narnia. And just like me, no one ever believers her. I think this character is a reflection of me, since we are both a little different. Is your favorite character a reflection of you? Diversity Gap in Children’s Books I reviewed the books each of my family had on their nightstand and sorted through the covers to count the number of books, the number of those that had a person on the cover, and noted if these covers had people of color. Several books I looked through didn’t have people on them, but those that did, the majority were white people. White authors tend to write stories based on their life and base their characters on their reflection. The information page provided for this topic shows that the percentage is going up for authors of color. 31% of children’s books were written by or about people of color in 2017. However, this number isn’t high enough. It would be great for this number to grow so everyone of each identity has a character they can see in the mirror. Girl Scouts of Colorado is proud to unveil ways for everyone, not just girls or Girl Scouts, to develop an appreciation for the rich diversity of various cultures in their community and around the world. Learn more. #Parker #DiversityEquityandInclusion #DiverseInclusiveTogetherpatch #DiversityEquityandInclusionpatchprogram #DiverseInclusiveTogetherpatchprogram #MetroDenver #DiversityEquityandInclusionprogramming

Submitted by Karen Grealy Metro Denver Parker With COVID-19 arriving in March, Troop 65889 was never able to drop off their donations to their Hometown Hero, South Metro Fire and Rescue. As their leader, I had envisioned the girls dropping off the cases together, and seeing what all of their hard work meant to the firefighters. Understanding that the virus would still be with us through the summer, I decided to call South Metro to see what we could do. After hearing the girls had more than 730 packages to donate, Pam at South Metro stopped by with a van to pick them all up. She will be dropping-off the cookies to 29 different stations, and ensuring our fire teams have full bellies. I truly wish the girls could have been there, but my two Girl Scouts were the perfect representatives. 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. #Parker #2020GirlScoutCookieProgram #HometownHero #cookies #GirlScoutCookies #HometownHeroesGiftofCaring #GirlScoutCookieProgram #HometownHeroes #MetroDenver #SouthMetroFireandRescue

Submitted by Lisa Herrmann Northern & Northeastern CO Longmont We were trying to think of fun ways to bridge in a social distancing world. All of our bridging girls have their driver’s licenses now, so we decided it might be fun to drive instead of walk or do something virtual. We decorated our cars and made a mini caravan over three local bridges. It was so fun! The pic looks like we all got new cars! Then, we donned our masks and met up for ice cream. 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. #bridging #Longmont #NorthernampNortheasternCO

Watch this video and Starlight from Tomahawk Ranch will teach you how to build your own tomahawk! Be sure to watch our video on knife safety before starting this program. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Build Your Own Tomahawk 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. #GirlScoutingatHome #GirlScoutsatHome #GirlScoutCamp #TomahawkRanch #Tomahawk #camp #TomahawkRanchCamp

Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) is proud to unveil ways for everyone, not just girls or Girl Scouts, to develop an appreciation for the rich diversity of various cultures in their community and around the world. GSCO is partnering with Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Mountain College, Denver Public Schools, and Denver7 on new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming, adapted from a program developed by our Girl Scout sisters in Minneapolis. The programming is designed to help participants start the conversation about race and racism by learning to appreciate diversity and honor and celebrate differences. In addition, our “Conversation Starters: Let’s Talk Differences” virtual roundtables will give families the tools they need to begin talking about issues related to race and racism. Both parents and children will deepen their understanding and respect for people who may be different from them and learn how to better relate to others. Experts from GSCO, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Colorado Mountain College will answer questions about these important topics, with Anne Trujillo from Denver7 moderating the discussion. There will be two Conversation Starters, one for parents and caregivers on July 30 about how to talk with children about differences, race, and racism; the other on August 13 is specifically designed to answer questions on these topics directly from children. Questions can be submitted in advance here. Everyone who completes the activities as part of GSCO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming will earn the “Diverse. Inclusive. Together.” patch. This program is designed for everyone, including families, communities, schools, and religious groups. The developmentally appropriate activities ease the way to having meaningful conversations with youth starting at kindergarten through 12th grade. The programming includes hands-on activities, reflective writing, discussions on understanding, and more. All programming is also available in Spanish, thanks to translation services from Denver Public Schools.  For a comprehensive list of activities for each age level, visit the Girl Scouts of Colorado website or contact Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper. Also, because not everyone who will complete these activities has a Girl Scout vest or sash, we have created a digital patch that can be proudly displayed on social media to show the recipient’s commitment to appreciating, understanding, and respecting people of all races and cultures. “The Girl Scout Movement has been about social justice, equity, and inclusivity from its very beginning, and part of the Girl Scout mission is to make the world a better place,” said Chief Executive Officer Leanna Clark. “As an organization, Girl Scouts of Colorado is recommitting to that mission. That’s why we’re opening up this programming beyond girls and beyond our Girl Scout community to make it available to as many people as possible. We hope families will take part together to deepen their understanding of themselves and others.” Diversity and inclusion have been core values of Girl Scouts since its founding in 1912. Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead, to speak up and speak out, and to take action for change, fairness, equality, civility, and compassion for all people, and to arm them with the courage, confidence, and character they need to make our world a better place. Girl Scouts will always stand for justice, for respect, and for the inherent value and worth of each individual who makes up the beautiful and richly diverse tapestry of the United States. #DiversityEquityandInclusion #GirlScoutingatHome #DiversityEquityandInclusionpatchprogram #GirlScoutsatHome #DiversityEquityandInclusionpatch #DiversityEquityandInclusionprogramming #CouncilNews

On July 21, 2020, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is inviting all current CIT’s (CIT1 & CIT2) to participate in a CIT Summer Showcase.  Learn new songs and activities and have the opportunity to meet and gather together with CIT’s from across the country! Visit https://cit_summer_showcase.eventbrite.com to register by July 20. As a group, if you and your fellow CIT friends are interested in presenting an activity or song during the showcase, please contact GSCO Camp Staff Hobbes and Kitty at sara.kleinkopf@gscolorado.org and sarah.bales@gscolorado.org by July 17. 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. #GirlScoutingatHome #GSCOevents #GirlScoutsatHome #CIT #camp

Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) is proud to unveil ways for everyone, not just girls or Girl Scouts, to develop an appreciation for the rich diversity of various cultures in their community and around the world. GSCO is partnering with Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Mountain College, Denver Public Schools, and Denver7 on a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion patch program, adapted from a program developed by our Girl Scout sisters in Minneapolis. The program is designed to help participants start the conversation about race and racism by learning to appreciate diversity and honor and celebrate differences. Grant funding will provide FREE patches to the first 750 Girl Scouts of Colorado girl members who complete all activity and reporting requirements. Use this online form* to request your patch. In addition, “Conversation Starters: Let’s Talk Differences” virtual roundtables on July 30 and August 13 will give families the tools they need to begin talking about issues related to race and racism. Both parents and children will deepen their understanding and respect for people who may be different from them and learn how to better relate to others. RSVP now for the Conversation Starters and submit your questions for our experts. * Please note – Free patches are for current Colorado Girl Scouts only who have fully completed the patch program. The form must be completed once for each individual Girl Scout. Non-Girl Scouts can fill out this online form to let us know they have completed the program, receive their digital patch, and/or order a physical patch. Questions? Email inquiry@gscolorado.org. Girl Scouts of Colorado Presenta Nueva Programación de Diversidad, Equidad, e Inclusión Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) está muy orgulloso en presentar maneras para que todos, no solamente las niñas o Girl Scouts, podamos desarrollar una apreciación para la diversidad de las varias culturas en sus comunidades y alrededor del mundo. GSCO se está asociando con el Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Mountain College, Denver Public Schools, y Denver7 en nuestro nuevo programa de parches de Diversidad, Equidad, e Inclusión, que fue adaptado de un programa desarrollado por nuestras hermanas Girl Scouts de Minneapolis. El programa es diseñado para ayudar a los participantes a empezar la conversación sobre la raza y el racismo al aprender como apreciar la diversidad y honrar y celebrar las diferencias. El uso de subvenciones ayudara a proveer los parches GRATIS a las primeras 750 niñas miembros de Girl Scouts of Colorado que completan todas las actividades y entregan los requisitos. Use esta forma en línea* para pedir su parche. además, tendremos mesas de discusión virtuales llamadas “Conversation Starter: Let’s Talk DIfferences” el 30 de julio y el 13 de agosto que darán a familias las herramientas que necesitan para empezar a platicar de los temas relacionados con la raza y el racismo. Tanto los padres como a los hijos profundizaran su entendimiento y el respeto hacia la gente que es diferente de ellos y aprenderán como relacionarse mejor a otros. De su RSVP ahora para esas platicas “Conversation Starters” y entregue sus preguntas a nuestros expertos. * Por favor tome note – Los parches gratis solamente son para las niñas con membrecía en Girl Scouts de Colorado que han completado este programa de parches. La forma se tiene que completar una vez para cada Girl Scout individual. Los que no son Girl Scouts pueden llenar esta forma en línea para dejarnos saber que han completado este programa, recibir su parche digital, y/o ordenar un parche físico. ¿Preguntas? Mande un correo electrónico a inquiry@gscolorado.org. #DiversityEquityandInclusion #ColoradoMountainCollege #GirlScoutingatHome #DiversityEquityandInclusionpatchprogram #Denver7 #GirlScoutsatHome #ChildrensHospitalColorado #denverpublicschools #patch #CouncilNews

Join Girl Scouts of Colorado Chief Executive Officer Leanna Clark on Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m. as she announces the recipients of the 2020 Volunteer Recognition Awards. Everyone is invited to attend this virtual celebration to honor the many amazing volunteers across the state, who were nominated for—and received—a recognition award. 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. You can watch a live video premiere of the celebration on the GSCO Facebook page. Not on Facebook? That’s OK! Watch on our YouTube channel using this link: https://youtu.be/AvaVwxt1CsE. Please note this link will not work until the celebration starts at 2 p.m. If you log on early, you may need to refresh your screen at this time. Service units that have virtual or socially-distanced special award celebration moments with their volunteers can share photos and videos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Twitter and Instagram users should also use #GSColo. #VolunteerNews #GSCOevents #Volunteerrecognitionawards #volunteers #2020VolunteerRecognitionAwards

Submitted by Carla Clark Metro Denver Looking for something to go along with your summer reading? Have you heard of Netflix’s new series The Baby-sitters Club? Troop 62511 is hosting a watch party on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 7 p.m. We’ve set up a Zoom meeting to share the video. For those of you unfamiliar with The Babysitters Club book series, the show is based on the best-selling book series, that follows the friendship and adventures of Kristy Thomas (Sophie Grace), Mary-Anne Spier (Malia Baker), Claudia Kishi (Momona Tamada), Stacey McGill (Shay Rudolph), and Dawn Schafer (Xochitl Gomez) as the middle-schoolers start their babysitting business  in the town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G9BoFUqMrs REGISTER TODAY FOR THE ZOOM LINK AND A SURPRISE!  Arrangement for the surprise need to be coordinated by July 9, 2020, so sign up by 3 p.m. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebUcIBKn_4AzG3qRtI0_bhLjXwzfq-Tu4kFA2-miZN2uheag/viewform Rounding out the cast, Alicia Silverstone plays Elizabeth Thomas-Brewer, the selfless single-mother of Kristy Thomas and love interest of all around good guy Watson Brewer, played by Mark Feuerstein. Ann M. Martin, the beloved series author and producer on the new series, was the first to conceive the idea of these inspiring young girls with different backgrounds, personalities and opinions that were brought together by a business venture they conceived and bonded through the friendships they forged. The adaptation of the contemporary dramedy that continues to champion friendship, female empowerment and entrepreneurship was led by Rachel Shukert (Glow) as showrunner and Lucia Aniello (Broad City) as executive producer and director. You must adhere to Girl Scouts of Colorado’s policies on “Returning to In-Person Troop Meetings and Activities (June 15, 2020)”. Questions? Email carlaaclark@comcast.net. 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. #TheBabysittersClub #GirlScoutingatHome #GSCOevents #Netflix #GirlScoutsatHome #MetroDenver

Join Obi Joe and Hobbes for a hike around camp! Watch this video to learn to identify the crazy cool plants that grow at Tomahawk Ranch. We might even see some wildlife on the way! What kind of plants grow near your home? VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Flora Hike at Tomahawk Ranch: Part One 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. #GirlScoutingatHome #FloraHike #GirlScoutsatHome #TomahawkRanch #gsoutdoors #camp #TomahawkRanchCamp #TomahawkRanchGirlScoutCamp