GSNI Big Book 2017 - 2018 by Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

2 0 17 - 201 8

A Letter from the CEO Dear Girl Scout Families, I’m happy to welcome you to Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois’ (GSNI) Big Book for the 2017-2018 Girl Scout year. Within these pages you will find hands-on, girl-led, girl-centered activities in the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and more, together with abundant opportunities to develop invaluable life skills. While participating in Girl Scout activities, your daughter will be learning social skills and gaining independence and confidence, all while having fun. At Girl Scouts, everything we do is designed with and for girls. Over the last several years, GSNI has been busy listening to what our community and our girls say they want. As a result of the Long Range Program Study, GSNI has redesigned our programming around four focus areas that reflect what YOU, our members, say you want to see. I invite you to learn more about our new programs and activities within our focus areas – Practical Life Skills, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Career and Interest Exploration, and Travel and the Global Community – on page 12, as well as our continued focus on community service and leadership skills. Additionally this year, we will also be investing in our 4 Illinois camps and beginning to create new Resource Centers in communities to bring GSNI closer to you. These changes encompass our Long Range Property Project and were all designed around feedback we heard from girls, families and volunteers. As we progress on our plans throughout the year, you can check www.girlscoutsni.org/propertyupdate for more information. I want you to know you’ve made a great choice to be part of the Girl Scout Movement. As a parent myself, I know that there are so many options for families and the choice of what to do with your time and money is a decision that is not made lightly. Girl Scouts is truly unique. We are the organization creating—through our skill-building Girl Scout Leadership Experience— the female leadership pipeline. The go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders of tomorrow. Personally, I developed many of my own leadership skills through participating in challenging outdoor adventures, camping and community service. 2

Not only do we provide flexible and customizable experiences for girls and families, these experiences can be largely self-funded through the Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie Programs. These programs, which develop financial literacy and entrepreneurship, allows girls to spend the money they earn on the majority of the activities in this book and allows troops to fund troop outings and service projects. To learn more about The Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie Programs, please see page 68. Additionally, financial assistance is available to families in need. At GSNI, we prepare girls with the skills and experiences they need to empower themselves for life. The inclusive, girl-led, all-female environment of a Girl Scout troop, mentored and led by caring adults, creates a safe space in which girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and feel comfortable failing, dusting themselves off, and trying again! There really is no other youth organization like Girl Scouts and we thank you for being a part of it. Here’s wishing you a year of go-getting, innovating, risk-taking and leading! Warmest Regards,

Fiona Cummings Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Facebook: GSNI CEO Fiona Cummings

Girl Scouts: In Their Own Words “I get to learn, make new things, and help others in Girl Scouts.” Brownie “All three of my daughters received their Gold Awards which is very memorable, and I have gone on many trips with them, but my most memorable is when we went to Georgia to Juliette Low’s home.” Parent “My daughter loves it. It's a great way for her to participate in her community as well as make friends. Thank you!” Parent

“My favorite thing in Girl Scouts is being able to learn to be more helpful for my community and how to be a great friend to everyone. I also liked selling Girl Scout cookies and learning how to talk to people.” Daisy “Girl Scouts is an organization that really follows through on helping others, not just for your benefit, but to truly make a difference in someone else's life. We also learn many needed life skills such as teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and teaching.” Ambassador “I really love Girl Scouts and what they stand for. I think it would be really great to get more girls involved and show them that Girl Scouts is not just about badge work, it is so much more. It really gives them a place to be themselves and learn more about others and the world in general. Girl Scouts around the world are doing really great work, and if they continue, I think more girls would be interested in joining.” Volunteer

How to use Big Book The Big Book was created in 2015. Since then, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback and have decided to make it even better! Here at GSNI, we listen to our supporters. You told us Big Book helps you plan a successful year. So, we got our GSNI Big Book dream team back together again and created a better Big Book for 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2018! The book in front of you will help you prepare a great Girl Scout year! The first section provides an introduction to Girl Scouting and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Then, browse through our allyear event plan and start scheduling the fun today! Following the events sections, we included additional

Guide to Event Listings Event Title Event Description. This is where the details about the event will be explained. Event disclaimers and notices

Badge(s) that event activities will meet requirements for are listed here. Badges that will be completed will be listed accordingly. Badges that will meet partial requirements will be marked with an asterisk. Example: (Archery Cadette badge*) Event time (start-end)

How can you get the most out of Big Book? We suggest you sit down with the Girl Scout(s) in your life and page through the events sections of the book and see which events are the most interesting to you. Parents and leaders will find the We are GSNI and Girl Scout Extras sections particularly helpful when planning activities. Girls can use this book to talk to parents and leaders about what they want to do! Use the convenient guide below to help find relevant information:

Guide to Big Book Icons This icon represents a new event for 2017-2018

Event Location

Event date

resources for Girl Scouts who want to take their adventure to the next level.

Event price (details in parenthesis will explain items included in price)

This icon represents a event that GSNI has done before, but has updated elements for 2017-2018 This icon represents the Daisy grade level.

This icon represents the Brownie grade level.

Deadline for event registration | Whether or not the event is GSNI Voucher Eligible

What's a "GSNI Voucher"? A GSNI Voucher includes:

This icon represents the Cadette grade level.

This icon represents the Junior grade level.

Adventure Allowance $15 incentive for registering online for the 2018 membership year before June 15, 2017.

Cookie Dough/S'more Dough/Cashew Cash Rewards given to some members who participated in the Girl Scout Product Program. You'll notice in our event listings that some events are not GSNI Voucher eligible. That means that these events cannot take any GSNI vouchers listed above as payment.

This icon represents the Senior grade level.

This icon represents the Ambassador grade level.

This icon represents events where we welcome families.

This icon represents events good for adults.

This icon represents events held by Preferred Partners.

This book is meant to last through the entire 2017-2018 membership year. The Little Book, available in early 2018 covers all of our summer activities and camps. 4

•GSNI•

How we provide you amazing customer service

Benefits of Customer Care

On the Spot Answers

Relationships aren't lost

During business hours you will receive answers on the spot.

The way you reach contacts is different, but the relationships stay the same.

No Change in Support GSNI council representation in your community will not change.

1-844-GSNI-4-ME • 1-844-476-4463 customercare@girlscoutsni.org • www.girlscoutsni.org – click on “Contact Us”

Starter Kits Let us help you get started off right!

Everything a girl needs to begin her Girl Scout year!

F R E E

bag with kit purchase

Two ways to start off a great year: 1. Basic Starter Kit – we build it for customers: The basic starter kit contains everything a girl needs for a great year in Girl Scouting. We’ve eliminated the guess work and included The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, American Flag Patch, Insignia Tab, Girls just select an Official Uniform Item (sash, vest or tunic), Journey Book, Troop Numerals, Council ID Set, FREE BAG and they’re on their way!

while supplies last

2. Essentials Starter Kit – customers build their own: The essentials kit is for a Girl Scout of any grade level who wants to select what they need for the year. They simply choose items from a list of Official Essentials. When the purchase reaches $50 from one grade level, they’re ready to grab a FREE BAG and begin their adventure! 5

WE ARE

G S N I We believe every girl can change the world. With us, Girl Scouts develop the independence and confidence to guide their own lives and make the world a better place. We put girls in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat and encourage them to customize their own experience. And with programs focused on the outdoors, career and interest exploration, travel and the global community, 6

and practical life skills, in addition to community service projects, every girl has the opportunity to unlock her full potential and be amazing! We serve 16 counties including parts or all of Boone, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago.

Where is GSNI?

GSNI Service Centers & Council Stores Reach all of our facilities at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME. Elgin Service Center & Council Store

Freeport Service Center & Council Store

Girl Scout Express (stand-alone store)

12N124 Coombs Road Elgin, IL 60124 Fax: 847-741-5667

5040 Bus. Rt. 20 West Freeport, IL 61032 Fax: 815-235-2468

200 Applebee Street Barrington, IL 60010

Rockford Service Center & Council Store

Sugar Grove Service Center & Council Store

Rock Falls Service Center & Council Store

2820 McFarland Road Rockford, IL 61107 Fax: 815-962-5658

200 New Bond Street Sugar Grove, IL 60554 Fax: 630-466-7018

229 First Avenue, Suite 1 Rock Falls, IL 61071

GSNI Camps

Program Center

Mary Ann Beebe Center

Camp Dean

Rockford Program Center

17501 Streit Road Harvard, IL 60033

46W253 Camp Dean Road Big Rock, IL 60511

7194 Vandiver Road Cherry Valley, IL 61112

Camp Far Horizons

Camp McCormick

9702 S. Lost Horizons Road Hanover, IL 61041

9995 N. Girl Scout Road Stillman Valley, IL 61084 7

Table of Contents Travel & Global Community

A Letter from the CEO

Girl Scouts: In Their Own Words

Overview 46-49

How to Use Big Book

Event Listings

GSNI Customer Care

Flexible Partners

Starter Kits

Donation Information

We are GSNI

50-51

Leadership & Service

We are GSNI

Overview 55

Where is GSNI

Events to Go

Girl Scouts and Faith

GSNI Puts Girls in the Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seat

10-11

Program Strategy Overview

Make New Friends Patch Program

Our Four Focus Areas

Program Aide Opportunities

Growing Up with Girl Scouts

ALumnae Information

Choose Your Adventure Expo

Scholarship Information

G.I.R.L. 2017 (Convention)

Programs in a Box Procedures

Patches for Active Troops

Event Processes and Procedures

Badge of the Month Calendar

Practical Life Skills

Volunteer Information Overview 60

Overview

16-17

Steps to Becoming a Troop Leader

Event Listings

18-21

Volunteer Recognition

Volunteer Toolkit Information

Flexible Partners

Outdoor Activities & Adventures

GIving Tuesday

Overview 24-28

Troop T-Shirts

Camps and Facility Rental

F.A.S.*T. Patch Information

Program Aide Opportunities Event Listings

29 29-34

Flexible Partners

Career & Interest

26-27

Volunteer Training Training Progression Update How to Register Online

67 67

Girl Scout Produt Programs

Exploration

Overview 36-39

Product Program Information

Event Listings

40-43

Mobile Store

Flexible Partners

44-45

New Journeys and Badges

Thin Mint Sprint

64-66

68-71 71 72-73

Program Support Appreciation

Keep in Touch

75 9

GSNI Puts Girls in the

D RI VER' S S EA T While 92% of girls experience Girl Scouts through the Troop Program, it is not the only way to participate in and benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (pg 10). Like the gears and wheels in an engine, each method of program delivery is separate but connects to work together to provide a variety of customizable experiences for girls and their families. Working together, you and your girl can drive her Girl Scout experience!

Look under the hood to see how GSNI powers your girl's customizable experience

Start your engine at:

www.girlscoutsni.org 10

INDIVIDUALLY REGISTERED GIRL SCOUT* She does not attend troop meetings. She works on the Girl Scout program with a parent or other adult mentor and decides what activities she wants to participate in and which recognitions she wishes to earn! This doesn’t mean she is on the road alone, she can participate in any or all of the following: • Earning awards and badges • Attending council-sponsored and/or service unit events • Join the Girl Scout Cookie Program and Fall Product Program • Go to resident camp and council-sponsored day camps (Summer camping opportunities planned and led by staff.)

TROOP PROGRAM (VOLUNTEER-LED) Troop program is planned or coordinated by Troop Volunteers and includes one or more of the following: • Regularly scheduled meetings, which may include use of GSNI staffdeveloped Programs-in-a-Box • Field trips to community organizations, including GSNI Preferred Partners, or a troop registering for a service unit and/or councilsponsored program • Overnights/camping/travel, which may include service unit day camps or council-sponsored opportunities • Support by GSNI via financial assistance for girls, training, facilities, safety policies and procedures, program development, Programs-in-aBox, and support for volunteers

MULTI-TROOP PROGRAM (VOLUNTEER-LED) This would include two or more troops planning and carrying out a program opportunity, school or town events*, and service unit events/day camps*.

COUNCIL-SPONSORED EVENTS (LED BY PREFERRED PARTNERS) Preferred Partners are businesses, organizations, and experts in our communities that offer quality events and activities designed specifically for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and offered only to Girl Scouts. Preferred Partners offer programs in two ways: • Scheduled dates listed in GSNI’s Big Book* • Customized dates scheduled directly between the Preferred Partner and the troop or service unit

COUNCIL-SPONSORED EVENTS (LED BY GSNI STAFF) • •

•

Events scheduled in this book* Events to Go: You find a location and station volunteers. GSNI provides the supplies and a staff member to coordinate the fun! More information on page 56. Resident camp and council-sponsored day camps* (Summer camping opportunities planned and led by staff.) More information on page 18.

EVENTS* (LED OR MANAGED BY GSNI STAFF WITH VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE) These are large events which serve 200 plus participants, such as: • Cookie Kick-Off • Camp Explorers • Fall Festival • Summer Resident Camp • Money Smart Week

*To participate in these opportunities without belonging to a troop, simply register as an individual member.

Program Strategy Overview

Our Four Focus Areas

By combining these skills, we’re developing independent, confident girls who build a better world.

Practical Life Skills ⏵⏵ Between all the fun and adventure, Girl Scouts are learning critical life skills in everything they do. They’re preparing for a positive, healthy, and independent future. ⏵⏵ Includes Financial Literacy, Healthy Living, Cooking, DIY (Do It Yourself), and Adulting.

Outdoor Activities & Adventures ⏵⏵ In the outdoors, girls learn and practice important skills, experience unforgettable adventures, triumph through individual and group challenges, and get inspired to care for the environment. Each new adventure boosts a girl’s confidence! ⏵⏵ Includes Outdoor Skills, Environmental Education & Action, Outdoor Adventures, and Aquatic Adventures.

Travel & Global Community ⏵⏵ Girl Scouts love to travel and explore the world— from field trips as Daisies to globe-trotting adventures as teens. Girls love exploring different places and cultures, either up close or from afar. They’ll tackle unique challenges and social justice issues from around the world and be inspired to make a difference. ⏵⏵ Includes Travel (Local, U.S., International, Service), Understanding Cultures, and Global Issues.

Career & Interest Exploration ⏵⏵ Each girl’s interests and hobbies are as unique as she is. Thankfully, there’s a world of possibilities to explore through Girl Scouts. Girls delight in trying new things when they’re young and start exploring potential careers as they get older. For girls, the future is bright! ⏵⏵ Includes The Arts, STEM, Career Exploration, Entrepreneurship, and History & Traditions.

Growing up with Girl Scouts As girls grow, the Girl Scout experience grows with them! At each Girl Scout level, girls choose between tons of fun, skill-building, character-building activities, and adventures that have been masterfully designed specifically for their age and developmental stage. Beyond that, we know different girls will participate in Girl Scouts in different ways. Most girls are members of a Girl Scout troop—a group of girls, often in the same age level and always led by at least two caring, responsible adults.

When girls are Daisies and Brownies, they’re excited about everything, eager to try new things, and building basic life skills to become confident and independent. Most of their experience is led by their troop leaders. We’re committed to providing troop leaders with the tools and resources to host successful troop meetings, field trips, badge activities, and special events.

When girls are Juniors and Cadettes, they’ve developed preferences for what types of activities they like and don’t like. They are curious about the world around them and dig deeper to learn how it works. Most troops connect with our Preferred Partners—businesses and organizations in our

communities who have aligned what they do best with our Girl Scout Leadership Experience—to get a behindthe-scenes look at topics that interest girls.

When girls are Seniors and Ambassadors, they’re planning ahead for college and career. They are often still members of active troops but may stay involved as an IRG—Individually Registered Girl—instead. High school girls work one-on-one or in small groups with experts in fields that interest them. They make a big impact through the Girl Scout Gold Award and take action in their community around a cause or issue that matters deeply to them.

Registration At least one person in each family must be currently registered as a Girl Scout member.

Choose Your Adventure Expo Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley Join us for ultimate family fun! We’ve spent the last several years asking YOU what you want to experience in Girl Scouts and putting together the resources and partnerships to make it happen! Now, let’s kick it off in style, the only way Girl Scouts know how – with a celebration!

Children age 2 and under may attend for free. When registering, only include paid participants in your registration count (ages 3 - adult). You will provide names for all participants upon arrival at check-in and will include children 2 and under at that time.

Parking Parking is free, but you must reserve your number of parking spots during registration. To accommodate as many visitors as possible, please carpool with your group and use the fewest number of vehicles.

Patch

Bring the whole troop and their families for a day of serious fun at Camp McCormick! Spin the adventure spinner to see what you’ll experience first: Practical Life Skills, Outdoor Adventures & Activities, Travel & Global Community, or Career & Interest Exploration.

A unique participation patch will be awarded to each girl and adult who is a registered member for the 2017-2018 membership year, representing the four program focus areas.

With over 50 activity stations with hands-on fun for girls, resources for parents, and the opportunity to hang out with our fascinating Preferred Partners, you’ll get to know Girl Scouts like never before. Plus, who doesn’t love a fall day at camp?! We’re bringing back all the fun of Fall Festival, including the corn maze and musical entertainment, plus a whole lot more! We’ll see you there!

• Concessions will be available from noon-close. (Cash, check, and credit card accepted) • GSNI’s mobile store will be on site with Girl Scout items and keepsakes. (Cash, check, and credit card accepted) Event will take place outdoors rain or shine. Some activities may be moved indoors and some activities may be canceled, in the event of severe weather. Check the event facebook page for immediate updates.

Sat, October 21, 2017

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

$3/person (includes participation patch)

Concessions & Mobile Store

For updates and more information, visit www.girlscoutsni.org/expo.

2017 GSUSA National Convention in Columbus, Ohio October 4–8, 2017 G.I.R.L. 2017™ is a one-of-a-kind gathering of girls and women from around the world. Girl Scouts is taking the lead by working with high school girls across the nation to plan the multiday event for all girls and those who care about them. The event will bring together more than 10,000 people—Girl Scout members, supporters, speakers, entertainers, and exhibitors—to inspire girls to get active in their communities and build a better world. G.I.R.L. 2017 activities begin on Friday, October 6–Sunday, October 8. Girls will have the time to connect and share ideas with one another, attend

educational sessions, be inspired by speakers, visit the Hall of Experiences to participate in various hands-on activities, and have tons of one-of-a-kind fun! GSNI will keep you up to date by posting details on our website as they become available! It’s not too late to register for this gathering! The deadline for troops and individuals attending G.I.R.L. 2017 is October 1, 2017. Please visit GSUSA’s website at www.girlscoutsni.org/convention for complete updated registration information.

Daisies and Brownies Based on the GSUSA and GSNI Guidelines, Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies may attend G.I.R.L. 2017 with their families as a non-Girl Scout event, since Columbus, Ohio, is more than a 1.5 hour drive

for Daisies and more than a 3 hour drive for Brownies. Therefore, registered Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies would not be covered by the GSUSA limited insurance.

Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors may attend with their troop or as a family. Adult & Chaperone for Grades 6-12

Girl (Grades 6-12) Including a girl who serves as a delegate

Girl (Grades 2-5) & Chaperone for Grades 2-5

Included but optional

✓±

Opening & Closing Celebration

G.I.R.L. 2017 Camp-in Center of Science & Industry (COSI)

✓

Girl Breakfasts

✓

Girl Luncheon

✓

Girl Welcome Reception

✓

G.I.R.L. Camp-In Dinner/Breakfast

✓

Hall of Experiences

✓

Celebration Party

✓

X = not included

✓ = included

Activities National Council Session All of G.I.R.L. 2017

✓± = includes opening, closing, and large sessions. Participation in some breakout sessions are appropriate for adults, girls, and girl/adult groups. This replaces both GS University fee-based and GSLI previous models.

Patches for Active Troops (P.A.T.) Program With a variety of customizable experiences available throughout Girl Scouts, Patches for Active Troops recognizes participation in different troop activities throughout the year. Each segment represents a new troop activity. This patch is earned by a troop. Girls must be present at the activity to receive the segment. Segments fit around a specially-designed anchor patch and is worn on the back of a sash or vest. For a full list of segments and ordering form, visit www.girlscoutsni.org/forms and click on “Troop Safety”.

Badge of the Month Jam-packed schedule? Check! Want to earn badges, patches, and awards in a new, streamlined way? Check! Join our Badge of the Month Club! Each month, you’ll receive customizable ideas and activities delivered right to your inbox! It’s a virtual club, so there are no meetings to attend and no dues to pay. Just pick and choose which activities your Girl Scout would like to complete. When she completes the required activities, simply purchase the badge, patch, or award from any GSNI council store. Seeking: Volunteer Content Curators! Badge of the Month Club is bigger and better than ever, with over 600 troops participating! If you’re an excellent Googler or a Pinterest pro, join our content team. Contact customercare@girlscoutsni.org for more information.

J A N UA R Y First Aid

SEPTEMBER Athlete

Outdoors

Lupe (Honest and Fair)

Rosie (Make the World a Better Place)

Fair Play

Hiker

Practice with Purpose

Camper

Good Sportsmanship

Trailblazing

Cross-Training

Adventurer

Coaching

Adventure Fun Patch

NOVEMBER

First Aid First Aid First Aid First Aid

DECEMBER

Artist

Cookie Business

Clover (Use Resources Wisely)

Count It Up

Painting

Meet My Customers

Drawing

Cookie CEO

Comic Artist

Think Big

Collage

My Portfolio

Photographer

Research & Development

F E B R UA R Y World Thinking Day

Gerri (Respect Authority) First Aid

OCTOBER

APRIL Financial Literacy Money Counts

MARCH Digital Arts Sunny (Friendly and Helpful) Computer Expert

Money Manager Business Owner Budgeting Financing My Future On My Own

Digital Photographer

M AY Troop Camping

Digital Movie Maker Website Designer Arts & Science Fun Patch

Buddy Camper Cabin Camper Eco Camper Primitive Camper Adventure Camper Survival Camper

J U LY Performance Tula (Courageous and Strong)

JUNE Animals Mari (Responsible for What I Say and Do) Pets

Dancer Musician Public Speaker Troupe Performer Performing Arts

Animal Habitats Animal Helpers Voice for Animals Animal Awareness Fun Patch

AUG US T Global Action Award 15

Practical Life Skills Between all the fun and adventure, Girl Scouts are learning critical life skills in everything they do. They’re preparing for a positive, healthy, and independent future!

Financial Literacy ⏵⏵ Girls gain financial knowledge to confidently make decisions to fulfill their personal goals. ⏵⏵ Topics include: wants vs. needs, understanding currency, budgeting, banking basics, setting and tracking financial goals, investing, and philanthropy.

Healthy Living ⏵⏵ Girls learn to make healthy choices to keep them fit physically, mentally, and emotionally. ⏵⏵ Topics include: physical health and fitness, personal care, mental/ emotional health, healthy relationships, and spiritual well-being.

Cooking ⏵⏵ Girls gain the skills to plan, prepare, and create snacks and meals for themselves and others. ⏵⏵ Topics include: healthy choices, menu planning, proper use of tools, safety and sanitation, and creative cooking.

DIY (Do It Yourself) ⏵⏵ Girls gain confidence by exploring and customizing projects that express their interests. ⏵⏵ Topics include: project planning, fixing/building, crafting/creating, and upcycling.

Adulting ⏵⏵ Girls gain the knowledge and skills to take responsibility for their future. ⏵⏵ Topics include: independence, personal branding, communication, citizenship and government, and college planning.

[ F U N FA C T S ] In 2016, 69% of girls in GSNI demonstrated practical life skills around healthy living, including knowledge and healthy habits around exercise, healthy eating, and mental wellness.

9 in 10 girls in GSNI demonstrated financial literacy skills, including knowledge of U.S. currency, recognizing the importance of learning about handling money, and confidence in their money management abilities.

Badges and Journeys Girl Scout badges are a great way for a girl to explore her interests and learn new skills and to remember every adventure and show the world what she’s accomplished. ⏵⏵ What is she passionate about? Does she dream of cooking food from a different country or building something useful from scratch? Does she want to plant a garden, finish a 5k, or run her own business? ⏵⏵ Guess what? At Girl Scouts, she can do all that (and more!) and earn Girl Scout badges as she goes! ⏵⏵ Browse all the badge topics at forgirls.girlscouts.org/badgeexplorer.

⏵⏵ For all the details, check out The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting in GSNI stores or online in the Volunteer Toolkit. There you’ll find: •• A fun, easy-to-use binder (one for each grade level) full of great info and badge activities. •• An easy-to-follow diagram showing her how to put her badges, pins, and awards on her vest and sash and show off her Girl Scout pride! •• Great ideas to help her tie badges to her Journeys. •• Illustrations and quotes from Girl Scout history to help her feel connected to the traditions of the past. •• A super helpful awards log showing her every award and badge that’s available at her grade level. She can also see the entire badge program at every level to get an idea of how her skills can grow in Girl Scouting—so much learning, so much FUN!

Badge of the Month SEPTEMBER

(see page 15 for more about Badge of the Month and the full schedule of badges for 2017-2018.)

J A N UA R Y

APRIL

Athlete

First Aid

Financial Literacy

Lupe (Honest and Fair)

Gerri (Respect Authority)

Money Counts

Fair Play

First Aid

Money Manager

Practice with Purpose

First Aid

Business Owner

Good Sportsmanship

First Aid

Budgeting

Cross-Training

First Aid

Financing My Future

Coaching

First Aid

On My Own

Practical Life Skills Programs in a Box Stumped for ideas for your next troop meeting? Looking for something different for the girls to try? Programs in a Box are designed as a handy resource for troop leaders and event volunteers. Most boxes include instructions and activities, plus reusable supplies and equipment necessary to complete the activities. Our convenient deposit payment system means you’re able to

borrow resources that would otherwise be an expensive one-time cost. All you may need to do is buy a few simple supplies! For more details about Programs in a Box, visit www.girlscoutsni.org.

Programs in a Box checkout procedures are available on page 59.

Junior Achievement Junior Achievement (JA) provides the following programs to Girl Scout leaders for free. When used with leaf/badge requirements, girls will complete some of the required steps in earning a Girl Scout award in addition to receiving a JA fun patch!

Savvy Shopper — Junior

Making Choices — Daisy

Budgeting— Cadette

"Ourselves" and "Our Families" programs deliver the tools to help guide girls toward earning the Making Choices Financial Literacy Leaf.

"More than Money" teaches girls how to resist the lure of fancy packaging and ads and shows the rewards for saving money for something they really need and/or want. Using Junior Achievement's "Econ for Success" tools, girls will create a budget, track their spending, and learn how to save for the future. 17

Dates to Know Money Smart Week Do you want her to know how to manage her money as she grows up? Do you want her prepared for the costs of living independently? Do you want her to know what it takes to start a business and live her dream? Keep an eye out for our April Money Smart Week programs! We partner with local banks to provide events where girls earn those skills and requirements for their financial literacy badges from experts in finance. Start her on the right track now and watch her future blossom. Money Smart Week Workshops will be held during the month of April

Signature Events Cookie Kick-Off

Girl Scout Game of Life

We can’t wait to tell you what we have planned for our annual Cookie KickOff celebration in partnership with the Rockford IceHogs! All girls will have the opportunity to earn their 2018 Cookie Activity Pin! Look for updates in our online events calendar at www.girlscoutsni.org.

The Baker Community Center, St. Charles

Sat, December 9, 2017

Join Girl Scouts from all over the council in The Game of Life! In this interactive adventure, you'll choose a career, earn a salary, and navigate your way through games and activities while learning about money and more. Watch out for wild cards! Maybe you'll invest your fortune in the stock market—the choice is yours!

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Sun, April 22, 2018

2–5 p.m.

$10/girl

Scheduled Events Bountiful Breakfasts

Escape Room: Time Travelers

Leishman Center for Culinary Health, DeKalb

Escape Impossible, St. Charles

She’ll get hands-on practice making healthy, filling breakfast foods. Come ready to cook! Please have hair pulled back and closed-toe shoes. Recipes and tastings will be provided!

Create adventure with puzzles, teamwork, and challenges! She and her team will only have 20 minutes to solve the mystery and find the deactivator key to the neighbor’s time machine! The escape will run every 20 minutes throughout the day so all can participate. All participants will be assigned to one 20-minute session.

Wed, October 11, 2017

4–6 p.m.

$10/girl

Each girl needs a waiver signed by a parent before participating. GSNI will not accept paper registrations for this event.

Sun, October 15, 2017

ABCs of Cars

9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Times will be assigned upon registration.)

$7/girl

Bartlett Nature Center Girls will empower themselves with the basic knowledge of a car and how to maintain it. She will learn and practice how to check air pressure in car tires along with how to change tires.

Social Media and ME

Car Care Senior badge*

Social media is a huge part of how we communicate. She’ll discuss the uses, advantages, and challenges of social media with peers and explore how to use social media as a positive voice in the world.

Sat, October 14, 2017

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

$12/girl

Elgin Service Center

Sun, October 15, 2017

5–7 p.m.

$5/girl

Survival Sewing Sewing 4 Fun, Elgin She’ll practice how to sew on a button, repair a hem, and fix a torn seam. These life skills will come in handy when she goes away to college and is living on her own. This workshop includes both hand and machine sewing. $17/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Woodworker at Home Depot Home Depot, Rockford She will complete four steps of the Woodworker badge including using a saw, hammer, screwdriver, drill, and level. She will have just one step to complete at home with string or yarn.

Sat, October 14, 2017

2–4 p.m.

Woodworker Cadette badge*

Sat, January 27, 2018

2–4 p.m.

6–8 p.m.

$2/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Fri, October 20, 2017

Fri, February 2, 2018

Sports Overnight at Canlan Sportsplex

Burrito Style Pillowcase

Canlan Sportsplex, Lake Barrington

Sewing 4 Fun, Elgin

She’ll have her choice of a variety of sports challenges – kickball, dodgeball, soccer and more! Then she can challenge herself on the America Ninja Warrior themed inflatable obstacle course. Enjoy a late evening snack and a continental breakfast before heading out!

She will make a unique pillowcase that is not only fun, but fast, too, while practicing with a sewing machine. She’ll discover the secret behind the burrito roll pillowcase method, combining three fabrics with one seam and no raw edges!

Fri, November 3–Sat, November 4, 2017

Check-in 6 p.m. Fri; Check-out 8:30 a.m. Sat (overnight)

$32/girls; $17/adult (includes Canlan Sports patch for girls)

$27/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Sat, December 9, 2017

2–4 p.m.

Sat, March 24, 2018

2–4 p.m.

Fit, Fair, Fun

Wreath Making

Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, Freeport

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Dundee

She’ll play with friends to explore women’s history in sports, working as a team, learning rules, how to keep score, and much more in this hands-on, active event!

She’ll love getting creative, crafty, and totally into the holiday spirit with this doit-yourself decoration! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon together, as we approach the holiday season.

Gerri Daisy petal*, Fair Play Brownie badge* Sat, November 4, 2017

9:30–11:30 a.m.

Sat, December 9, 2017 $7/girl

1–3 p.m.

$12/girl; $12/adult

Camp CEO - Business Etiquette Mexican Fiesta

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb

Leishman Center for Culinary Health, DeKalb

First impressions are critical! She’ll get her future off to a solid start through the opportunity to learn and practice basic business etiquette. Her confidence will skyrocket with a few simple tips.

She will create fun, delicious, and nutritious Mexican dishes. Come ready to cook! New Cuisines Cadette badge* Wed, November 8, 2017

Sun, December 10, 2017 4–6 p.m.

$10/girl

6–8 p.m.

$5/girl

Emergency Preparedness Bartlett Nature Center

Kids Yoga Grace Holistic Center for Education, Yorkville She will experience how her breath and body move together in a fun-filled way! Girls will gain inner-strength, confidence, and self-esteem, along with a feeling of well-being and respect for others, and a healthy love for herself—inside and out. Gloria Daisy petal*, My Best Self Brownie badge*, Staying Fit Junior badge*, Science of Happiness Cadette badge*, Women’s Health Senior badge*

She will learn the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning— and what to do in each situation. She’ll discover what needs to be in a first aid kit at home and in a car. She’ll be prepared with the basics to handle emergencies. Junior Safety Award* Sat, December 2, 2017

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

$12/girl

$5/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Sat, November 11, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Sat, January 13, 2018

1–2 p.m.

Ms. Fix It Bartlett Nature Center In this hands-on workshop, she’ll practice basic home repairs—from changing a light bulb to turning off the household water supply in case of an emergency!

Camp CEO - Ace Your Interview

Sat, January 6, 2018

Sugar Grove Service Center

Is she getting ready for her first job? Is she applying for scholarships? She will get a strong start by attending this interview skills workshop! She’ll learn to avoid common mistakes and ace her interview.

Tea Time Fun with GSNI Historians

Sun, November 12, 2017

Camp Dean, Big Rock

4–6 p.m.

$10/girl

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

$12/girl

Girls will partake in tea time like Juliette Gordon Low’s troop once did. She’ll travel back in time for tasty treats and lemonade while learning about the manners of days gone by. She’ll also make a special Girl Scout craft!

Go Rock Climbing

Making Friends Brownie badge*, Social Butterfly Junior badge*

Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing, Glendale Heights

Sat, January 13, 2018

This is her chance to reach new heights! She’ll challenge herself physically and mentally as she strives for the summit in this rock climbing adventure!

1–3 p.m.

$12/girl

Troops must meet a 1:5 adult/girl ratio.

Adventurer Senior badge*, Ultimate Recreation Challenge Ambassador badge* $17/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Sat, November 18, 2017

2–4 p.m.

Fri, January 19, 2018

6–8 p.m.

CPR for Scouts

Rush-Copley Sports Sampler

Crystal Lake Nature Center

Rush-Copley Healthplex, Aurora

The Girl Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” She’ll learn and practice new skills to become certified in First Medic First Aid and CPR for two years, and she will be prepared for the next emergency.

She’ll increase her energy level as she performs a wide variety of sport and fitness activities in this girl-led open forum event. Swimming, wall climbing, basketball, table tennis, tennis, track, badminton, and pickle ball are all on the ticket!

First Aid Cadette badge*, First Aid Senior badge*, First Aid Ambassador badge*

Fair Play Brownie badge*, Staying Fit Junior badge*

Sat, January 20, 2018

10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

$40/girl; $40/adult

Sat, March 3, 2018

$25/girl; $5/adult

6–11 p.m.

(includes late night pizza/drink and fun patch for girls)

Success for Teens Sugar Grove Service Center

My Best Elf Self

With friends by her side, she’ll discover how to pay attention to what her body needs and how to ask for help when she needs it.

Science of Happiness Cadette badge,* Women’s Health Senior badge*, Bliss Live it Give it Ambassador Journey* Mondays: January 22, 29; February 5, 12, 2018

6–8 p.m.

$45/girl

Sugar Grove Service Center

Gloria Daisy petal*, My Best Self Brownie badge* Tue, March 6, 2018

6–7:30 p.m.

$7/girl

Camp CEO - Network Like a Pro Rockford Program Center She’ll take her goals to the next level by connecting with new people in meaningful ways. Whether she is working on her Gold Award or looking for a new job, networking can take her where she needs to go! Sun, March 18, 2018

5–8 p.m.

$5/girl

Whale Tales Rush-Copley Healthplex, Aurora Jump into water safety! What's her favorite water place—pool, lake, or waterpark? She'll learn how to stay safe in and around the water she loves! WOW! Wonders of Water Brownie Journey* Sat, April 7, 2018

1–3 p.m.

$13/girl; $5/adult

Vertical Endeavors Rockin' Slumber Party

College Hacks

Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing, Glendale Heights

Whether she is accepted to her dream school or still exploring her options, she’ll need tips and tricks for the first year of college. She’ll explore how to get organized, make the most of her dorm room, and how to navigate the many services to help her succeed.

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb

Set her up for success! She’ll gain an understanding of how small, positive steps make a difference over time. She’ll de-stress with some yoga and explore creative ways to stay organized and enthusiastic for a happy life. Staying Fit Junior badge*, Adventurer Senior badge*, Ultimate Recreation Challenge Ambassador badge* Fri, February 9–Sat, February 10, 2018

9:30 p.m.–7 a.m. (overnight)

Sun, April 8, 2018

6–8 p.m.

$5/girl

$60/girl

Social Butterfly at Midway Village Midway Village Museum, Rockford She’s invited to a special tea party in the historic village, including unique costumes and insight into the secret language of flowers! Make a day of it and add Playing the Past at Midway Village in the morning on page 42

Social Butterfly Junior badge* Sat, February 10, 2018

1–3:30 p.m.

$10/girl; $4/adult

Staying Fit Northern Illinois University, DeKalb She needs a fit body and mind to do all of her favorite things. She’ll jump into this badge to figure out what fitness, food, and fun she needs to stay strong for life. Tue, April 10, 2018

6–7:30 p.m.

$7/girl

Green Household Habits

Girl Scout Game of Life

Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia

The Baker Community Center, St. Charles

Should she leave the water on while she brushes her teeth? How can she make her own cleaning spray? She’ll discover the answers to these questions and more in this environmentally-friendly event!

Household Elf Brownie badge* Sat, April 14, 2018

10–11 a.m.

Sun, April 22, 2018

$13/girl; $5/adult

2–5 p.m.

Movin’ On Up Overnight

Rush-Copley Sport and Swim Overnight

Lifetime Fitness Climb, Warrenville This event is just for Girl Scout Juniors! Come explore all of the fun things available next year when she becomes a Girl Scout Cadette. She can rock climb, swim, and learn about what some other Girl Scout Cadettes have been up to. A leader session will also be include. Bridge to Girl Scout Cadette Award* Sat, April 21–Sun, April 22, 2018

6 p.m.–8 a.m.

(overnight)

$50/girl

$10/girl

Rush-Copley Healthplex, Aurora It’s a full overnight of sport and fitness activities! Girls lead their way through this open forum event. She’ll sample swimming, wall climbing, basketball, table tennis, tennis, track, badminton, and pickle ball. Fair Play Brownie badge*, Staying Fit Junior badge* Sat, May 5, 2018– Sun, May 6, 2018

8 p.m.–7 a.m. (overnight)

$27/girl; $5/adult (includes late night pizza/drink and fun patch for girls)

Self-Defense Rush-Copley Healthplex, Aurora She’ll gain competence and confidence through the practice of self-defense techniques with a trained instructor. These skills relieve anxiety, provide healthy movement for her body, and keep her safe in a potentially harmful situation! Staying Fit Junior badge*, GET MOVING! Junior Journey*, aMAZE Cadette Journey* Sat, April 21, 2018

1–3 p.m.

$16/girl; $5/adult

Flexible Partners

Preferred Partners are organizations that offer quality events and activities designed specifically for Girl Scout Scouts. Troops leaders should contact Preferred Partners offering flexible event opportunities directly to schedule a program session.

Business

City

Contact

Description

Alpine Bank

Rockford

Margaret Lundquist Margaret.Lundquist@alpine bank.com 815-231-1884

Hands-on financial literacy workshops to help girls earn their financial literacy badges.

First American Bank

Various Branches

Michelle Charron • mcharron@firstambank.com 847-403-8200

Bank tours, “Money Island”, interactive online financial literacy programs, and Money Smart Week activities.

Angelic Organics

Caledonia

programs@learngrowconnect.org

Variety of workshops focused on sustainable living.

Bartlett Nature Center

Bartlett

Dan Mitchell • dmitchell@bartlettparks.org 847-608-3100 (Press 2)

Emergency preparedness workshops, simple home repair, and car care. Customized troop events on request.

Best Defense of Illinois

Will travel

Joe Rosner • joe.rosner@usa.net

Fun program teaching to avoid violence and use self-defense as a last resort. Includes workbook, graduation certificate, and wallet safety card.

The Brave Way

Will travel

Mike Theriault • thebravewayllc@att.net 224-778-5182

Two-hour classes at your location to teach self-defense to Girl Scouts, parents, and siblings.

Canlan Sportsplex

Lake Barrington

Tammy Kerr • tkerr@canlansports.com 847-387-1506

At the indoor sports facility, girls participate in teambuilding and sports activities such as kickball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer, and even an inflatable obstacle course.

Characters of Character

Johnsburg

Joni • joni@charactersofcharacter.org 815-403-0217

Provides the tools to teach girls self-esteem, responsibility, kindness, and good manners, along with other vital core values. Teaching character development helps build confidence and lifelong social skills.

Curves

Sandwich

Kristy Weber • curvessandwich28@gmail.com 630-546-5142

Healthy living and Athlete badges. Strength training on resistance machines, cardio workout, and Zumba.

Delnor Health & Fitness Center

Geneva

630-933-4234

Interactive one-session babysitting class. Skills to care for babies and children, including how to handle emergencies, basic first aid, and safety. Plus, learn fun games, child development, and discipline techniques.

Elgin State Bank

Elgin

Elizabeth Fregoso • efregoso@elginstatebank.com 847-888-7985

Bank tours and learning opportunities on financial literacy.

Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois

Freeport

Kayla Barnes • kayla.barnes@highland.edu 815-235-9622

Learn about new sports and have fun while earning badges.

Grace Holistic Center for Education

Yorkville

Melissa Jenkins melissa.jenkinsrncgrn@gmail.com 765-914-0789

Yoga for kids, organic gardening, and healthy living activities.

Great Lakes Credit Union

Crystal Lake

Donna Beltran • 847-578-7331 donnab@glcu.org

Financial Literacy badges and petals.

Heartland Bank

St. Charles

Kristina Hartman • 630-463-6300

Financial Literacy badges and petals.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store

McHenry

Mary • 815-385-0870

Learn to sew with fun projects like pillow cases or pajama pants.

Lakeside Legacy Foundation

Crystal Lake

Emily Barry • barry@lakesideartspark.org 815-455-8000

Variety of culinary classes to fulfill badge requirements along with “just for fun” courses. Classes held in the Dole Mansion

Lifetime Climb

Warrenville

Dawn Grant • dgrant@lifetimefitness.com 630-791-2284

Indoor rock climbing and sleepovers.

McHenry Bank and Trust

McHenry

Rose Smith • 815-344-6600

Financial Literacy badges and petals.

Members Alliance Credit Union

Rockford

Anna Hauck • ahauck@membersalliance.org

Hands-on, reality-based financial literacy programs.

Midwest School of Isshinryu Karate

Aurora

Stacy Strunk • msoikarate@gmail.com 630-263-4064

Different kinds of martial arts styles to learn self-defense skills at your troop meeting.

The Mystery Shop

Will travel

Mary Heitert • tms@TheMysteryShop.com 630-690-1105

Interactive mysteries and programs which excite the mind, as well as the funny bone, with connections to Girl Scout Journeys.

Rush Copley Healthplex

Aurora

Roz Poi • Roz.poi@rushcopley.com 630-978-6741

Fun indoors with rock climbing, swimming, tennis, badminton, table tennis, court sports (kickball, flag football, basketball, and dodge ball), and fitness classes.

Sewing 4 Fun

Elgin

Christina Dahl • sewing4funwithchris@gmail.com 847-345-0979

Cut, pin, and sew (using a sewing machine and hand sewing) a project to take home.

Sewing U Can Too

Sugar Grove

ellenvioletdesigns@yahoo.com 630-465-2954

Sewing classes and camps to teach the valuable life skill of sewing.

Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA

Sterling

Debra Mortonson • dmortonson@srfymca.org 815-535-9622

Designed to help girls work on Aquatics badges, swimming strokes, basic first aid, or CPR. Youth sports teach girls the basics of different sports.

Success Foundation

Will travel

Laura Lindwall • lauralindwall@aol.com 630-550-6989

Fundamental principles of personal development and resources to help girls reach their full potential.

Tasty Tidbits Culinary Services, LLC

Rockford

Chef Diana Kramer • tastytidbitspcs@gmail.com www.tastytidbitspcs.com

Cooking classes, partially hands-on with all students sitting down to taste what they have prepared and the rest to take home. Flexible options.

Vertical Endeavors

Glendale Heights

Anita Johnson • anita@verticleendeavors.com 630-784-9000

Indoor climbing in the largest climbing gym in the area.

Your troop doesn’t have to go far to earn its badges. Check out these scouting opportunities in St. Charles, Illinois! • • • •

One hour long Scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis Guided program fee is $50/15 scouts held at HKDC Self-guided program fee is $15 for 1-day use of ff • Naturalists will assist individual scouts working on their Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards

For more details or to schedule an adventure, contact Nature Programs Supervisor Laura McCoy at 630-513-4393 or lmccoy@stcparks.org GROUP Daisies Brownies Juniors

PROGRAM The Comforts of Home OR You’re Going to Use That? H20: What is it? Where is it? OR This is Bugging Me! OR Hittin’ the Dusty Trail Green Building Investigation OR Going Beyond the 3 Rs Flower Power OR This Isn’t Mr. McGregor’s Garden

For program descriptions visit,

stcnature.org

A facility of the St. Charles Park District

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center • 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles

to meet your specific badge needs! • • • •

One hour long Offered Fee is $5 per Girl Scout Tractor-drawn hayride, additional $2 per person

All scouts are invited to work along side the farmers and educators for a unique learning experience. For more details or to schedule your program,

PROGRAMS INCLUDE: • Caring for farm animals • Milking cows • Tending to the vegetable gardens • Beekeeping • Hiking trails • Wagon rides • Exploring historical sites & more!

Scouts can learn about agricultural farming, animal care and husbandry, environmentalism and hands-on history to meet specific badge needs! Work toward Badges and Journeys or Gold Award Projects.

For program descriptions visit,

primrosefarmpark.com

A facility of the St. Charles Park District

Primrose Farm • 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles

Outdoor Activities & Adventures In the outdoors, girls learn and practice important skills, experience unforgettable adventures, triumph through individual and group challenges, and get inspired to care for the environment. Each new adventure boosts girls’ confidence!

Outdoor Skills ⏵⏵ Girls gain the skills needed to survive in the wilderness, without modern-day conveniences. ⏵⏵ Topics include: trail signs and signaling, knot tying, outdoor cooking, clothing and gear, fire skills, wilderness first aid, shelter building, water purification, campsite maintenance, orienteering, and sanitation.

Environmental Education & Action ⏵⏵ Girls learn how ecosystems are interrelated and how to impact the environment for good. ⏵⏵ Topics include: plant and wildlife identification, Leave No Trace principles, use of plants, invasive species, wildlife sounds, observing the night sky, food web, and healthy ecosystems.

Outdoor Adventures ⏵⏵ Girls gain confidence by trying something new, overcoming fear in a safe environment, and practicing to improve upon specific skills in the outdoors. 24

⏵⏵ Topics include: ziplining, caving, hiking, rock climbing, challenge courses, archery, geocaching and letterboxing, horseback riding, backpacking, and winter sports.

Aquatic Adventures ⏵⏵ Girls gain confidence by trying something new, overcoming fear in a safe environment, and practicing to improve upon specific skills on or in the water. ⏵⏵ Topics include: canoeing, kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, and lifeguarding.

[ F U N FA C T S ] 79% of girls who participated in resident camp reported trying something new outdoors or in nature with Girl Scouts.

84% of girls who used Environmental Education Programs in a Box at MABC reported they learned something new about the outdoors.

Camp Open Houses Camp Open House How is your camper feeling about summer camp? Excited? Nervous? Somewhere in between? Join us at Camp Open Houses where campers and parents can tour our facilities. She will get a peek at where she would sleep, eat, and play games with new friends. Our experienced camp professionals will be available to answer questions, talk about what a day at camp is like, and help find the perfect session for her! Free Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sat, May 5, 2018

9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Camp Far Horizons, Hanover

Sat, May 5, 2018

2–5 p.m.

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sun, May 6, 2018

12–3 p.m.

Resources for Troop Leaders: Venture Out Learn practical tips and tricks, read other volunteers’ stories, and explore the joys of taking girls outside with Venture Out!, a fun, interactive “outdoor” adventure made possible by GSUSA’s Elliott Wildlife Values Project. Visit http://gsuniversity.girlscouts.org/resource/venture-out/ for more!

Volunteer Trainings

Cratestacking Training

Low Ropes Training Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard Mary Ann Beebe Center's low ropes course has been calling your troop's name! Before you bring the girls, stop by for training. Learn the best techniques for safety and success. Find how to guide your girls through decision- making and help them overcome obstacles. This is an adult-only training. This training is required for use of the low ropes area during troop and service unit activities where council staff are not present for all three of these volunteer trainings. $10/adult Fri, March 30, 2018

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sat, April 21, 2018

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sun, June 10, 2018

1 p.m.–4 p.m.

Have you been telling your girls, "The sky's the limit!"? Now it’s time to show them! Cratestacking is a challenge element at GSNI camps where participants both stack and climb milk crates to see how high they can go. This challenge requires a trained adult to handle the ropes supporting the climber. Take this training, and your girls will be climbing in no time! It covers harnesses, rope management, and safety. This is an adult-only event. The training is required to participate in cratestacking at GSNI camps. Free Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sat, April 7, 2018

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sun, April 15, 2018

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Sun, April 22, 2018

4:30–6:30 p.m. 8–10 a.m. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Archery Training Are your girls itching to go to the archery range? Get certified! This USA Archery certification includes knowledge of the equipment, safety measures, and coaching skills. This is an adult-only training. This training is required for facilitating archery. This is not a GSUSA or GSNI certification and may meet other organizations’ safety guidelines. $35/adult Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sat, April 7, 2018

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sun, April 15, 2018

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Sun, April 22, 2018

10 a.m.–4 p.m. 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Badges and Journeys Girl Scout badges are a great way for a girl to explore her interests and learn new skills and to remember every adventure and show the world what she’s accomplished. ⏵⏵ What gets her excited? Does she dream of sleeping under the stars or going geocaching? Maybe she wants to kayak the open waters, zipline off a cliff, or learn about endangered wildlife! ⏵⏵ At Girl Scouts, she can do all that (and more!), and earn Girl Scout badges as she goes! ⏵⏵ Browse all the badge topics at forgirls.girlscouts.org/badgeexplorer.

Badge of the Month (see pg 15 for details)

OCTOBER

M AY

Outdoors

Troop Camping

Rosie (Make the World a Better Place)

Buddy Camper

Hiker

Cabin Camper

Camper

Eco Camper

Trailblazing

Primitive Camper

Adventurer

Adventure Camper

Adventure Fun Patch

Survival Camper

New badges! Over the last several years, girls have made their voices heard through the Girls’ Choice badge voting process. Nationwide, girls vote on which topics they’d like to see made into new badges. Year after year, the outdoors is at the top of the list! Visit the Girl Scout online shop for downloadable badge requirements for all new badges:

⏵⏵Troop Camping badges (New for 2017-2018!) ⏵⏵Outdoor Explorer badges ⏵⏵Art in the Outdoors badges

Camps and

Facility

R e n t a l Camp D ean

ww w. face bo ok .c om / GSN IC ampDean

Camp Dean has 160 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and prairies for campers to explore! Located in Big Rock, about an hour west of Chicago, it offers a unique camp setting for girls that is far enough for adventure and independence but still feels close to home. Facilities include three program centers, platform tent and sleeping cabin units, grassy sport fields, outdoor pool, private pond, trails, creek, dining hall, health center, and a camp office.

Camp Far Hori z on s ww w. face bo ok .c om / GSN IC ampFarHorizons

Camp Far Horizons is near the Mississippi River in Hanover, about 30 minutes southeast of Galena, and has over 235 acres of woods and many nature trails. Camp facilities include a central dining hall, outdoor pool with showers, craft and nature tents, archery range, rappelling tower, volleyball field, and health center. Girls sleep in screened-in, platform tent

units that can shelter from 12–36 girls. Each unit is equipped with a wash stand, running water, latrines, and a fire ring.

pitched tents. All units have latrines and water. The camp lodge is available year-round and other units are available from April to October.

Camp McCor mi ck

Rockford Program C enter

www.fac ebook.com/G SN IC ampMcC or mick

The Rockford Program Center for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts is located on 5 acres on the edge of Cherry Valley, near the CherryVale Mall and local shopping. There is a large deck on the back of the building looking out over farm fields and a walking/ bicycle path that is accessible from the property. A nearby pond provides an area for migrant water fowl

Camp McCormick encompasses almost 400 acres of woods and meadows and is located a few miles south of Rockford, about an hour and a half northwest of Chicago. Camp facilities include a central dining hall, outdoor pool, showers, craft building, health center, hiking trails, covered wagons, Adirondacks, and platform tents. All units have latrines and washstands.

www.fac ebook.com/G SN I Mar yAn n BeebeC enter

to visit. The building has two levels with the upper level finished and the lower level unfinished. A lift is available between floors to meet ADA standards. The building is heated and air conditioned.

Located between Woodstock and Harvard, Mary Ann Beebe Center has nearly 300 acres of wetland, prairie, and woods. There is a small pond, yurt, covered wagons, and Adirondack units. There is plenty of open grass area for large numbers of

Visit the camp section of our website www.girlscoutsni.org/campwithus. Here, you can book sites at any of GSNI’s four camps or the Rockford Program Center for your troop or group online!

Mary Ann Beeb e Center

4 Camp Challenge Pa tc h P r o g r a m Any GSNI troop can participate in the 4 Camp Challenge Patch Program. Girls can earn this unique fun patch and flames for spending at least one night as a troop camping at any of our four camps! Get started with the campfire base patch available at any of our GSNI stores. During camp check-out, the Ranger will help any leader purchase flame patches ($.50/patch) on behalf of the girls who attended. Patch fees can be paid directly to the Ranger at the time of check-out (checks are preferred). Don’t wait! Make your troop’s reservation now!

New This Year: Troop Camping Flame Patch and Service Rocker Patch The troop camping flame patch is earned when girls camp outdoors at a non-GSNI property (such as a county campground, state park, etc) with their troop. This patch can be earned in the same experience as earning a new Troop Camping badge. Troop camping flame patches can be purchased in the GSNI store. The service rocker patch is earned when girls complete a service project at a GSNI property, with the pre-approval of a Ranger. All girls attending Camp Service Day earn this patch. Service rocker patches can be purchased from the Ranger.

Onsite Ac tiv iti e s Each camp offers unique natural treasures to explore and structured activities just waiting for girls to experience. Try something new or practice an old favorite—either way, she’ll be creating memories with friends! Check out the current available activity options:

Hiking Trails Open Activity Area Archery Crate Stacking Cross Country Skiing Sledding Geocaching Canoeing/Kayaking Swimming Pool Fishing (must provide own equipment) Rappelling Sports Equipment Low Ropes Basketball Court Volleyball Court Gaga Ball Human Foosball Mud Pit Sound Garden 9 Square in the Air Mini-Golf Horse Shoes Outdoor Bowling Hammock Village Environmental Programs in a Box

Certified or Trained Facilitator Needed

Lifeguard Needed

x x

Rockford Program Center

Far Horizons

Mary Ann Beebe Center

Camp McCormick

x x x x x x

x x x x x x x

x x x

x x x x x

Camp Dean

x x

x x x x x x x x x x

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x x x x x

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C a mp s it e R e nt a l P r o c e du r e s Availab i l ity

Confi r mati ons

For current and future campsite availability, please visit www.girlscoutsni.org or email customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Se r v i c e Un it Eve nt s Any service unit renting three or more sites at a property may submit a reservation at any time by contacting GSNI Customer Care at 844-476-4463. Reservations are subject to approval. Deposit for any service unit event is $150. This deposit will be credited towards the rental fee. The full amount must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the event.

Re s er vati on T i me l ine Girl Scout Troops and groups can book sites up to one year in advance. Outside groups and private users are limited to booking six months in advance.

Dep o sits No deposit is required for rental requests for any Girl Scout troops and/or other youth organizations. Deposits will be required for private users. Deposits will be cashed and used toward site fees.

Confirmation packets will be sent to the contact person via email once the request form and rental fee has been received. Packets contain: • Confirmation letter • Invoice • Troop Roster (to be turned in to the ranger upon check in) • General Safety Rules & Regulations • Camp Map • Incident Report

Cancellati ons Cancellations made three weeks or more before the date of use will be refunded. Cancellations made within three weeks of the arrival date will be forfeited.

Check-In Upon camp check in, the ranger or site monitor will provide a Troop Camp Report. This report is to be completed and returned to camp staff at the time of check out.

Onsite Programs in a Box Check for availability when confirming your reservation with the Ranger one week before your visit.

Let’s Go on a Hike – Backpack containing binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug boxes, and activities to explore camp.

MABC1

Camp Dean3

Camp Far Horizons2

Camp McCormick2

After School Investigations – Backpack containing binoculars, magnifying glasses, and more activities geared for Juniors +.

Trees – Have fun learning about North American trees with hands-on activities.

The Honey Files: A Bee’s Life – Learn about pollination. Through hands-on activities, discover the important role bees play in the production of our food.

Prairie Exploration - Have fun learning what makes up a prairie and identify various prairie plants.

Animal Tracks – Use these resources to identify animal tracks and signs while at camp.

Night Sky – Explore the night sky using telescopes and sky charts to identify constellations.

Wetlands – Learn about the importance of wetlands with hands-on activities.

Birds – Learn about migration, nesting, adaptations, and how to identify a bird by its song, colors, or habitat.

Invasive and Prairie Plants – Uncover what makes a prairie in both native and invasive plants.

Bugs – Explore creepy, crawly, and flying creatures!

Watershed NonPoint Source EnviroScape - Hands-on activities to learn about sources and effects of water pollution and how to prevent it.

Drinking Water & Wastewater Treatment EnviroScape – Trace the path of water we use.

Nature Bins – Each bin is different! Check out the treasures each bin holds!

1 Made possible by the McHenry County Community Foundation | 2 Made possible by a grant from the Schneider Electric North America Foundation | 3 Support for this project has been provided by the Kane County Board, through its Office of Community Reinvestment, with funds from the Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino.

Program Aide Opportunities Take her leadership outside where she’ll share her love of the outdoors with younger Girl Scouts. PA Basic and Outdoor trainings are listed on page 57. What a great opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors and give service to Girl Scouting!

Event

Date & Time

Location

Training(s) Required

Page

Camp Explorers

Sat., Oct. 7, 2017, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mary Ann Beebe Center

Basic and/or Outdoor

Camp Explorers

Mon., Oct. 9, 2017, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Camp Dean

Basic and/or Outdoor

Camptastic

Sat., Oct. 14, 2017, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Camp Far Horizons

Basic and/or Outdoor

Choose Your Adventure Expo

Sat., Oct. 21, 2017, TBD

Camp McCormick

Basic and/or Outdoor

Cookie Kick-Off

Sat., Dec. 9, 2017, TBD

BMO Harris Bank Center

Basic

Frosty Frolic

Mon., Jan. 15, 2018, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Camp Dean

Basic

The Great “Art”Doors

Sat., Apr. 7, 2018, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Camp Dean

Basic

The Great “Art”Doors

Sun., Apr. 8, 2018, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Camp McCormick

Basic

Outdoor Cooking

Sat., Apr. 14, 2018, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Camp Far Horizons

Outdoor (Senior and Ambassadors only)

Outdoor Cooking

Sun., Apr. 15, 2018, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mary Ann Beebe Center

Outdoor (Senior and Ambassadors only)

Camp Open House

Sat. May 5, 2018, 9 a.m.–12 noon

Camp McCormick

Basic and/or Outdoor

Camp Open House

Sat., May 5, 2018, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.

Camp Far Horizons

Basic and/or Outdoor

Camp Open House

Sun., May 6, 2018, 12 noon–3 p.m.

Camp Dean

Basic and/or Outdoor

Troop Trek

Fri., May 18, 5 p.m.–Sun., May 20, 6 p.m.

Camp Dean

Basic and Outdoor

Troop Trek

Fri., Jun. 8, 9 a.m.–Sun., June 10, 1 p.m.

Mary Ann Beebe Center

Basic and Outdoor

Signature Events

Dates to Know June 5 World Environment Day

Camp Explorers

World Environment Day is a day to highlight and discuss the importance of environmental awareness and action. It’s a good time to start your It’s Your Planet—Love It! Leadership Journey. Each Journey contains environmental information and offers ways to interact on topics that affect our whole planet. You can also check out on of the Naturalist Legacy badges in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting, or explore the new Think Like a Citizen Scientist! Journey.

Pack up the backpack; it’s time to head to camp! She’ll spend the day with her troop or the whole family while trying classic camp activities like archery (grade 2 and older), hiking, arts & crafts, and cooking her lunch over a fire. Program Aides and volunteers are needed for these events. $20/girl, $12/adult | GSNI Voucher Eligible

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Sat, October 7, 2017

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Mon, October 9, 2017

Scheduled Events Devil’s Lake Hike Devil’s Lake State, Baraboo, WI She’ll hike the bluffs of Devil’s Lake State Park and camp in the park, as well. This Badger Trails event draws as many as 3,000 participants and has been an annual event since 1963. Registrants typically check in Friday evening to set up camp and leave at their leisure on Sunday. The hike takes place during the day on Saturday; day hikers are welcome. Two dances, one for older youth and one for younger youth, are provided on Saturday evening. Outdoor Overnight Training is required. This event is open to many youth organizations and is co-ed. See our website for more details.

Hiker Brownie badge*, Camper Junior badge*, Trailblazer Cadette badge* Fri, September 29–Sun, October 1, 2017

Fees, times, and registration deadline to be announced

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Whooo Is in Our Woods?

Camp Service Day

Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia

Enjoy a day at camp and prepare the property for the season ahead! She’ll join other camp fans to make a difference for the Girl Scout outdoor experience. She might spruce up buildings, assemble/disassemble platform tents, or help store camp equipment!

She’ll take a night hike in the woods and learn about life after dark at Red Oak Nature Center (RONC). She’ll discover the nocturnal animals that call the woods home, create her own nocturnal animal, and end the night with a campfire, s’mores, and a story or two. Animal Habitats Junior badge*, Night Owl Cadette badge* Fri, October 6, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Bonus: Troops with at least three girl members who attend will receive a $30 coupon to use toward a reservation at any GSNI Camp Property.

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

$16/girl

Free | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sat, October 14, 2017

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sat, October 14, 2017

Camp Explorers

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sat, April 14, 2018

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sat, April 14, 2018

$20/girl, $12/adult | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Camp Greenhorn

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard Camp Dean, Big Rock

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Sat, October 7, 2017

Mon, October 9, 2017

Crystal Lake Nature Center She’ll start her outdoor cooking experiences by learning how to make an easy meal with little-to-no clean-up in foil packs and pie irons! Outdoor cooking experts will make sure she’s headed for success! Please notify us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when registering. Outdoor Adventurer and Cabin Camper Brownie badge*

High On Teambuilding

Sat, October 14, 2017

Loyola University Retreat and Conference Center, Woodstock

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$19/girl (includes lunch)

Start the year working with other Girl Scouts while teambuilding on the low ropes course. Move to the high ropes course with a timed challenge and finish on the zip line! End the day with a discussion of how working as a team is beneficial to all.

Camptastic Camp Far Horizons, Hanover

$52/girl (includes lunch) | GSNI Voucher Eligible Sat, October 7, 2017

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sat, May 19, 2018

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

It’s going to be a CAMPTASTIC day! Join us for camping challenges, nature activities, and a super fun day at camp, plus a delicious lunch cooked over a fire. Hiker Brownie badge*, Camper Junior badge*, Rosie Daisy petal* Sat, October 14, 2017

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

$20/girl, $7/adult

Trees Crystal Lake Nature Center She’ll get to know trees and practice tree identification. Then, using tree ingredients, she’ll make tea and a unique piece of jewelry! Trees Cadette badge* Sat, October 14, 2017

$19/girl

Archery 101

Does she want to shoot an arrow like Katniss or The Arrow? Here’s her first step! She’ll discover parts of the bow, proper shooting techniques, and improve her aim. How many times can she hit the bullseye? Archery Cadette badge* $8/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Sat, October 7, 2017

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Mon, October 9, 2017

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Fri, November 10, 2017

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Fri, November 10, 2017

Camp Far Horizons, Hanover

Sat, April 14, 2018

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Sun, April 15, 2018

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sun, May 6, 2018

1–3 p.m.

3:30–5:30 p.m.

Camp Sous-Chef Crystal Lake Nature Center It’s time to get cooking over the fire! She’ll learn basic Dutch Oven cooking skills as she makes (and eats) new breakfast dishes! Please notify us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when registering. Sat, October 14, 2017

9:30–11:30 a.m.

3:30–5:30 p.m.

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Camp Dean 70th Birthday Party

1–3 p.m. 3:30–5:30 p.m. 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Camp Dean Bring the family or the whole troop to celebrate 70 years of camping fun with GSNI’s Historians. She’ll discover the history of Camp Dean with interactive activity stations and all the fun Camp Dean has to offer. Sun, October 15, 2017

3:30–5:30 p.m.

$19/girl (includes lunch)

1–4 p.m.

Free

Halloween Hike

Overnight in the Museum

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Dundee

Bartlett Nature Center

Our nights are getting longer, but it doesn't have to be a spooky time! Gather the family and come out to show her things that creep and crawl and fly around in the night!

Spend the night in the museum where you'll meet some of the residents, go on a night hike, and have tons of fun with friends. Please notify us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when registering.

Sat, October 21, 2017

Troops must meet the adult/girl ratio. Individually registered girls must be accompanied by a paying adult. Overnight training is not required.

2–4 p.m.

$10/girl; $10/sibling; $10/adult

Sat, November 4–Sun, November 5, 2017

7 p.m.–7 a.m.

$37/girl; $37/adult (includes pizza

(overnight)

and continental breakfast)

Technical Treasure Hunt Loyola University Retreat and Conference Center, Woodstock Geocaching is an outdoor activity where girls use a GPS, mobile device, or other navigational techniques to hide and seek caches at specific locations marked by coordinates. She’ll learn how to use a GPS and join in the hunt! Geocacher Junior badge* $27/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Sat, October 28, 2017

9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sat, June 9, 2018

9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Creepy Crawly Myths Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia She’ll discover some of the creepy, crawly animals who call Red Oak Nature Center home! She’ll learn about myths surrounding these animals and then the truth about them. A hike and craft will round out her experience! Animal Habitats Junior badge* Sat, October 28, 2017

10–11:30 a.m.

$16/girl

Camp Cook

Owl Prowl

Crystal Lake Nature Center

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Dundee

It’s time to get cooking outdoors in fascinating new ways! She’ll discover the fun of cooking with a box oven to create a yummy breakfast. Please notify us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when registering.

Bring the family for an exploration of owl behavior, identification, as well as the places these fascinating birds are most likely to be seen. We’ll go outside to look and listen for these secretive birds while walking in the natural habitats.

Sat, November 4, 2017

Sat, November 11, 2017

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$19/girl (includes lunch)

4–6 p.m.

$10/girl; $10/sibling; $10/adult

Camp Chef Crystal Lake Nature Center

Raging Buffalo Snowboarding and Tubing Day

She’ll create a meal fit for a queen using a Dutch Oven and then enjoy her culinary creation. Please notify us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when registering.

Raging Buffalo, Algonquin

Sat, November 4, 2017

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

$19/girl (includes lunch)

She will gear up, attend a group snowboarding lesson, and then hit the slopes. She will spend the rest of the day reinforcing the new skills she just learned. If she is interested in tubing, check with Raging Buffalo for discount tubing rates for Girl Scouts! Advance registration is required. Ultimate Recreation Challenge Ambassador badge*

Super Survivor

Contact Zoe at 847-836-7243. Please call in one registration per troop.

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Does she have what it takes to brave the wilderness and survive? Learn and practice survival skills like orienteering, fire building, outdoor cooking and signaling.

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sat, December 9, 2017

Sun, December 10, 2017

Camper Junior badge*, Trailblazer Cadette badge*

Sat, January 6, 2018

Sun, January 7, 2018

Sat, November 4, 2017

Sat, February 10, 2018

Sun, February 11, 2018

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

$20/girl, $7/adult

$35/person (includes lift, rental, and free group lesson) $25/person (lift ticket only)

Sat, February 24, 2018

Snowshoes!

Winter Sport Weekend

Crystal Lake Nature Center

Camp Far Horizons, Hanover

She’ll make her own modern snowshoes. Program cost includes frame and base; ice crampons are not included in cost. Lacing may/may not be completed by the end of this workshop but may be completed at home.

Does she love to ski? Maybe she wants to learn! Here is her opportunity to try cross-country skiing at Camp Far Horizons and then head out to Chestnut Mountain for a downhill ski lesson before hitting the slopes. Overnight training is not required. Overnight accommodations include sleeping in a heated lodge.

Sat, December 16, 2017

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

$72/girl

Ultimate Recreation Challenge Ambassador badge* Sun, January 14–Mon, January 15, 2018

2–12 p.m.

(holiday weekend)

$60/girl, $55/adult

Frosty Frolic Camp Dean, Big Rock Does she enjoy exploring camp during wintertime? Join us for winter activities at Camp Dean! You’ll all go sledding, warm up with some hot chocolate, and make a winter craft to take home! No snow? No problem! There will be lots of camp activities to try! Program Aides and volunteers are needed for these events. Mon. January 15, 2018

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

(Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

$20/girl, $7/girl

Snow Survivor

Archery

Crystal Lake Nature Center

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Dundee

Can she create a kitchen out of snow? After this wintery workshop, she will discover winter camping skills, including how to stay warm while sleeping, keeping water from freezing, preparing food, and more!

She’ll take on the basics of archery at the indoor archery range. She’ll learn range safety rules, types of equipment, and proper form. Then, she will have time to practice and develop her new skill!

Sat, December 16, 2017

Archery Cadette badge*

2:30–4:30 p.m.

$22/girl (includes winter snack)

Sat, January 20, 2018

1–3 p.m.

$10/girl

Snow Explorer Crystal Lake Nature Center

Winter Warriors

She’ll discover the woods in winter while learning the art of trail signs. Who knows? She might even build a snowman! While sipping hot cocoa by the fire, she will learn what to do in a hiking emergency.

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Hiker Brownie badge* Sun, December 17, 2017

10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

$8/girl

Trailblazer Cadette badge*, Ultimate Recreation Challenge Ambassador badge* Fri, February 9–Sun, February 11, 2018

6 p.m.–2 p.m. (overnight)

$75/girl, $55/adult

Snow Voyager Crystal Lake Nature Center She’ll discover winter hiking and winter trail etiquette. Depending on the snow levels, participants may bring their own snowshoes. Sun, December 17, 2017

1:30–3 p.m.

$8/girl

We LOVE Winter Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia Red Oak Nature Center has SNOW much fun during the winter to share with your girl! She’ll take a snowshoe adventure through the woods to look at animal tracks and maybe even make a snow person! Sat, February 10, 2018

Chestnut Mountain Ski Day

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$20/girl

Chestnut Mountain, Galena She’ll spend the day skiing or snowboarding at Chestnut Mountain with her Girl Scout friends and families! Advance registration required. Ultimate Recreation Challenge Ambassador badge*

Winter Wonderland in the Woods

Contact Shera at 815-777-4674. Please call in one registration per troop.

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Camp out this winter, no igloo necessary! She’ll explore our snow-covered camp by cross-country skiing and sledding. No snow? No problem! Camp McCormick has plenty of fun activities in any kind of weather. Overnight training is not required. Overnight accommodations include sleeping in a heated lodge.

1–9 p.m.

$30/person (includes lift, rental, and free group lesson) $25/person (includes lift only)

Sun, December 17, 2017

Mon, January 15, 2018

Sun, January 21, 2018

Sun, January 28, 2018

Sun, February 4, 2018

Sun, February 11, 2018

Mon, February 19, 2018

Sun, February 25, 2018

2–12 p.m. (overnight)

$35/girl, $20/adult | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Sat, February 17–Sun, February 18, 2018

Sun, February 18–Mon, February 19, 2018

(Presidents’ Day)

Outdoor Cooking

Busy as a Bee Bartlett Nature Center Bees play such an important part in our lives. She’ll discover why we need to help the bees and what they contribute to our way of life. She’ll be all abuzz after spending the day with these amazing insects!

Does she love to cook? It’s time to take her cooking skills outside and discover the world of outdoor cooking. She’ll try cast iron cooking, stick cooking, and more! Cooking Junior badge* 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

$20/girl, $17/adult

Bugs Brownie badge*

Camp Far Horizons

Sat, April 14, 2018

Sat, March 3, 2018

Mary Ann Beebe Center

Sun, April 15, 2018

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

$12/girl

Adventure Camp Overnight

Maple Syrup

YMCA Camp Benson, Mt. Carroll

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Dundee At the end of winter, the maple sap begins to flow! She’ll enjoy a hike to discover the history of a uniquely American food—from its importance to the Native Americans to modern day processing plants. See how sap is collected and turned into the sweet treat we all love—syrup! $10/girl; $10/sibling; $10/adult | GSNI Voucher Eligible Sat, March 10, 2018

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Sat, March 24, 2018

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Adventure awaits! She’ll take a trip down a 3-story tall zip line, enjoy a leisurely hike through the grotto, test her strength on the Mount Saint Benson climbing wall, and climb aboard her sled to zoom down the Twilight Zone tube slide! Girls must be accompanied by an adult. Meals are provided. Depending upon troop sizes, troops may be assigned to sleeping cabins with other troops. Get Moving! Junior Journey, Camper Junior badge*, Trailblazer Cadette badge* Sat, April 14–Sun, April 15, 2018

10 a.m.–10 a.m.

$50/girl; $35/adult

Scout Syrup Sunday

Physics on the Lows

Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia

Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Center, Woodstock

She’ll see how maple sap is turned into delicious maple syrup and discover how people—and animals like woodpeckers—have tapped maple trees for maple sap over the years! Sat, March 10, 2018

10–11:30 a.m.

$16/person

Sat, April 14, 2018

9 a.m.–2 p.m.

$27/girl (includes lunch)

Spring Fling

Physics on the Highs

Naper Settlement, Naperville

Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Center, Woodstock

She will explore the meanings behind our flag and state symbols, discover important people in Illinois history, make a craft and even learn a historical dance while enjoying Naper Settlement's 12 beautiful acres. Sun, March 18, 2018

She’ll challenge herself and work together with the group, practicing real world physics while emphasizing the value of collaborative learning and the important role physical activity and emotion play in the learning process.

1–4 p.m.

$13/girl; $10/adult

On the high ropes and challenge elements, she will put principles of physics to the test. She will practice real world physics while emphasizing the value of collaborative learning and the important role physical activity and emotion play in the learning process. Sat, April 14, 2018

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

$52/girl (includes lunch)

The Great “Art”Doors She’ll take her artistic spirit outdoors! Exploring the outdoors will give her inspiration for some awesome art adventures. Outdoor Art Creator Brownie badge*, Outdoor Art Explorer Junior badge* 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Camping 101 Bartlett Nature Center She’ll learn how to set up a tent and what to pack for a camping trip. She’ll build a campfire and enjoy a s’more! She’s ready for this Girl Scout adventure!

$20/girl, $7/adult

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sat, April 7, 2018

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sun, April 8, 2018

Daisy Buddy Camper Daisy badge*; Cabin Camper Brownie badge* Sat, April 14, 2018

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

$12/girl

Root River Hike and Bike Greendale, WI Grab the bikes and helmets or her hiking boots! Badger Trails has been offering a hike and bike along the Root River Parkway for 50 years. With the variety of distance options, it is perfect for a group of any age. Bikes and helmets are not provided. This event is open to many youth organizations and is co-ed. See our website for more details. Hiker Brownie badge*, Trailblazer Cadette badge* Sat, April 28, 2018

Fees and registration deadline to be announced

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Glacial Trail Hike

Tree-rific Spring at the Morton Arboretum

Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest, Campbellsport, WI

The Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Camp and hike in the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest or just come up for a day! With a different hike available each day, troops can decide when to trek. They can even choose to make this a backpacking event. Along the trail are many landforms created thousands of years ago by the retreating glacier, like kettles, kames, and eskers. Outdoor Overnight Training is required. This event is open to many youth organizations and is co-ed. See our website for more details. Camper Junior badge*, Trailblazer Cadette badge*, Ultimate Recreation Challenge Ambassador badge*

Celebrate the spring season at The Morton Arboretum! She will get outside and explore trees, bugs, and flowers in this hands-on, open house-style event. Participants can borrow Girl Scout bags, take a hike, and/or plant a seed to meet badge requirements.

Fri, May 4–Sun, May 6, 2018

$6/ person for day hiking; $11/person if also camping.

Sat, May 19, 2018

11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Teambuilding Basics Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Center, Woodstock

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

She’ll challenge herself and the group to complete activities that will instill the building blocks of teamwork. She will apply this knowledge to everyday activities in school, Girl Scouts, faith, sports, and family.

Letterboxing Bartlett Nature Center

Sat, May 19, 2018

Letterboxing is a creative new game of hide and seek played all over the world. She’ll prep with the supplies needed and then take a hike to try it out and practice minimal impact. How many letterboxes can she find?

Letterboxer Brownie badge* Sat, May 5, 2018

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

$12/girl

Habitat Heroes

9 a.m.–2 p.m.

$27/girl (includes lunch)

Troop Trek – Cookies Troop Trek is for troops embarking on their first camping trip and troops that come back year after year! Program Aides and experienced camp volunteers plan and provide fun activities while troops are responsible for their own meals. Options will include camp activities related to the theme. Troops are responsible for providing their own food during the event. This year's theme is everybody's favorite sweet treat: cookies! Troops must have one adult who is Outdoor Overnight trained. Troops/Groups must meet the girl/adult ratio listed in Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia She’ll explore how Naturalists at Red Oak Nature Center (RONC) battle invaders to keep the forest healthy! Once she completes some training, her skills will be honed in RONC’s forest. She’ll also make a craft to take home! Sat, May 5, 2018

$10/person

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Outdoor Adventurer Brownie badge*, Camper Junior badge* $35/girl, $30/adult Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sat, May 19–Sun, May 20, 2018

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

(overnight)

Mary Ann Beebe Center

Fri, June 8–Sun, June 10, 2018

1 p.m. –11 a.m.

(overnight)

$16/girl

GSNI Voucher Eligible

May Days Naper Settlement, Naperville

Jumpin’ Jammin’ – Camp Scene Investigator

It’s all about the badges this May at Naper Settlement! She’ll enjoy spring outdoors while trying something new and earning a complete badge. Earn the Daisy Clover petal, Letterboxer Brownie badge, or Junior Flowers badge.

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sun, May 6, 2018

1–4 p.m.

$13/girl; $10/adult

Her skills and knowledge will be tested as teams compete during this outdoor skills competition. She’ll be challenged in archery, fire building, knot-tying and identification, teambuilding, and other skills. Individually registered girls can attend this event. Teams will be created with girls registered individually. Volunteers are needed for this event. Fri, August 10–Sun, August 12, 2018

5 p.m.–11 a.m. (overnight)

$35/girl, $30/adult

Flexible Partners

Business

City

Contact

Description

All Seasons Orchard

Woodstock

info@allseasonsorchard.com • 815-338-5637

Apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and corn maze.

Animal Quest Entertainment, Inc.

Will travel

Jessica Reedy • jessica@animal-show.com

Shares the nature of some of our planet's creatures through live animals, knowledge, enthusiasm, and habitat. Shows are interactive and feature live animals.

Bartlett Nature Center

Bartlett

Dan Mitchell • dmitchell@bartlettparks.org 847-608-3100 (Press 2)

Various interactive animal and environmental activities. Customized troop events on request, Girl Scout Saturdays, overnights, and lock-ins.

Byron Forest Preserve

Byron

Janet Dahlberg • buffalogirl@gmail.com 815-234-8535 x232

Offers badge workshops in nature, art, recycling, history, science, outdoor hobbies, cross country skiing, night hikes, and volunteer opportunities.

Cantigny Park

Wheaton

Edith Roman • ERoman@Cantigny.org • 630-260-8166

Offers a variety of Girl Scout badge programs.

Cave of the Mounds

Blue Mounds, WI

TBD

Cave tours, plus program and yearly overnights are available.

Chestnut Mountain

Galena

Shera Chumbler • shera@chestnutmtn.com 815-777-4674

Winter: Downhill skiing and snowboarding; Summer: Alpine Slide, mini-golf, disc golf, and Soaring Eagle ride.

Crabtree Nature Center, FPCC

Barrington

Karen Holmes • karen.holmes@cookcountyil.gov

Hands-on environmental activities and service project opportunities.

Crystal Lake Cave

Dubuque, IA

Julie Ramirez • pjlkramirez@yahoo.com 563-542-3573

Guided cave tours are available with discount pricing for Girl Scouts. A more adventurous 2-hour tour of unexcavated passageways is also available.

Crystal Lake Nature Center

Crystal Lake

Jody Niles • clpdnature@CrystalLakeParks.org 815-455-1763

Archery, outdoor cooking, climbing wall, fishing, and service project opportunities.

Discover SCUBA

Crystal Lake

Arthur Koch • sealevel@sealeveldiving.com 815-479-0996

After a short brief by our PADI Instructor, get in the pool with all the scuba equipment and try scuba diving.

Door County Adventure Center

Sturgeon Bay, WI

Anna Calhoun • adventures@teamleadership.com

Improve problem-solving skills and build confidence. Provide tools to help girls work towards badges and build skills that align with the Girl Scout mission.

Fever River Outfitters

Galena

www.feverriveroutfitters.com

Canoeing and kayaking with camping and biking options.

Fox Valley Wildlife Center

Elburn

Donna Tate • fvwildlife@sbcglobal.net 630-365-3800

Fun and educational programs on conservation, ecology, wildlife rehabilitation, and the importance of coexisting with our wild neighbors.

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center

Elgin

Maura Neuffer • Neuffer_m@cityofelgin.org 847-931-6123

Offers 67 acres of natural area, including a pond, sedge meadow, trees, birds, hiking trails, summer amphibians, and indoor area where children can enjoy various nature games and activities.

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

St. Charles

Laura McCoy • lmccoy@stcparks.org 630-513-4393

Enjoy the trails and exhibits of Hickory Knolls with a trained educator who will lead handson activities to earn badge requirements.

Lockwood Park

Rockford

Nicole Cabe • nicolecabe@rockfordparkdistrict.org 815-987-8811

Horseback trail rides and equine education sessions with 3 Cheers for Animals activities and fun patch included.

Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Center

Woodstock

Lynda Blacker • lblacker@luc.edu

Low and high rope courses, teambuilding activities, archery, geocaching, and various environmental workshops.

Millbrook Trail Rides

Millbrook

Meredith Sleezer • mgmt@millbrooktrailrides.com 630-777-9308

Horsemanship programs customized to the experience and skills your troops seek. Real trail rides through the forest.

Morton Arboretum

Lisle

Krista Childs • kchilds@mortonarb.org • 630-725-2029

Share unique discoveries in the great outdoors.

Natural Balance

Maple Park

Sharon Weimer • natbalance@outlook.com 815-529-0579

Learn how to understand the ways horses communicate their emotions, learn about horses in ground-based activities, and if your troop wants more adventure, learn about horses while riding.

Northern Illinois Archery Organization

Montgomery

Michelle Helwig • michelle.helwig@niarchery.org 630-664-1452

Learn Basic Archery in accordance with USA Archery curriculum for archery Range Safety, Equipment, Shooting Form, Shot Execution, and Scoring. Troops receive discounted rates.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Chicago

Kristen Pratt • kpratt@naturemuseum.org • 773-775-5177

Variety of nature programs.

Raging Buffalo

Algonquin

Zoe Marshal • Zoe@ragingbuffalo.com Keith Duck • Keith@ragingbuffalo.com

Offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Snowboard rentals and lessons available.

Red Oak Nature Center

Batavia

roprograms@fvpd.net • 630-897-10808

Provides the opportunity to explore a hardwood forest, endangered Illinois prairie, and the only cave in the area.

Rocktown Adventures

Rockford

Kevin Versino • kevin@rocktownadventures.com 815-636-9066

Furnishes lessons for canoe, kayak, snowshoe, and cross-country ski, along with rental opportunities.

Sandwich Park District

Sandwich

Candace Kissel • 815-786-8044

Customizable program to help earn badges.

Severson Dells

Rockford

Ellen Rathbone • ellen@seversondells.org 815-335-2915

Offers 2.5 miles of trails, including a 2/3 mile hard-surfaced trail, accessible year-round, ideal for Journey and badge work at all levels.

Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp

Dubuque, IA

Kevin Hougham skytourszipline@gmail.com

A nine zipline canopy tour over the ruins of historic Union Park. Ziplines range from 300' to over 1,000', including a side-by-side racing zipline.

White Pines Ranch

Oregon

Andee Brehm andeewhitepinesranch@gmail.com 815-732-7923

Features horseback riding, hayrides, orienteering, cemetery study, fossil hunts, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, games, initiative tasks, bingo, country line dancing, mapping, wilderness survival class, swimming (summer/early fall), campfire sing-along, sledding, and cross country skiing.

Wilderness Inquiry

Minneapolis, MN

Suzanne Huggett Suzanne@wildernessinquiry.org

Our adventures encourage people to open themselves to new possibilities and opportunities through kayaking, canoeing, hiking and other outdoor recreational adventures. From the Mississippi River to the mountains of Colorado, we have the perfect trip for your group!

Wildman Adventure Resort

Silver Cliff, WI

Tracy Giordano reservations@wildmanresort.com 715-757-2938

Offering outdoor adventures for all types of Girl Scouts including whitewater rafting, zip lines, high ropes course, and kayaking. Camp or stay in a cabin along the banks of the Peshtigo River.

Winnebago Soil Conservation District

Rockford

Dennis Anthony • 815-965-2392 x3

Variety of program topics, including rain barrels and gardens, water, soil forestry, recycling/composting, prairies, and the Illinois state symbols.

Career & Interest Exploration Each girl’s interests and hobbies are as unique as she is. Thankfully, there’s a world of possibilities to explore through Girl Scouts! Girls delight in trying new things when they’re young and start exploring potential careers as they get older. For girls, the future is bright!

The Arts ⏵⏵ Girls gain confidence by expressing themselves through a variety of artistic mediums. They take something imagined and transform into reality. ⏵⏵ Topics include: music, computer arts, visual arts, photography, theater, and dance.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) ⏵⏵ Girls gain the skills to question, investigate, hypothesize, experiment, and iterate. They gain confidence in their problem-solving and teamwork abilities. ⏵⏵ Topics include: science, technology, engineering, math, coding and computers, robotics, and human biology.

Career Exploration ⏵⏵ Girls gain a broader view of career paths available to them and the skills needed to advance in whatever path they choose. ⏵⏵ Topics include: computer use skills, job shadowing, career advancement skills, and leadership through management.

Entrepreneurship ⏵⏵ Girls gain an entrepreneurial mindset for business basics, teamwork, problem-solving, and overcoming challenges. ⏵⏵ Topics include: basic business budgeting, marketing, understanding customer needs, product design, and business ethics.

History & Traditions ⏵⏵ Girls improve appreciation for the history of their favorite things, such as their community, Girl Scouts, or any area of interest. Along the way, they gain the tools and understanding needed to apply historical knowledge to present and future challenges. ⏵⏵ Topics include: local history, history of any specific topic/product/ place, and Girl Scout traditions.

[ F U N FA C T S ] 89% of girls tried something new with 60% of girls who participated in their Girl Scout troop. STEM-a-palooza 2016 reported an interest in a STEM career.

Badges and Journeys Girl Scout badges are a great way for a girl to explore her interests and learn new skills—and to remember every adventure and show the world what she’s accomplished.

⏵⏵ For all the details, check out The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting in GSNI stores or online in the Volunteer Toolkit. There you’ll find:

⏵⏵ What excites her? Does she dream of making her own movie, performing on stage, or building a robot? Maybe she wants to invent something new, paint a masterpiece, or build a website! ⏵⏵ With Girl Scouts, she can do all that (and more!) and earn Girl Scout badges as she goes! ⏵⏵ Browse all the badge topics at forgirls.girlscouts.org/badgeexplorer

Badge of the Month NOVEMBER

•• A fun, easy-to-use binder (one for each grade level) full of great info and badge activities. •• An easy-to-follow diagram showing her how to put her badges, pins, and awards on her vest and sash and show off her Girl Scout pride! •• Great ideas to help her tie badges to her Journeys. •• Illustrations and quotes from Girl Scout history to help her feel connected to the traditions of the past. •• A super helpful awards log showing her every award and badge that’s available at her grade level. She can also see the entire badge program at every level to get an idea of how her skills can grow in Girl Scouting—so much learning, so much FUN!

(see pg 15 for details)

DECEMBER

MARCH

Artist

Cookie Business

Digital Arts

Clover (Use Resources Wisely)

Count It Up

Sunny (Friendly and Helpful)

Painting

Meet My Customers

Computer Expert

Drawing

Cookie CEO

Digital Photographer

Comic Artist

Think Big

Digital Movie Maker

Collage

My Portfolio

Website Designer

Photographer

Research & Development

Arts & Science Fun Patch

JUNE

J U LY

Animals

Performance

Mari (Responsible for What I Say and Do)

Tula (Courageous and Strong)

Pets

Dancer

Animal Habitats

Musician

Animal Helpers

Public Speaker

Voice for Animals

Troupe Performer

Animal Awareness Fun Patch

Performing Arts

Programs for Girl Scouts

go.niu.edu/GirlScouts

Career & Interest Programs in a Box Stumped for ideas for your next troop meeting? Looking for something different for the girls to try? Programs in a Box are designed as a handy resource for troop leaders and event volunteers. Most boxes include instructions and activities, plus reusable supplies and equipment necessary to complete the activities. Our convenient

deposit payment system means you’re able to borrow resources that would otherwise be an expensive one-time cost. All you may need to do is buy a few simple supplies!

Career Explorer Troop Resources – Coming Fall 2017!

GSNI Historian Boxes Discover over 100 years of Girl Scout history by checking out one of these historian programs:

Games the 1912 Way Play games like Juliette Low’s troop did in the beginning!

Garment Bags to Go Represent Girl Scouts (then and now) by checking out a variety of vintage uniforms for fashion shows, parades, and hands-on play!

Kim’s Game

Tea Party

Display items are provided for this unique Girl Scout game!

Put on your own vintage tea party! Tea pots and an idea book are included.

Tech Day (Juliette’s Way) Get the “Low”down on old and new technology with this fun, interactive resource.

Girls Go Techbridge Program in a Box

The Girls Go Techbridge curriculum was developed for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. GSNI is proud to join with Techbridge to increase the number of girls interested in science, technology, and engineering. Some activities can be adapted for Girl Scout Brownies. Consumable items may be purchased from Science First at shop.sciencefirst.com/675-techbridge or at your local craft or department store.

Design Time ($75 deposit)

Power It Up! ($75 deposit)

Make a bubble wand and learn about the engineering design process! Girls will get their creative juices flowing by designing and building a pencil pouch for their buddy, protective packaging for their favorite cookie, and a toy prototype.

Snap, Crackle, Power! Through a fun, hands-on game, girls will learn how simple circuits work and build all kinds of working circuits with the included Snap Circuit™ kits. Girls can make a tilt lantern and an electronic game board. Girls will have the option to solder their own electronic game board. If you plan on sodering, make an appointment with a Girl Experience Specialist to learn how.

Engineers to the Rescue ($75 deposit) Survival skills meet science as girls design water filters, wind-powered cranks, a message-carrying car, and a safe shelter for their troop during a (make-believe) camping trip!

Make It Green ($75 deposit) What’s a way to make the world a better place? Make it green! Girls will learn about green design and flex their science and engineering muscles. They will construct a green studio from start to finish—from brainstorming an idea, to creating a floor plan, and building “green.”

ThrillBuilders ($75 deposit) This Techbridge kit is perfect for Brownies and Juniors! They’ll explore simple machines all around us. Using basic craft materials, girls will build a merry-go-round, ping-pong ball toss, and coaster car. Levers, pulleys, screws, and gears abound as girls engineer the ultimate playground!

Robotics

LEGO® kits are available for checkout. Questions about LEGO® robotics? Contact Customer Care at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Robotic Sets (9797) ($200 deposit/set)

Lego® WeDo Set ($50 deposit)

Learn all about LEGO robotics. Check out LEGO MINDSTORMS #9797 robotic sets. Girls will learn to build and program a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT Brick. Each kit contains all necessary parts, software, and building instructions. Each kit serves 2–5 girls. ®

Interested in LEGO® robotics but not ready for LEGO® MINDSTORMS® yet? Girls will love this intro course to robotics as they build LEGO® models featuring working motors and sensors. Watch as they develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. Each kit serves 1–3 girls in grades K–4.

The programs conducted by GSNI are not affiliated, sponsored, or endorsed by LEGO® Education or the LEGO® group. 38

Stomp Rockets ($25 deposit) This fun outside activity for Daisies, Brownies, or Juniors will teach them how rockets work. They’ll test Newton’s Third Law of Motion by designing their own rocket and taking it for the ultimate test of height and speed! Have adventurous Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, or Ambassadors? Stomp Rockets Extreme picks up where Stomp Rockets left off, giving girls additional design challenges.

It’s Electric—Snap Circuits™ set of 6 ($50 deposit) Get plenty of hands-on experience with this kit! Girls will learn about electricity by building working circuits. Each kit requires 4 “AA” batteries— not included.

RC Rover SCROV— Snap Circuits™ set of 2 ($60 deposit) Use a multi-functional remote control to guide a rover, turn on the lights, and the horn. Plus, girls will assemble a disc shooter, digital voice recorder, and music sound generator!

Color Me Curious ($25 deposit) Color makes life brighter and better! Daisies and Brownies will embrace color with these interactive experiments. This kit also provides additional activities for Brownies working on their WOW! Wonders of Water Journey.

Think Green— Snap Circuits™ Green set of 6 ($50 deposit) Alternative energy is the future! Girls will explore and learn about ”green” types of energy and their forms.

Light—Snap Circuits™ set of 2 ($60 deposit) Be amazed at what music can do with the new Snap Circuits™ Lights. Girls will use a color organ controlled by iPod or other MP3 player, voice, or finger. Enjoy the music as the lights change to the beat, plus many more Snap Circuits™ projects.

RC Rover—Snap Circuits™ set of 2 ($60 deposit) Use this multi-functional remote control to guide a rover, turn on the lights, and the horn!

Girl Scout Workshops Girl Scout Level

Science Workshops

Language Arts Workshops

Digital Arts Workshops

Robotics Workshops

Daisy

Spinning Tops

Seasons

Brownie

Spin the Gears

What a Great Experience

Digital Photographer

Goal Kicker

Junior

Merry Go Round

What a Great Experience

Comic Artist

Goal Keeper

Cadette

Merry Go Round

What a Great Experience

Comic Artist

Smart Spinner

For Group Reservations contact Group Sales at (847) 592-9707 Email: ScoutsCH@LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com For More Informations Visit the Groups Section at:

LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/Chicago

Signature Events STEMapalooza

Additional programs presented by Challenger Learning Center:

Challenger Learning Center, Woodstock

Rendezvous with a Comet

This is the STEM event of the year! All of our friends (professionals, museums, engineering corporations, and more) are teaming up to bring Girl Scouts the best hands-on activities, all in one place! Be sure to register her for the additional programs (Rendezvous with a Comet, Cubelets Robotics, or Starlab) to get the most out of this experience! Sat, February 3, 2018

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

$8/girl (includes fun patch)

Using teamwork and problem solving skills, your Girl Scout will journey through space to rendezvous with a comet in the Challenger Learning Center’s space simulator following directions provided by their teammates in mission control. GSNI Voucher Eligible 9:30–11:30 a.m. $17/girl

Cubelets Robotics Girl Scouts will complete engineering design challenges with the Cubelet robotics system. Sense, think, act, explore! 11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.

$19/girl

GSNI Voucher Eligible

Starlab Girls will visit the state-of-the-art interactive Digital Starlab to explore our solar system which will ignite their curiosity and create an interest in astronomy. 10:30–11 a.m.

$12/girl

GSNI Voucher Eligible

NOTE: The Digital Starlab is an enclosed, dark space – girls who are uncomfortable in closed, dark spaces may not want to participate in this activity.

Scheduled Events Minecraft Mondays

Halloween Costume Dance Party

Virtual

Womanspace, Rockford

If she could build her own neighborhood, what would it look like? When her creativity and computer savvy skills join forces, the sky’s the limit! Our very own Minecraft Server is available exclusively to Girl Scouts. You must own Minecraft on your computer to play on this server. This event is only available for PC. Instructions for joining our server will be emailed to girls after registering.

6 - 9 p.m.

FREE

She will celebrate Juliette Low's birthday in style with trick-or-treating in the enchanted forest, dancing to her favorite music in the pavilion, making a craft, and playing some fun games. She can even meet "Juliette Low" in person. GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

Fri, October 20, 2017

6–8 p.m.

$10/girl

Mon, October 9, 2017

Mon, November 13, 2017

Mon, December 11, 2017

Mon, January 8, 2018

Mon, February 12, 2018

Mon, March 12, 2018

Assemble a skeleton! Concoct glowing slime! Dissect a real eyeball! Wrap up the night with glow lights and a planetarium show! Come in costume for a spooktacularly fun time! Evening snack and breakfast are included.

Mon, April 9, 2018

GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

Mon, May 14, 2018

Spooky Science Discovery Center Museum, Rockford

Fri, October 20–Sat, October 21, 2017

Fall Felting

6:30 p.m.–9 a.m. (overnight)

$30/girl; $15/adult (includes evening snack and breakfast)

Esther’s Place, Big Rock While enjoying warm apple cider, she’ll make a needle felting pumpkin and learn about fiber arts! She will see how the wool transforms from the sheep to yarn with demonstrations of carding and spinning. Sun, October 15, 2017

1:30–3:30 p.m.

$11/girl

BYOC (Bring Your Own Cookies) & Canvas Muse Art, Crystal Lake No experience necessary! Just paint-a-long with the artist/instructor! She’ll demonstrate painting techniques to create a beautiful piece of art. $24/girl; $27/adult | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Sat, October 28, 2017

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sat, December 16, 2017

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthday Bash

Gear Girl Scouts Robotics Night

Naper Settlement, Naperville

The Gearbox, Oswego

Girls will meet a Juliette Gordon Low impersonator and hear about her remarkable life through her own words while celebrating her birthday with games, songs, and crafts in historic buildings.

Time to start tinkering! She will learn the science behind robotics and how robotics competitions work.

Sun, October 29, 2017

1–4 p.m.

$13/girl; $10/adult (includes Juliette Low birthday patch)

Inventor Brownie Badge* Thu, November 9, 2017

7–8:30 p.m.

Free

Scout Day at Discovery Center Museum Discovery Center Museum, Rockford This fun-filled day of activities is specifically designed to help her work towards completing badge/award requirements! Through hands-on activities and exploration of award-winning exhibits, she’ll find there’s always something new to discover. GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

Home Scientist Brownie badge*, World of Girls Brownie Journey*, Detective Junior badge*, Get Moving Junior Journey*, Special Agent Cadette badge*, Breathe Cadette Journey* 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Pendant Palooza Arts on Fire, Plano She’ll make her own piece of unique jewelry! Girls will learn basic use of tools to create their one-of-a-kind piece of fused glass jewelry. Pendants will be ready 5–7 days after the event. Fri, November 3, 2017

5–7 p.m.

$17/girl; $17/adult

Sat, November 18, 2017

Sat, February 10, 2018

Sat, February 24, 2018

Sat, April 14, 2018

Ceramic Ornament Painting Party Arts on Fire, Plano She’ll get in the holiday spirit by creating her own custom ceramic ornaments! She can decide to keep them or make them as gifts. Each artist will paint four ornaments. Completed pieces will be ready for pickup in 5–7 days. Wed, November 29, 2017

5–7 p.m.

$23/girl; $23/adult

Great Balls of Fire Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Model moon phases! Construct a star map! Craft glowing constellations! Learn about light pollution! Do all of this and take a guided tour through the night sky in a planetarium. She’ll get exclusive access to this special exhibition in Woodward Hall! GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

Home Scientist Brownie badge*, Get Moving Junior Journey* Sat, November 4–Sun, November 5, 2017

$6/girl; $6/adult | NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

$30/girl; $15/adult (includes

6:30 p.m.–9 a.m.

evening snack and breakfast)

Fused Glass Ornament Arts on Fire, Plano She’ll get in the holiday spirit by creating her own custom fused glass ornaments! She can decide to keep them or make them as gifts. Each artist will make 2 ornaments. Completed pieces will be ready for pickup in 5–7 days. Fri, December 1, 2017

5–7 p.m.

$25/girl; $25/adult

The Nutcracker Ballet Elgin Community College, Blizzard Theater

Painting at Waterstreet Studios Waterstreet Studios, Batavia She will be introduced to the world of painting by creating a small project using a choice of either watercolor or acrylic paints.

Dance Brownie badge* $14/girl; $24/adult | NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Painting Brownie badge* Sat, November 4, 2017

Alma Dance School presents the classical ballet, The Nutcracker. This wonderful holiday tradition can be combined with other Alma dance programming to earn a badge. Attendees will receive a patch and an opportunity to take a picture with Clara in the Land of Sweets sleigh! This is an event for everyone!

1–2:30 p.m.

$15/girl

Sat, December 16, 2017

7–9:30 p.m.

Sat, February 10, 2018

2–4:30 p.m.

Drawing at Waterstreet Studios Key to 3D Printing

Waterstreet Studios, Batavia

School of Engineering, NIU

She will learn to draw and render with one of the following mediums: pencil, ink, pastels, or charcoal.

The future is now, and 3D printing is one of the coolest new features! When she teams up with the Society of Women Engineers at NIU, her ideas will come to life. Thu, November 9, 2017

6–8 p.m.

$3/girl

Drawing Junior badge* Sat, January 27, 2018

1–2:30 p.m.

$11/girl

Flowers in Felt Esther’s Place, Big Rock Sip on hot chocolate and celebrate Valentine’s Day while learning about the journey of wool from the sheep to art. She’ll see demonstrations of carding and spinning as the wool transforms for new uses. Wet felted flowers will be taught, and she’ll have a beautiful pin to take home! Sat, January 27, 2018

1:30–3:30 p.m.

$11/girl

Mystery Crime Lab Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Dust off her detective hat and use forensic science to solve this case! Examine fingerprints, take apart ink, crack a code, measure footprints, and more! GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

Home Scientist Brownie badge*, Detective Junior badge*, Special Agent Cadette badge* 6:30 p.m.–9 a.m. (overnight)

$30/girl; $15/adult (includes evening snack and breakfast)

Fri, February 2–Sat, February 3, 2018

Sat, April 21–Sun, April 22, 2018

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Senses at Midway Village Midway Village Museum, Rockford

STEMapalooza

She’ll test her senses in the historic village and throughout the museum, including dressing in historic clothing, playing antique instruments, and much more!

Challenger Learning Center, Woodstock

Senses Brownie badge*

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

$8/girl (includes fun patch)

Rendezvous with a Comet Using teamwork and problem solving skills, your Girl Scout will journey through space to rendezvous with a comet in the Challenger Learning Center’s space simulator following directions provided by their teammates in mission control. $17/girl

Sat, February 10, 2018

9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Victorian Life Fun at Midway Village She will time travel to the 1880s to complete chores, play games, dress up, listen to music, and make crafts! Make a day of it and add Vi: Be a Sister to Every Girl Scout in the morning p. 42!

Sat, February 10, 2018

1–3:30 p.m.

$10/girl; $4/adult

GSNI Voucher Eligible

Cubelets Robotics

Letterboxer at Midway Village

Girl Scouts will complete engineering design challenges with the Cubelet robotics system. Sense, think, act, explore!

Midway Village Museum, Rockford

11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.

$19/girl

GSNI Voucher Eligible

Go on an amazing treasure hunt through the museum as she solves clues and puzzles. Then, she’ll make her own treasure hunt! Letterboxer Brownie badge*

Starlab

Make a day of it and add Senses at Midway Village in the morning p. 42!

Girls will visit the state-of-the-art interactive Digital Starlab to explore our solar system which will ignite their curiosity and create an interest in astronomy. 10:30–11 a.m.

$10/girl; $4/adult

Midway Village Museum, Rockford

Additional programs presented by Challenger Learning Center:

9:30–11:30 a.m.

Make a day of it and add Letterboxer at Midway Village in the afternoon p. 42!

$12/girl

GSNI Voucher Eligible

Sat, February 10, 2018

1–3:30 p.m.

$10/girl; $4/adult

NOTE: The Digital Starlab is an enclosed, dark space – girls who are uncomfortable in closed, dark spaces may not want to participate in this activity.

Playing the Past at Midway Village Vi: Be a Sister to Every Girl Scout at Midway Village

Midway Village Museum, Rockford She’ll love using the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts and costumes to create a unique costume and have a special historic party!

Midway Village Museum, Rockford She will take a trip around the world to discover toys, customs, languages, crafts, and music from across the globe!

Playing the Past Junior badge*

Make a day of it and add Victorian Life Fun in the afternoon p. 42!

Sat, February 10, 2018

9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

$10/girl; $4/adult

Make a day of it and add Social Butterfly at Midway Village in the afternoon p. 20!

9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

$10/girl; $4/adult

Valentine’s Paint-a-Long

Chem-tastic

Muse Art, Crystal Lake

Discovery Center Museum, Rockford

No experience necessary! She’ll paint-a-long with the artist/instructor, practicing painting techniques to create a beautiful piece of art perfect for Valentine’s Day! Everyone leaves with a love-ly masterpiece.

She’ll measure, pour, and mix her way into the scientific method as she experiments with chemical reactions. She’ll play with polymers, cause color changes, and more!

Sat, February 10, 2018

GSNI does not collect paper registrativon for this event.

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$24/girl; $27/adult

Home Scientist Brownie badge*, Inventor Brownie badge*, WOW! Brownie Journey*, Get Moving! Junior Journey*

Pottery at Waterstreet Studios

Fri, March 23–Sat, March 24, 2018

6:30 p.m.–9 a.m.

$30/girl; $15/adult

(overnight)

(includes evening snack and breakfast)

Waterstreet Studios, Batavia She will explore the art of hand building with clay and create a unique pot, cup, or sculpture using air drying clay.

Natural Disasters

Potter Brownie badge*

Discovery Center Museum, Rockford

Sat, February 17, 2018

1–2:30 p.m.

$18/girl

She’ll make a miniature volcano, capture a cloud, and bottle a tornado. She will experience the hair-raising effects of lightning, boost her disaster preparedness, and witness an explosive demo! GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

iFLY & Learn

Fri, April 6–Sat, April 7, 2018

iFLY, Naperville Does she want to fly? Float on air? The iFLY indoor skydiving experience is for her! She'll try hands-on experiments, receive flight instructions, safety training, and complete her iFLY experience by taking two flights, lasting one minute each! Mon, February 19, 2018

1–4:30 p.m.

(Presidents’ Day)

$58/girl; $62/adult (includes gratuity)

6:30 p.m.–9 a.m.

$30/girl; $15/adult

(overnight)

(includes evening snack and breakfast)

Mighty Mississippi Adventure National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque, Iowa Grab her flashlight and sleeping bag for an evening of exploration at the museum and aquarium! Arrive any time after 12 Noon to explore the museum on your own, but be sure to be there by 6:30 p.m. Start the fun with crafts and games before meeting some of the animal residents that spend every night at the museum! Top off the night with movie time in the Journey Theater before tucking in for bed in one of the exhibits!

Mythbusters Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Has she ever wondered (but been too scared to test) how to make Mt. Dew glow in the dark? Or, which ingredients make the best explosions? She’ll use science to test out myths and decide if they are plausible or BUSTED!

Troops must meet the adult/girl ratio. Individually registered girls must be accompanied by a paying adult. Overnight training is not required.

GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

Sat, April 7–Sun, April 8, 2018

Home Scientist Brownie badge*, WOW! Brownie Journey*, Detective Junior badge*, Get Moving! Junior Journey* 6:30 p.m.–9 a.m. (overnight)

$30/girl; $15/adult (includes evening snack and breakfast)

Fri, March 2–Sat, March 3, 2018

Fri, May 4–Sat, May 5, 2018

(on-your-own museum time) Overnight begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9 a.m.

$42/girl; $42/adult (includes breakfast and museum entrance)

The Sheep Experience Esther’s Place, Big Rock

NOT GSNI Voucher Eligible

Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference University of Illinois, Champaign Has she thought about a career in agriculture? The Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference showcases what women are doing for the industry. Learn more about what careers are available, and the difference agriculture can make in her life. Registration may close early when the conference is full. Fri, March 9, 2018

12 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

8 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

Meet the sheep! Start with a tour of the farm where she can pet and even feed the sheep. Then, learn about shearing, washing, carding, and spinning of fiber. Needle felt a sheep figurine with some of the wool from the animals she just met. Lemonade provided, too! Sun, May 6, 2018

1:30–4 p.m.

$16/girl

$15/girl

Celebrate Girl Scout Birthday Womanspace, Rockford

Mom & Me Paint-a-Long

She will sing Happy Birthday while decorating 2 cupcakes. Eat one now, and take one home! She’ll discover Girl Scout traditions and make her own S.W.A.P. (Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) to trade with a friend.

Muse Art, Crystal Lake

GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

She’ll work alongside her favorite female adult (mom, aunt, grandmother, older sister) to paint along with the artist/instructor! They’ll practice painting techniques to create a beautiful piece of art together. Girls must be accompanied by a paying female adult.

Sun, March 11, 2018

Sat, May 12, 2018

2–4 p.m.

$12/girl

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$22/girl; $22/adult

Flexible Partners

Business

City

Contact

Description

Adventure Safari Network

Will travel

Gary • Gary@advebnturesafarinetwork.com 312-470-6704

Photography seminars can be done at your location or local field trips to beautiful locations.

Alma Dance School

Wheaton

Vilma Machin • info@almadanceschool.com 630-580-9784

Cuban-method ballet school supports dance and other badges.

Amber's Art Place

Lake in the Hills

Amber Larsen • arttart13@gmail.com 815-404-6520

Art events focusing on badge requirements such as painting, drawing, cooperative learning, sculpture, ceramics (clay & found objects), printmaking, fiber arts (weaving, crochet, sewing), mixed media, and more.

Anderson Animal Shelter

South Elgin

Carrie Frost • cfrost@andersonanimalshelter.org 847-697-2880

Animal-themed programs.

Arts on Fire

Plano

Kelly • 630-273-2119

Choose from different pottery, ceramics, and fused glass projects.

Big Rock Library

Big Rock

Mary Hauge • 630-556-3604

Located in a restored Victorian home with the entire upper floor of displays of Native American artifacts and natural history. Offers tours and activities.

Bricks 4 Kidz

Will travel

844-424-5439

Badge earning workshops designed for Girl Scout Daisies through Cadettes with fun connections to STEM.

Challenger Learning Center

Woodstock

Brigitte Redman • bredman@aurora.edu • 815-338-7722

Explore constellations in the StarLab, robotics, and take part in a space mission.

The Chilled Palette

Geneva

Miriam Kuta • thechilledpalette@gmail.com

Supplies canvas, painting materials, apron, and artistic guidance.

Classical Glass

Algonquin

info@classicalglass.net • 847-854-7701

Teaches girls how to cut glass for various fused glass objects. Offers stained glass classes for young adults and adults.

Color My World Children's Art Studio

Bartlett

Kathryn Benton • kathryn@colormyworldarts.com 224-208-5707

Drawing, painting, pottery, mixed media art, mosaics, textile art, jewelry, book making, and more.

Creative Arts, Inc.

Crystal Lake

creativeartsclasses@gmail.com • 815-219-9243

Complete requirements for art badges. Fun activities include clay, comics, drawing, painting, and murals.

Dance FX

Rockton

Meghan La Marca • dancefx.rockton@gmail.com 815-624-5867

Teaches the art of dance in an age appropriate environment, connected to badges.

Discovery Center Museum

Rockford

815-972-2843

Schedule your own Camp-In!

DuPage Children's Museum

Naperville

Christine Barry • cbarry@dupagechildrensmuseum.org 630-637-8000 x6100

Hands-on children's science museum. Offers various badge and Journey activities.

Durant House Museum

St. Charles

Alice Maupin • duranthouse1843@yahoo.com 630-377-6424

Learn about life on the Illinois prairie with hands-on activities and games.

Ed Hoy

Naperville

630-225-3900

Create beautiful works of art with glass. Try mosaics, beads, or other glass works.

Elgin School District U-46 Planetarium

Elgin

Peggy Hernandez • peggyhernandez@u-46.org 847-888-5324

Explore the night sky and constellations.

Esther’s Place

Big Rock

Natasha Lehrer Lewis • natasha@estersplacefibers.com 630-556-9665

Felting classes: girls can first learn the process from the sheep to yarn, then a make-andtake project. Drinks provided. Call to schedule dates and select a project. All ages, 16 max.

Flagg Township Museum

Rochelle

Kathy Johnson • hubhistory@gmail.com 815-562-3040

Tours of the museum, including information about the history of Rochelle and the surrounding area.

Freeport Art Museum

Freeport

education@freeportartmuseum.org • 815-235-9755

Art programs or custom programming to match a requested badge or Journey.

The Gearbox

Oswego

Kelly Knopf • ksknopf@yahoo.com

Learn about robotics from the Gear it Forward team.

Glidden Homestead and Historical Center

DeKalb

Rob Clove • rob@gliddenhomestead.org • 815-756-7904

Delivers learning opportunities on barbed wire and how it helped change history.

GSNI Historians

Will travel

Sue Reimer • gshistorysreimer@yahoo.com

Organizes tours, Programs in a Box, vintage crafts, and troop visits.

Healthy Paws Animal Hospital

Lake in the Hills

Dr. Karen Burgess • 773-842-2030

Animal care, careers in the animal care field, community service.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

Rockford

info@klehm.org • 815-965-8146

Provides 155 acres of signature gardens and woodland with accessible trails.

Lace Guild

Will travel

Kanella Diakoumis • kanellaatc@yahoo.com

Learn about different lace and how to make it.

Microsoft

Schaumburg

Paula Brkich • pabrkich@microsoft.com 630-881-0907

Badges: Daisies Violet petal, Brownies Computer Expert, Cadettes Movie Maker and Netiquette, and Juniors Digital Photography. Non-Badge: Fresh Paint, PicsArt, Minecraft Build Challenge, and coding camps.

Muse Art

Crystal Lake

Heather Muse • hearther@museart.info 815-790-6323

Paint-a-long with the artist/instructor. Learn painting techniques to create a beautiful piece of art. No experience necessary. Learn about the different tools used to create a wood plank sign. The instructor will guide the class through every step of the process.

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens

Rockford

815-987-8858

Encourages exploration of exotic plants with a variety of workshops available.

Nick's Pizza & Pub

Crystal Lake/ Elgin

dmiller@nickspizzaapub.com • 815-356-5550

Provides a restaurant tour, pizza-making workshop (for a fee), scavenger hunt, and bag of peanuts.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Chicago

Kristen Pratt • kpratt@naturemuseum.org • 773-775-5177

Provides a variety of nature programs, badge workshops, and overnights in the museum.

Peter Patterson Glassworks

Mundelein

Peter or Sue • ppglass@earthlink.net 847-949-0013

Learn about glass blowing and how to make your own glass paperweight, ring holder, or window sparkler.

Rockford Art Museum

Rockford

815-968-2787

Offers hands-on art experiences and tours.

Rockford Dance Company

Rockford

815-963-3341

Learn about dance.

Geneva

Sarah Lindgren • Schoolofartchicago@gmail.com 630-338-3833

Teaches all ages, all stages, and all mediums in connection to art-related badges.

School of Art

Business

City

Contact

Description

Sci-Tech Museum

Aurora

Ian McCleary • scouts@scitechmusuem.org 630-859-3434 x230

SciTech Girl Scout badge Workshops offer a variety of STEM programming. Each class is designed to assist in the completion of badges for each level. Sleepovers and Twilight adventures too.

Soleunique Dance Complex

Aurora

Diana True • diana@soleunique.com • 630-291-1424

Learn about many different dance techniques.

St. Charles Park District

St. Charles

eyoung@stcparks.org • 630-513-6200

Dance badges and farm tours.

Steel Beam Theater

St. Charles

Lori Holm • Loriholm1@gmail.com • 630-887-7269

Offers theater workshops in acting, stage presence, and self-esteem.

Studio 60

Oswego

630-453-8885 • studio60.art@gmail.com

Create art with clay, painting, pottery, or painting classes.

Summers Academy of Dance & Berkshire Ballet Theatre

Crystal Lake

Vicki Summers • Vicki_Summers@msn.com

Opportunity to explore one or multiple styles of dance, along with creating fun routines, tumbling, being healthy, exercising, and connecting with each other through dance movement.

Sylvan Learning

Sycamore

815-290-9177

Offers hand-on STEM activities.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens

Rockford

Alix Fox • alix@tinkercottage.com • 815-964-2424

Workshops exploring arts, culture, and the past.

Womanspace, Inc.

Rockford

Julie Maffei or Cherie Heck • 815-877-0118

Specializes in programs that stimulate awareness, develop competence, encourage creativity, and generate healthy decision-making on seven acres of woods and prairie.

Waterstreet Studio

Batavia

Karine • karine@waterstreetstudios.com

Painting, pottery, and drawing workshops.

quimby & co., p.c. supporting girl scouts and the volunteers who help them achieve their goals

13th Annual

Thin Mint Sprint

Saturday, September 30, 2017 8K, 2 Mile Run, 2 Mile Walk

Finish Line Fun and Faster than Fiona Challenge Troop Registration | Troop Fundraising Opportunity

www.girlscoutsni.org/tms

All proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois 45

Travel & Global Community Girl Scouts love to travel and explore the world—from field trips as Daisies to globe-trotting adventures as teens. Girls love exploring different places and cultures, either up close or from afar. They’ll tackle unique challenges and social justice issues from around the world, and be inspired to make a difference!

Travel (Local, U.S., International, Service) ⏵⏵ Girls gain heightened levels of independence through planning their travel experience, seeing the sites, trying something new, and finding solutions to challenges likely to arise in unfamiliar locales. ⏵⏵ Topics include: planning and preparedness for travel, exploring different modes of transportation, understanding basic language and logistics in foreign places, and giving service to communities in need.

Understanding Cultures ⏵⏵ Girls are exposed to cultures different from their own, increasing awareness, acceptance, and appreciation. ⏵⏵ Topics include: family customs and holiday traditions, languages, clothing and personal image, important symbols, world religions, and ethnic foods. 46

Global Issues ⏵⏵ Girls gain an understanding of social justice issues around the world and are inspired to make a difference. ⏵⏵ Topics include: girls’/women’s issues, education, health care, poverty, and gender based violence.

[ F U N FA C T S ] 84% of girls think it's important to 80% of girls demonstrated interest learn about and include people from in and knowledge of travel, including different cultures. going to new places, a desire to meet new people, learning things, exploring new interests while traveling, and knowing how to plan for a trip.

Troop Travel Information: Why Girl Scouts Travel Taking field trips and traveling is characteristic of the Girl Scout experience! Girl Scouts provide girls with opportunities they might not otherwise have—from exploring their community to traveling the world. Every trip a Girl Scout takes will help her build courage, confidence, and character. Since planning trips in Girl Scouts is always girl-led, travel planning will look different at each level. Daisies can vote on where they would like to go and what they want to do; Brownies can help research and talk about different aspects of trips or activities and decide what to do based on what they learn. Juniors can put together reasons for taking a trip while planning and leading the trip or activity with some guidance; Cadettes can purposefully plan a trip with activities, understand how to apply budgets, and make revisions to their plans with guidance. Seniors and Ambassadors can research, decide upon, and determine costs and logistics, while implementing all parts of a trip or activity with minimal advice. Troop travel is more than just spending the night at a cool place! It includes any outing outside of your troop’s normal meeting place. As

with many Girl Scout activities, travel is a progression. It begins at your troop’s normal meeting place and evolves to trips to a local farmer’s market, a museum, and more great experiences for girls. You are prepared once you’ve taken Beyond the Troop Meeting, have a registered adult present with a current First Aid/CPR certification, and checked Safety Activity Checkpoints (available online) for activities. What if your troop wants to visit Milwaukee Zoo? That’s the next step in the progression! You still need your Beyond the Troop Meeting and First Aid/CPR Certified adult and ensure you are following Safety Activity Checkpoints. But, since it’s a location that’s more than 60 miles outside your normal meeting place, you’ll also need to complete the GSNI Troop Trip & Overnight Approval Form (found at www.girlscoutsni.org/forms) and submit it at least 30 days in advance of your trip. Now your troop wants to spend the night at a place not owned by GSNI. Your Troop Trip & Overnight Approval Form needs to be submitted at least three months in advance of the overnight. At an indoor facility, Lodge Training is required if the troop is planning and preparing meals— in addition to the Beyond the Troop Meeting, First Aid/CPR Certified adult, and consulting Safety Activity Checkpoints. See the progression? Next step? Spending the night in the great outdoors! At least one adult with Outdoor Overnight training is required to attend (one trained for every 32 girls) in addition to the volunteers listed above and consulting Safety Activity Checkpoints. For more, see the Troop Trip & Overnight Approval Form available at www.girlscoutsni.org/forms.

Getaways Getaways are short-term travel opportunities for Girl Scout troops or groups. These opportunities are listed on the GSUSA Travel page (http:// forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel/). No applications are required. However, GSNI travel paperwork is still required. Use the contact information listed on your Getaway of choice to register. International Events are also listed on the GSUSA Travel page. World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Programs, along with international events for troops and groups hosted by international scouting and guiding organizations, can be found on this page. Use contact information listed for each event to register!

Troop Travel Toolkit New this year is GSNI’s Troop Travel Toolkit! This travel planning resource will have everything you and your girls will need to plan a troop trip— planning timeline, travel readiness and progression, budgeting, GSUSA insurance information, and sample packing lists!

“My destination trip taught me a lot and changed the way I see things.” – Virginia, Girl Scout traveler

Girl Scout travel experiences provide girls an opportunity to build independence and confidence. Contribute to the GSNI travel endowment fund and provide more girls with this opportunity.

Visit www.girlscoutsni.org/travelendowment or call 844-GSNI-4-ME

Badges and Journeys If she's interested in Travel & Global Community, there are tons of opportunities to combine super-fun activities with skill-building badge steps and leadership-boosting Journey requirements. ⏵⏵ What excites her? Does she dream of surfing the beaches of the coast, hiking the Grand Canyon, or visiting wacky roadside attractions? Maybe she wants to explore women’s rights or understand how the availability of healthy food and water can impact entire cultures around the world.

⏵⏵ With Girl Scouts, she can do all that (and more!) and earn Girl Scout badges as she goes!

•• Illustrations and quotes from Girl Scout history to help her feel connected to the traditions of the past.

⏵⏵ Browse all the badge topics at forgirls.girlscouts.org/badgeexplorer

•• A super helpful awards log showing her every award and badge that’s available at her grade level. She can also see the entire badge program at every level to get an idea of how her skills can grow in Girl Scouting—so much learning, so much FUN!

Badge of the Month

F E B R UA R Y

(see pg 15 for details)

AUG US T

World Thinking Day

Global Action Award

New Travel Programs in a Box Stumped for ideas for your next troop meeting? Looking for something different for the girls to try? Programs in a Box are designed as a handy resource for troop leaders and event volunteers. Most boxes include instructions and activities, plus reusable supplies and equipment necessary to complete the activities. Our convenient

deposit payment system means you’re able to borrow resources that would otherwise be an expensive one-time cost. All you may need to do is buy a few simple supplies!

Programs in a Box checkout procedures are available on page 59.

Are We There Yet? — Juniors

Tinikling Poles

This box contains resources to help girls plan the perfect trip, including budgeting planners, how and what to pack, and tips on traveling safely in a group.

Tinikling is a traditional Philippine folk dance which originated during the Spanish colonial era. This Girl Scout favorite dance involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles (PVC pipes) on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance. This resource includes a set of tinikling poles, dance instructions, and the history of tinikling.

Ready, Set Go! — Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors Are your girls ready to take on their next travel adventure? Check out this resource containing planning timeline, budget and itinerary planners, information about GSUSA Getaways and Destinations, and other helpful tips to get the girls on the road.

Lemmi Sticks Lemmi Sticks is a Maori, New Zealand, stick game. Girls face each other, while singing, tapping and passing the sticks along with the rhythm of the song. This resource includes a bin of Lemmi Sticks, instructions, and the history of Lemmi Sticks.

urgent care services at over 35 locations.

Quality Care

you can T R U S T.

www.visitphysicians.com 48

U.S. Girl Scout Pen Pal Network It’s a Girl Scout world! Help your girls see how they are part of something much larger than themselves by connecting with Girl Scouts across the country! Join the U.S. Girl Scout Pen Pal Network. It’s easy! Complete and submit the U.S. Girl Scout Pen Pal Network form, found on our website at www.girlscoutsni.org/forms. We’ll try to connect you with a sister troop as soon as possible!

Dates to Know: Global Action Days As Girl Scouts, we are part of a worldwide sisterhood. Girl Scouts of the USA is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) which includes 10 million girls in 146 countries. All of these girls in all of these countries are working to build a better world. Throughout the year, there are opportunities for girls to work together and participate in Girl Scout programming that relates to different issues affecting women and girls around the world. Watch for additional resources/events for the following Global Action Days where GSNI girls can work together to build a better world. ⏵⏵ International Day of the Girl: October 11 International Day of the Girl is an opportunity to celebrate the power of girls and highlight the inequalities girls face around the world. ⏵⏵ Global Poverty Day: October 17 Initiated in 1993, this day was designated to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. Girls can dive into issues around poverty by engaging in activities with this focus in mind. ⏵⏵ 16 Days to End Gender-Based Violence: November 27–December 10 Initiated in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, these 16 days connect November 25 (International Day against Violence against Women) and December 10 (International Human Rights Day) in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights—and to emphasize that such violence is a violation of human rights. This time is used by individuals and groups around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. ⏵⏵ World Thinking Day: February 22 On February 22 of each year, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 146 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. Each year there is a new

theme and new activities to earn the GSUSA World Thinking Day Award. See page 49 for more information. ⏵⏵ International Women’s Day: March 8 On this day, we help girls celebrate and recognize the importance of gender equality and women’s rights by engaging them in various program opportunities. One way to connect to the WAGGGS sisterhood is for girls to earn their Global Action Award. By earning this award, girls make a difference on a topic that affects girls and women all over the world. ⏵⏵ Global Youth Service Day: 2nd and 3rd week in April Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) was established in 1988. GYSD celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people who improve their communities through service. This is the largest service event in the world and the only one dedicated to the contributions children and youth make 365 days of the year. ⏵⏵ International Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/STEM Day: 4th week in April Initiated by the Global Campaign for Education (GCE), this week was created to highlight issues around Education for All agenda. During this week girls can get hands-on experience with ICT/STEM. ⏵⏵ World Environment Day: June 5 The United Nations utilizes World Environment Day to highlight and discuss the importance of environmental awareness and action. The It’s Your Planet—Love It! Leadership Journey gives girls the opportunity to learn about environmental issues such as clean water and air, noise pollution, global warming, soil contamination, and agricultural processes. Each Journey is packed with current environmental information and offers ways to interact on topics that affect everyone on the planet.

World Thinking Day World Thinking Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some service units hold large events. At these events, troops choose a country from the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), learn about their Girl Scout sisters’ culture, and share it with one another. Events may include songs, dance, art, foods, language, and guests from the chosen country. In some cases, troops work on their own or with other troops to learn about their sister Girl Scouts and receive a World Thinking Day fun patch. Did you know there is an official World Thinking Day Award which can be

worn on the front of a Girl Scout vest or sash? This award has specific requirements Girl Scouts complete through participating in activities and themes to honor their sisters around the world. Each year the theme and activities change to reflect the Global Action Theme based on the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to improve the lives of the world’s poorest people. The goal is about all countries, rich and poor, working together to support the MDGs. To learn how to earn this award, visit www.girlscouts.org/world_ thinking_day.

Destinations Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate travel adventure for individual Girl Scouts ages 11–18, although age requirements vary from trip to trip. Each year, Destination sponsors (Girl Scout councils and travel groups) offer different trips providing amazing opportunities for girls. Girls will make Girl Scout friends from all over the world as they experience inspiring, lifechanging experiences within the United States and abroad. Girls submit their applications and are approved by event sponsors.

experiences, conservation efforts, career exploration, or participating in a service project, check out the GSUSA Destination web page. Travel opportunities will be posted by midSeptember, 2017. Round 1 applications are due mid-November, 2017, and the final Round 2 applications are due the beginning of February, 2018. Keep an eye on GSNI’s social media posts, service unit meeting notes and GSNI emails for exact dates. For information, email customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Whether girls are interested in cultural 49

Signature Events

Save the date!

World Thinking Day NIU, DeKalb World Thinking Day is the premier event for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide. Girls across the globe “think” and act with one voice to support each other towards a better world for girls. This World Thinking Day, GSNI has devoted an event just for older Girl Scouts—Cadettes and above. We will be actively engaged in issues of the day, including equality for girls and women on many levels. This event includes interactive sessions, mentorship with local leaders, open discussion, and Take Action plans in line with other girls across the globe. Sat, February 17, 2018

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Girl Scout Day at the Capital

The first Friday in May is always a special time for Girl Scout of Central Illinois. This is the day that thousands of Girl Scouts from across the council gather at the Illinois State Capitol for a day of advocacy, education, and fun! Look for updates in our online events calendar at www.girlscoutsni.org.

$10/girl

Scheduled Events International Day of the Girl – Virtual Event Virtual Did you know she’s one of 1.1 billion girls today worldwide? That’s a POWERFUL group! Save the date and watch for information about this virtual event, connecting girls across the council. GSNI will be connecting girls through social media, so she can participate wherever you are! We will also try to connect with other girls across the globe, through ongoing events at the United Nations. Resources will be provided to prepare you for this special day. Visit www.girlscoutsni.org for more details. Wed, October 11, 2017

Free

No registration required.

Ready, Set, Travel! At this hands-on workshop, she will learn how to create a travel budget and itinerary, explore places to visit, learn about travel safety, how to pack a suitcase, and more! She’ll also get tips for applying for GSUSA Destinations and GSNI travel scholarships. Traveler Senior badge* $6/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible McHenry Township Building

Wed, October 11, 2017

Rockford Program Center

Sat, November 11, 2017

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sat, November 18, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m. 12:30–2:30 p.m. 9:30–11:30 a.m.

India! Land of Color and Culture American Community Bank & Trust, Huntley Color My World Children’s Art Studio will lead her in a Hindi song, teach her a Bollywood dance, and tell her an Indian story. She’ll even make a jeweled Indian elephant! Brownie World of Girls Journey* Sat, November 11, 2017

9–10:30 a.m.

$14/girl

Caribbean Carnival!

Celebration of Ancestors Ethnic Heritage Museum, Rockford

American Community Bank & Trust, Huntley

She’ll explore the rich Mexican culture and tradition of celebrating one’s ancestors. She’ll craft a traditional treasure as she learns about these time-honored customs.

She will learn about the various cultures of the Caribbean Islands and design an original carnival mask with oodles of color and shiny embellishments, thanks to Color My World Children’s Art Studio.

Sat, October 28, 2017

Brownie World of Girls Journey*

1–3 p.m.

$10 per girl

Sat, November 11, 2017

Are We There Yet? She’ll learn about travel progression, how to plan a trip, budgeting, and travel safety. Plus, she’ll get an overview of GSUSA Destinations and Getaways, and get started! $6/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Rockford Program Center

Sat, November 11, 2017

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sat, November 18, 2017

McHenry Township Building

Thurs, December 14, 2017

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

$14/girl

Out of Africa American Community Bank & Trust, Huntley

9:30–11:30 a.m.

Color My World Children’s Art Studio will transport her to the jungle where she’ll listen to the sounds of the jungle, play African drums, dance tribal dances, and create an African tribal mask.

12:30–2:30 p.m.

Brownie World of Girls Journey* Sat, November 11, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

1:30–3 p.m.

$14/girl

Sky School at 360 Chicago

World Thinking Day at Womanspace

John Hancock Building, Chicago

Womanspace, Rockford

She’ll discover Chicago's history and identity through the city's culturally unique neighborhoods. In Sky School, she'll uncover Chicago fun facts and trivia. Then, she’ll enjoy the thrill of being tilted 1,000 feet over the Magnificent Mile looking down at the holiday decorations! All attendees, including chaperones, must register and pay to enter the building. Entrance fees are those lisvted below. Girl Scouts will receive the exclusive "360 Chicago" fun patch!

She will get creative as she learns about her sister Girl Scouts in India! She will make Rangoli art, tie a wish to the goddess tree and eat some yummy Indian cuisine.

Sat, November 18, 2017

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

$16/girl; $16/sibling in grades K-12; $18/adult

GSNI does not collect paper registration for this event.

Sat, February 17, 2018

1–3 p.m.

$15/girl

World Thinking Day NIU, DeKalb

Ethnic Holiday Customs Ethnic Heritage Museum, Rockford Every culture has their own holiday traditions! Visit the Ethnic Heritage Museum where each of the galleries display its culture’s holiday customs. Some of them might surprise her! She’ll even create an ornament to bring home! Sat, November 18, 2017

1–3 p.m.

$10/girl

World Thinking Day is the premier event for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide. Girls across the globe “think” and act with one voice to support each other towards a better world for girls. This World Thinking Day, GSNI has devoted an event just for older Girl Scouts—Cadettes and above. We will be actively engaged in issues of the day, including equality for girls and women on many levels. This event includes interactive sessions, mentorship with local leaders, open discussion, and Take Action plans in line with other girls across the globe. Sat, February 17, 2018

Arts in Bartlett Color My World Children’s Art Studio will cheer her on as she creates an amazing dancing parade dragon, practices Chinese calligraphy, and listens to ancient Chinese folktales. 1–2:30 p.m.

$10/girl

Coming in June, 2018!

Celebrate Chinese New Year!

Sun, February 11, 2018

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

$14/girl

Flexible Partners

Weekend trip to Mackinac Island, MI

On Friday, she’ll discover downtown Mackinaw City and choose from many available activities. On Saturday, she’ll take the ferry to Mackinac Island for her horse-drawn carriage tour, walk through Surrey Hills Carriage Museum, and tour Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac. On Sunday, she’ll cheer on her favorite lumberjack at the Jack Pine Lumberjack Show! Watch GSNI’s website for more details coming soon!

Business

City

Contact

Description

360 Chicago Observation Deck

Chicago

Tony Wong • twong@360chicago.com 312-654-2852

Find fun facts and trivia 1,000 feet above Chicago. Experience TILT 360 along with history, architecture, social studies, STEM, art, and geography.

Adventure Safari Network

Will travel

Gary • Gary@advebnturesafarinetwork.com 312-470-6704

Supporting service learning, travel, and Take Action projects to Africa, India and Alaska!

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Rockford

Leah Weyermann • lweyermann@andersongardens.org 815-316-3285

Provides badge workshops in a beautiful Japanese garden setting.

Color My World Children's Art Studio

Bartlett

Kathryn Benton • kathryn@colormyworldarts.com 224-208-5707

Multicultural art and literacy workshops enhance understanding, curiosity, and appreciation of world cultures.

800-637-8222

International travel specifically designed for Girl Scouts.

EF Tours for Girl Scouts

Elgin History Museum

Elgin

Sara Russell • educator@elginhistory.org 847-742-4248

Experience the history of Elgin through interactive displays, activities, life on the prairie, working at the Elgin Watch Co., and various architectural features of Elgin.

Elgin Public Museum

Elgin

Francesca Zomkowski • Francesca_epm@cityofelgin.org 847-741-6655

Offers exhibits and educational programs with natural history and cultural themes.

Ethnic Heritage Museum

Rockford

ehm1129@comcast.net 815-962-7402

Provides customizable visits around the culture and contributions of six ethnic groups that settled in Rockford, including crafts and food tasting to fit the age group and interest of girls.

Trickster Art Gallery

Schaumburg

Joseph Podlasek • joep@trickstergallery.com 847-301-2090

Gallery of Native American artifacts and hands-on activities to learn about Native American culture. Various travelling cultural exhibits and demonstrations throughout the year.

Troop Mackinaw

St. Ignace, MI

www.TroopMackinaw.com

Furnishes a fun and affordable weekend as the complete Mackinac Island package with a whole troop or mothers and daughters.

Wauconda Township Historical Society

Wauconda

Cindy Graff • wths@wauconda-history.org • 847-865-3169

Delivers hands-on programs on local history with craft or skill-building activities.

You can help GSNI Develop independent, confident girls who will change the world!

DONATE NOW www.girlscoutsni.org/donate Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford, IL 61107 â&#x20AC;¢ 844-GSNI-4-ME

Your gift could DOUBLE with the help of your employer

Find out how at www.girlscoutsni.org/donate 52

Leadership & Service There is no better place for a girl to develop her independence and confidence than Girl Scouts! So, what makes Girl Scouts different? We connect girls with opportunities to develop their leadership skills at all levels, starting with our youngest leaders, Girl Scout Daisies, all the way through Girl Scout Ambassadors, high school seniors. Here are some official leadership opportunities offered through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Summit Award

Bridging Award

Safety Award

This award is earned by completing three Journeys in a level.

Girls earn this award by completing two steps—Pass It On and Look Ahead.

Each Girl Scout level has its own set of requirements to teach girls how to stay safe at home, at school, and in their community. As girls get older, they share what they have learned with younger girls and develop safety plans to share with families and friends.

Junior Aide Girl Scout Bronze Award The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior can earn. Once a troop completes a Junior Journey, they can begin to plan and carry out their Bronze Award Project. As girls complete their project, they’ll develop more confidence, meet new people, and work with other Girl Scouts to make a difference. The minimum hours required to complete a Bronze Award Project is 20 hours per girl. A troop or individually registered girl who submits their final Bronze Award Project report will receive a GSNI Bronze Award Certificate for each girl.*

Girl Scout Juniors can earn this mentoring award by making and completing a plan to work with Daisies or Brownies on one of their Journeys.

Girl Scout Silver Award

Cadettes earn the LiA award by assisting Brownies as they work on a Journey. There are three LiA awards, one for each Journey. Complete requirements can be found on GSUSA’s website or in the Brownie Leadership Journey Adult Guides.

Going for the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Cadette can earn, gives girls the chance to show they are a leader who is organized, determined, and dedicated to improving their community. Cadettes can begin to work on their Silver Award project once they complete a Cadette Journey. Girls can work individually, or in groups of up to four girls, each completing 50 hours as they plan and implement their Silver Award project in their community— outside of Girl Scouts. Once a girl submits her final Silver Award Project report, she will receive a GSNI Silver Award Certificate.*

Torch Awards

Community Service Bar

Leader in Action (LiA)

Cadette Program Aide There are three steps to earn this award—earn one LiA award, complete the GSNI Program Aide training, and work directly with younger girls.

Service to Girl Scouting Bar Girls at this level often volunteer to help at special events at the service unit or council level with younger girls or other special projects. Once a girl completes at least 20 hours of service, she is eligible to earn this award. **

Volunteer-in-Training (VIT) Seniors and Ambassadors who would like to mentor a Daisy, Brownie, Junior, or Cadette group, outside of camp, can earn this award. The VIT project should cover a three to six month period. There are three steps to this award—work with an adult mentor, complete the GSNI VIT leadership course, and create and implement a program for girls based on a Journey or badge.

There are two steps to earn this award - complete one journey and serve for one full term in a leadership position. Gold and Gold Torch Silver Torch Silver Torch

Girl Scout Gold Award The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award an individual Girl Scout can earn. Earning the Gold Award has many benefits including scholarship opportunities and the ability to enter the military one rank higher. Once a Senior or Ambassador completes the prerequisites—completing two Journeys or earning her Silver Award and completing one Journey—she can begin to plan her individual Gold Award project. She must submit a project proposal before implementing her project plan. The proposal is reviewed by a volunteer Highest Awards Committee. The committee will meet with the girl to discuss her proposal. Gold Award projects must address the root cause of an issue outside of the Girl Scout community, be sustainable, have a global impact, and be a minimum of 80 hours.*

*A note about the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards: The Journey Take Action! project girls complete for their Journey is separate from their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award projects. The complete guidelines for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards can be found in the Girls Guide to Girl Scouting and on GSNI and GSUSA’s websites. **The hours of service girls use to earn these awards must be separate from those used towards other awards.

Girl Scouts who are very active make a difference in their communities. To earn this award, girls choose a community organization to work with (check with Customer Care for approved organizations), receive instructions, and complete at least 20 hours of service.**

Counselor-in-Training I (CIT) Seniors can earn this award by mentoring younger girls in a camp setting and build skills toward becoming a camp counselor. Girls must complete CIT I Training held at a GSNI resident camp and work with younger girls at camp.

Counselor-in-Training II (CIT II) Ambassadors can earn this award after earning their CIT I Award and working with younger girls at a GSNI resident camp while focusing on increasing their skills in one specific area, such as lifeguarding or the arts.

Girl Scout Bronze Award When a Girl Scout Junior decides to earn her Bronze Award, she is committing herself to a challenge—a challenge that will change her life and the lives around her. She will begin to develop her leadership skills, be introduced to role models, and make a difference in her community. The requirements for the Girl Scout Bronze Award can be found in the Junior Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting and on GSNI’s website www.girlscoutsni.org/bronze.

Highest Awards Open House Does she have questions about the Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award? Has she been to a workshop but wants to talk through her ideas? Has she started on a project but wants to make sure she is on the right track? Stop by and get those questions answered! Free | No registration required Elgin Service Center

Sun, October 15, 2017

1–3 p.m.

Rockford Program Center

Sun, January 21, 2018

1–3 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sat, June 23, 2018

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

GSNI has also developed a short, online video to help you and your troop get started earning the Bronze Award, you can find it on our website at www.girlscoutsni.org/bronze. Troops who complete and submit a Final Report for their Bronze Award will receive a certificate from GSNI. Many service units also host local Highest Awards celebrations and Bronze Award recipients should be acknowledged at these events. Find out more from your local service unit volunteers.

Girl Scout Silver Award The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. She will develop and complete a Take Action Project that addresses a root cause of a problem in her community, on her own or with up to three Girl Scout friends. Girls who complete and submit a Final Report for their Girl Scout Silver Award will receive a certificate from the council. Many service units host local Highest Awards celebrations. This occasion is the perfect time to distribute these awards! Check with your local service unit volunteers for more information.

Girl Scout Silver Award Workshop She’ll shine like silver as she takes on the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn! Help her take the first step by learning about planning an effective and powerful Take Action! Project. Parents and troop leaders are invited and encouraged to attend! Each participant (whether girl, parent, or leader) must register individually. $4/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Freeport Service Center

Sat, November 4, 2017

Goodwill, DeKalb

Tue, November 7, 2017

Goodwill, Crystal Lake

Wed, November 8, 2017

Rock Falls Library

Sat, November 18, 2017

10 a.m.–12 p.m. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Girl Scout Gold Award The benefits of earning the Girl Scout Gold Award are endless! Gold Award recipients develop life skills as leaders and role models. They rate their general success significantly higher than their peers and report greater success in reaching their goals in many areas! Girls who have earned the Gold Award distinguish themselves in the college admissions process, may have access to additional college scholarship opportunities, and if they join the military—they may enter one rank higher. There are also scholarship opportunities for certain Gold Award projects.

Girl Scout Gold Award Workshop

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (Montgomery)

Mon, October 16, 2017

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois will honor Girl Scout Gold Award recipients at the Annual Meeting and at local Service Unit Highest Award Celebrations.

Freeport Service Center

Sat, November 4, 2017

Goodwill, Crystal Lake

Tue, November 14, 2017

Goodwill, DeKalb

Wed, November 15, 2017

Rock Falls Library

Sat, November 18, 2017

More and more girls are going for the gold—the Girl Scout Gold Award, that is! Girls who earn the Gold Award achieve the highest award in Girl Scouts, an accomplishment that stands out on college applications and benefits future career opportunities. This workshop will walk girls, parents, and troop leaders through the process and help her strategize the perfect Gold Award project for her. Each participant (whether girl, parent, or leader) must register individually. $4/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Register by October 2, 2017

6–8 p.m. 12:30–2:30 p.m. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Keep up with all of the new programs and events on our website!

www.girlscoutsni.org 55

Girl Scout Gold Award

Girl Scout Silver Award

Is your Girl Scout interested in learning more about the Girl Scout Gold Award but can’t make it to one of the scheduled Girl Scout Gold Award Workshops? Gather a minimum of 10 Seniors and Ambassadors and secure a location to learn about the highest award a Girl Scout can earn! This workshop will walk girls through the process and help her strategize the perfect Girl Scout Gold Award project for her. Parents and troop leaders are also invited!

Can’t make one of the scheduled Girl Scout Silver Award Workshops? Gather a minimum of 10 girls and secure a location to learn about the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn! Take the first step to learn about planning an effective and powerful Take Action! Project. Parents and troop leaders are invited!

Minimum 10 girls

2 hour program

Minimum 10 girls

2 hour program

$4/girl

Girl Scouts and Faith

When anyone joins Girl Scouts, they accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law. The Girl Scout Law includes many principles and values common to most faiths. Thus, while a secular organization, Girl Scouts has, since our movement began, encouraged girls to take

My Promise, My Faith Girl Scouts offers the My Promise, My Faith Pin to all Girl Scouts. This award invites girls to experience a faith journey through the exploration of the Girl Scout Law and teachings from their particular faith. This program was designed to allow troops to earn the pin as a troop even though the troop may consist of girls from different faith backgrounds. Girls can earn the My Promise, My Faith Pin each year. Adult volunteers from faith organizations are needed to partner with girls to help them link the pin to their faith, guide the girls through their personal faith journey, and help girls strengthen an understanding of their faith. There are two resources for adults to help partner with girls—“Your Faith and Girl Scouts Make the Connection”—one for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior levels, and one for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador levels. There are five steps to earn the pin. The complete requirements are in The Girls’ Guide to Girl Scouting or www.girlscoutsni.org/girlscoutsandfaith. The steps are

Girl Scout Week

is celebrated each March, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath. Girl Scout Week always includes the Girl Scout Birthday on March 12.

spiritual journeys via their faith’s religious recognitions. Our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, not only had a personal faith base but included acknowledgement of an individual’s faith in our Promise and Law. Resources can be found at www.girlscoutsni.org

the same each year, but as a girl grows and matures, so does her faith, and so each year her My Promise, My Faith experience will be different!

Religious Recognitions Religious recognitions are created by national religious organizations and committees to encourage the spiritual growth of young members and reinforce many of the values integral to Girl Scouting. While My Promise, My Faith helps girls connect Girl Scouting with their faith, the religious recognitions programs help girls grow stronger in and learn more specifically about their own faith. Each religious organization and committee develops and administers its own program. The “To Serve God” brochure shows the religious recognitions created by various faith groups. You can find this brochure, a video explaining the religious recognitions programs, and other resources for collaborating with the faith community at Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) at www.praypub.org/partner_gsusa.htm. Some religious organizations are not affiliated with P.R.A.Y. or may not have a national office. To learn about their religious recognitions, contact your local faith leaders.

Girl Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sabbath

give girls an opportunity to attend their place of worship and be recognized as a Girl Scout. In 2018, Girl Scout Sunday is Sunday, March 12, and Girl Scout Sabbath is Saturday, March 18.

Honor Troop Does your troop live the Girl Scout Promise and Law? Do they love outdoor activities, celebrating special days in Girl Scouting, and earning Girl Scouts’ highest awards? If so, you’re on your way to becoming an Honor Troop! A troop becomes an Honor Troop when girls have completed a number of requirements. Troops have all year to work on these

requirements, and many of them will be activities already planned with your troop, such as working on badges or Journeys, taking field trips, and doing community service. The Honor Troop Patch and Year Bar(s) can be worn by each member of the troop on the back of a sash or vest. Honor Troop Patches and Years Bar(s) are available for purchase through any GSNI council store. Visit www.girlscoutsni.org/forms to download the Honor Troop Application, and start checking off your troop’s activities today!

Make New Friends Patch Program “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” These words are more than treasured lyrics to a well-loved Girl Scout song; they are true for millions of girls and women. Lifelong friendships are made in Girl Scouting. This patch program helps girls invite new friends to share in the friendship of Girl Scouting. When a Girl Scout invites a non-member friend to

join her troop, she will receive the “GSNI Make New Friends” fun patch. For each additional non-member friend who joins, she will receive a segment to place around the patch. For more information, download GSNI’s Make New Friends Form at www.girlscoutsni.org/forms.

Program Aide Opportunities What is a Program Aide(PA)? A superstar! A role model! And it could be you too! Program Aides are girls trained to assist younger girls in activities and at events. Cadettes can earn a special award for this, and any girl, Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador, can take a Program Aide training to learn skills and be eligible to be a superstar-role model-volunteer at our selected events. Program Aide Basic Training covers how to work with younger girls, how to teach games and

activities, and how to work with adults. Program Aide Outdoor Training teaches how to work with girls outdoors and how to teach others outdoor skills. Girls can take the trainings in any order, and some volunteer opportunities require specific training. See opportunities to volunteer as a Program Aide on page 29.

Program Aide Basic Training

Program Aide Outdoor Training

Is your Girl Scout ready to lead? She can be a superhero and role model for younger Girl Scouts, just by being herself and with a little bit of training. She’ll learn how to work with younger Girl Scouts in a variety of settings and activities. She’ll also develop her teaching and communication skills through games and activities with friends. Can’t make this date? Check out the Program Aide in a Box program from our service center to run your own.

Take her leadership outside where she’ll share her love of the outdoors with younger Girl Scouts. She’ll add to her basic outdoor skills and learn how to teach those skills to younger girls. She’ll practice fire building, outdoor cooking and knots; and learn how to teach those skills to younger girls. What a great opportunity for day camp and Troop Trek Program Aides or Program Aides for service unit camp events!

Cadette Program Aide Award*

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

$7/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible

$15/girl, $7/adult | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Elgin Service Center

Sat, January 20, 2018

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Fri, March 30, 2018

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Fri, March 2, 2018

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Sat, April 21, 2018

Rockford Program Center

Sat, March 3, 2018

Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley

Sun, April 22, 2018

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Sat, May 12, 2018

Program Aide Training Overnight Camp Dean, Big Rock This basic leadership training prepares her to work with younger Girl Scouts in a day/twilight camp setting, at service unit and council events, or other troop/ group activities. In this training, she will develop her teaching and communication skills. She will also explore a variety of outdoor skills such as fire-building, outdoor cooking, knot tying, and how to teach these skills to younger Girl Scouts. Girls must attend the full training. They may not arrive late or leave early. Cadette Program Aide Award* 9–11 a.m. (overnight)

$35/girl, $17/adult

If you were ever a

Do you know a Program Aide who wants to help girls with their first camp experience? She’ll lead fire-building and activity stations while providing general assistance to troops attending Troop Trek. Cadette Program Aide Award* $35/girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible

Adult chaperones welcome but not required.

Tue, March 27–Wed, March 28, 2018

Troop Trek – Program Aides

Camp Dean, Big Rock

Fri, May 18–Sun, May 20, 2018

Mary Ann Beebe Center, Harvard

Fri, June 8–Sun, June 10, 2018

5 p.m.–6 p.m. (overnight) 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (overnight)

Daisy

Junior

Cadette

Brownie

You are a Girl Scout Alumnae!

Volunteer

Join our network of fun-loving women who continue to change the world www.girlscoutsni.org/alumnae

Senior

Ambassador 57

Girl Scouts opens up doors and opportunities for girls in all parts of life! We are committed to helping girls reach their goals by offering college scholarships. Some colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for Girl Scout Gold Award recipients. Be sure to check with your college’s Financial Aid office for available scholarships! Additional information on GSNI’s scholarships and how to apply will be posted on our website in January 2018 with an application due date of March 16, 2018.

GSNI Girl Scout Ambassador Scholarship The Girl Scout Ambassador Scholarship is for active, registered graduating Girl Scouts. Girls are asked to share their Girl Scout experiences, their community service, and their leadership roles during their junior and senior years in high school. Past GSNI Ambassador Scholarship recipients include girls who have completed Journeys, earned various awards

and badges, and led activities at service unit events or day camps—the list of their Girl Scout accomplishments is endless! They also have been student council members, part of church groups, and volunteered with community organizations. The scholarship application is due March 16, 2018.

GSNI Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship Girls graduating high school and who have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award by March 15, 2018, are eligible to apply for the Girl Scout

Gold Award Scholarship. This scholarship focuses on the girl’s Gold Award project along with her other Girl Scout, school, and community activities.

Scholarship Note: From time to time, GSNI is made aware of other non-Girl Scout sponsored scholarship opportunities. These opportunities are shared with girls via email and social media. To receive updates on scholarship opportunities, make sure your Girl Scout’s correct email address is on file by contacting Customer Care at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Prudential Spirit of Community Award Every year, nominations are sought for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a program sponsored by Prudential Financial. As a nominating Girl Scout council, GSNI can nominate girls in grades 5–8 and 9–12. The number of girls nominated is dependent on GSNI's current membership. Girls who have earned their Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award are excellent candidates. Even if a girl did not complete her Silver or Gold Award, but she

planted trees, planned and implemented a collection drive, or organized a craft day at her local homeless shelter—she may still apply! Information on who can apply and how will be available in the beginning of September, 2017, with applications being due in the beginning of November, 2017. As information becomes available, it will be shared via GSNI Facebook, Service Unit Meeting notes and Council Updates.

Associate Board Member Roles Is she passionate about leadership for girls? Would she use her voice to represent other girls? If so, she should consider applying for an Associate Board Member position with GSNI! Associate Board Member looks great on a scholarship application, college reference, and her future resume! As an Associate Board Member, GSNI’s Board of Directors will listen closely to her thoughts about ways to make local Girl Scouting better for girls. She will represent nearly 15,000 Girl Scouts in our council, so she will need to care deeply about Girl Scouts, be able to speak 58

up in a room full of adults, and occasionally help with or give presentations. She will also be asked to attend most board meetings in person. Meetings are held about every two months on Saturday mornings at various locations around our council. This position is open to all girls, ages 14 and older, registered with Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. For more information, contact Customer Care at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME or customercare@ girlscoutsni.org.

Programsin InaABox BoxCheckout Procedures Programs Procedures Start the fun with Programs in a Box! Reservations are required for all Programs in a Box, Journeys in a Bag, and equipment. To make a reservation for pick up and drop off, contact Customer Care at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME, email customercare@girlscoutsni.org, or complete a “Program Check Out Request Form” at www.girlscoutsni.org/forms. All Programs in a Box and equipment may not be available at all GSNI resource centers. See the “Program Check Out Request Form” on our website for item availability and pick-up locations. Schedule your pick-up a minimum of three weeks prior to ensure your items are ready. At the time of scheduling, you will also make your appointment for returning the item(s). Items will not be available for check-out on a “drop-in” basis.

At pick-up, you will be required to pay a deposit. The deposit can be paid using a check or credit/debit card. Deposits are returned in full, if all items are returned in good condition and on time. If items are missing or damaged, additional damage/ loss fee will assessed. The late fee is $1 per week day. NOTE: If you know you will be late or cannot fulfill your specified return date, please contact Customer Care. If the item is not reserved by someone else, an extension may be available. Schedule your return time, and be sure to give yourself time for GSNI staff to verify all items are included and in good condition. If you do not allow time, your deposit will be sent to you at a later date and/or you agree any damages or missing items assessed by GSNI staff will be charged to your deposit. Items may not be left outside resource centers. If using an item for a large group, service unit event, or camp, please contact Customer Care. All deposits and fees are applicable.

Event Processes/Procedure HOW TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

Registration opens August 30, 2017!

Unless otherwise noted:

Registrations and payment may be:

• Registration for events is open for both troops/groups and individuals.

• Completed online at www.girlscoutsni.org/activites, unless otherwise noted. • Mailed to the Sugar Grove Resource Center: 200 New Bond St., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. • Called in to 1-844-GSNI-4-ME. • Hand-delivered to any GSNI resource center during regular business hours. (GSNI is not responsible for forms dropped off when a center is closed.)

• If girls register as an individual, girls MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Registering online is the fastest way to ensure your spots are secured. Paper registrations are entered in the order they are received, and there may be a delay in this process during peak times. Registrations must be received by the deadline date. No spots will be held without payment.

EVENT CANCELLATIONS If an event does not meet the minimum registration by the deadline date, GSNI or our Preferred Partners reserve the right to cancel the event. Participants will be notified via email.

PAYMENT Payment in full MUST be submitted with the registration. GSNI Vouchers must be received prior to the expiration date listed on the coupon. Check event listings for exceptions to GSNI voucher acceptance.

Online Registration Online registration requires credit card payment and/or Adventure Allowance. “Cookie Dough/S’more Dough/Cashew Cash” cannot be used with online payment.

Paper Registration Cash, check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and/or GSNI vouchers are accepted.

CONFIRMATION A confirmation will be emailed to all participants shortly after the closing registration date. If you have not received a confirmation three days prior to the event, please contact Customer Care at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

CHAPERONES Adults must register for any event they will attend, whether or not an adult fee is charged. Fees are listed with the event description, when applicable.

• Troops registering as a group must meet proper girl/adult ratios. See Chapter 4 of Volunteer Essentials. • Adults accompanying participants may be responsible for: • Assisting with program activities as requested by program facilitator. • Administering any necessary disciplinary actions when behavior is disruptive. If behavior continues to be disruptive, the event facilitator may alert chaperones to handle the situation appropriately.

MEALS Participants are expected to provide their own meals, unless otherwise indicated in the event listing.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE A limited amount of financial assistance is available. Girl participants may request up to $15 twice per membership year for event financial assistance. Requests are considered in the membership year the event is being held, not the date submitted. If requesting financial assistance for an event, submit a completed financial assistance request WITH the event registration form. The financial assistance form may be found on www.girlscoutsni.org/forms.

REFUND PROCEDURE • A full refund of the fee (including deposit) is made ONLY if a participant can’t be placed in the event of her choice, or if it is necessary for GSNI to cancel an event. • A partial refund, cost of the event minus a $5 per person processing fee or 1/2 the event fee for events costing less than $10, will be given if requested in writing prior to the event deadline. When requesting a refund, include the following information in an email to customercare@girlscoutsni.org: name and address of participant, name and date of event, and reason for refund request. • When you register for or schedule an event with one of our Preferred Partners, their refund procedures may be applicable. • No refunds will be given after the event registration deadline. • If a Girl Scout membership registration fee was paid ($25), it is nonrefundable and non-transferable.

Steps to Becoming a Troop Leader Many volunteers say that one of the best experiences about being a Girl Scout volunteer is the ability to be mentor to girls and watch them grow. GSNI provides a variety of trainings and support throughout the year for new troop leaders to become successful in their volunteer position. Our team of Council Trainers and GSNI staff are at the ready to guide you in your mission to mentor girls as they take part in their own Girl Scout experience!

Four Steps to Becoming a Troop Leader: 1. Register by visiting www.girlscoutsni.org and clicking “Volunteer Now” on the home page.

a. Girl Scouting 101 (online)

2. Complete a background check.

c. Troop Financial Training (online)

3. Complete all required trainings to the right for troop leaders by visiting Online Support for Volunteers on our website.

d. New Leader Workshop (classroom)

b. Volunteer Essentials Quick Start Guide (online)

e. Level Training (classroom, specific to your troop’s Girl Scout level)

Interested in volunteering, but not as a troop leader? We have a number of opportunities with GSNI you can explore. Check out “Ways to Volunteer” on our website for the full list!

Volunteer Recognition Our volunteers are the driving force behind the Girl Scout mission. Every year, GSNI recognizes the hard work volunteers do to mentor and guide girls towards their goals and dreams. Here are some ways GSNI, parents, and volunteers recognize all our volunteers do throughout the year:

Volunteer of the Month – New in 2017! GSNI staff nominates volunteers who do an amazing job to provide a beneficial Girl Scout experience for girls and adults. Check out the monthly post on our blog to learn more about exceptional volunteers each month.

Certified Leader – Once a troop leader completes required training, they become a “Certified Leader.” This recognition demonstrates that a troop has dedicated and committed leaders to help girls strive to become all that they can be through a variety of opportunities throughout the year.

Service Unit Recognition – Every service unit in GSNI recognizes and appreciates local volunteers throughout the year. Whether something small or something big, volunteers make the difference when it comes to their local Girl Scout program. For more information on how our council is organized see pg. 10

Annual Recognition – Parents, volunteers, and GSNI staff have the opportunity every year to nominate volunteers for special awards to celebrate accomplishments from the year prior. Check out “Volunteer Recognition” on our website for a full listing of awards, past recipients, and the nomination form for the 2018 Annual Recognition process.

Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)

Volunteers For Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troops, troop leaders can easily enter their troop’s plans for the year as the girls decide what they want to accomplish. Volunteer Toolkit makes planning your year easy and fun. Girl Scout Journeys and badges are populated in your Year Plan. For more information on Journeys and badges see pg. 12.

Ambassador Journeys and Girl Guides to complete their year plans.

For Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Troops, troop leaders can add Journey activities, meeting plans, and event activities throughout the year based on what girls decide. Once the year’s activities are planned, parents and girls will be able to review the year plan online through their MY GS.

Want to know more about the Volunteer Toolkit? Check out the Volunteer Toolkit Webinars on our website and talk to a GSNI staff member! You can find more information on “Online Support for Volunteers” on our website.

For multi-level troops, troop leaders can choose activities from the Daisy, Brownie, and Junior curriculum within the Volunteer Toolkit. Troop leaders are able to combine meetings so activities for each level are included on meeting dates. Multi-level troop leaders can do everything Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troop leaders can do in the Volunteer Toolkit, as well. Older girl multilevel troops can add any content from the Cadette, Senior, and

It’s easy to add extra meetings and activities to your year plan as girls make decisions during the year. Plus, you can communicate with troop parents about meeting activities easily with a click of a button!

Parents Want to know what your troop plan is for the year? Just log into your MY GS Community, choose Volunteer Toolkit, and preview what activities your Girl Scout’s troop has planned any time during the year!e Want to find out more about the Volunteer Toolkit? Just sign in at www.girlscoutsni.org and check it out!

Share on Giving Tuesday November 28, 2017

Share you story now. Why are you a Girl Scout or Volunteer? What inspires you? Send to lmomberger@girlscoutsni.org

FAMILIES ACTIVELY SUPPORTING Girl Scout TROOPS Patch Program (F.A.S.*T.) Girl Scouts have a more enriched experience when family members join Girl Scouting. Show your support and commitment to developing independent and confident girls by registering as an adult member of

the Girl Scout Movement. F.A.S.*T is a 5 year patch incentive initiative that awards girls and encourages family members to be involved in their girl's GSNI adventure.

Here’s how troops participate and how your Girl Scout can earn her F.A.S.*T. patch: •

•

Family Meeting – Troops often hold a Girl Scout Family Meeting to let adult family Girl Scout members know how they can help. During the meeting, you’ll learn how you can support girls in a variety of program options!

•

F.A.S.*T. Patch Request Form – Once your girl's troop has achieved certain requirements, troop leaders will complete the F.A.S.*T. Patch Request Form for the troop. All registered adults and girls who have completed the steps will be included!

•

Nominate your Adult Family Girl Scout Members – Families work hard throughout the year helping girls achieve their goals! Troop leaders may nominate family members for special recognition through GSNI in appreciation for all they’ve done to support their troop during the year!

Family Volunteer Survey – You’ll also complete a Family Volunteer Survey to explore different helping opportunities available with your troop.

For questions about the F.A.S.*T. patch program, please contact Customer Care at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME.

Want your troop to stand out in a crowd?

2017 Design

Our troop t-shirts and hoodies are just what you need for your girls to show their troop pride! GSNI now offers one design in three different colors year round As a convenience to the troops, we now place monthly orders, September through May.

Visit one of our stores and ask about our latest design!

Every shirt has an optional troop # sleeve print

Volunteer Trainings New Leader Workshop Our New Leader Workshop is just what every new troop leader needs! Learn the essentials of troop management and safety while while creating an inclusive, girl-led environment! Explore many of the resources available for you and your girls. For more information, upcoming training dates, and to register visit www.girlscoutsni.org. Free Barrington Area Library

Wed, August 30, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Thu, October 19, 2017

10 a.m.–12 Noon

Sugar Grove Service Center

Thu, September 7, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Yorkville Area (TBD)

Thu, October 19, 2017

7–9 p.m.

Mt. Carrol Area (TBD)

Sat, September 9, 2017

10 a.m.–12 Noon

Pecatonica United Methodist Church

Sat, October 21, 2017

10 a.m.–12 Noon

Montgomery Area (TBD)

Tue, September 12, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

St. Charles Area (TBD)

Tue, October 24, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Aurora Area (TBD)

Wed, September 13, 2017

6–8 p.m.

American Community Bank & Trust (Huntley)

Wed, October 25, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Northern Aurora Area (TBD)

Thu, September 14, 2017

6–8 p.m.

McHenry Township Building (Lakemoor Room)

Thu, October 26, 2017

6–8 p.m.

St. Charles Area (TBD)

Sun, September 17, 2017

2–4 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sat, October 28, 2017

10 a.m.–12 Noon

American Community Bank & Trust (Huntley)

Tue, September 19, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Wed, November 1, 2017

10 a.m. –12 Noon

Barrington Area (TBD)

Wed, September 20, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Wauconda Area (TBD)

Wed, November 1, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Wed, September 20, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Thu, November 2, 2017

5:30–7:30 p.m.

State Bank of the Lake

Fri, September 22, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Sycamore Area (TBD)

Thu, November 2, 2017

7–9 p.m.

State Bank of the Lake

Sat, September 23, 2017

1–3 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran (Dixon)

Sat, November 4, 2017

10 a.m. –12 Noon

Freeport Service Center

Mon, September 25, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Byron Public Library

Sat, November 4, 2017

10 a.m. –12 Noon

Elgin Service Center

Wed, September 27, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Barrington Area (TBD)

Mon, November 6, 2017

9:30–11:30 a.m.

Calvary Methodist (Stockton)

Thu, September 28, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Mon, November 6, 2017

3–5 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Mon, October 2, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Woodstock Area (TBD)

Tue, November 7, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Mon, October 2, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Sat, November 11, 2017

10 a.m. –12 Noon

Kingston United Methodist (Kingston)

Tue, October 3, 2017

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sun, November 12, 2017

1–3 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Tue, October 3, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Tue, November 14, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Wed, October 4, 2017

9:30–11:30 a.m.

McHenry Township Building (Lakemoor Room)

Wed, November 15, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Wed, October 11, 2017

3–5 p.m.

Barrington Area (TBD)

Mon, November 20, 2017

6–8 p.m.

DeKalb Area (TBD)

Sat, October 14, 2017

9–11 a.m.

Elgin Service Center

Mon, November 27, 2017

5–7 p.m.

Whiteside United Way (Sterling)

Sat, October 14, 2017

10 a.m.–12 Noon

Barrington Area (TBD)

Thu, December 7, 2017

9:30–11:30 a.m.

Rockford Service Center

Sat, October 14, 2017

10 a.m.–12 Noon

Byron Public Library

Fri, February 2, 2018

10 a.m. –12 Noon

Cary/Fox River Grove Area (TBD)

Mon, October 16, 2017

6–8 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran (Dixon)

Sat, February 17, 2018

10 a.m. –12 Noon

Plano Area (TBD)

Tue, October 17, 2017

7–9 p.m.

Daisy Level Training This required course for all new Daisy troop leaders provides leaders of kindergarten and first-grade girls with an in-depth look at how to create a quality leadership experience for Girl Scout Daisies through the Girl Scout Leadership National Program Portfolio which includes Journeys and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. For more information, upcoming training dates, and to register visit www.girlscoutsni.org. Free Mt. Carroll Area (TBD)

Sat, September 9, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Calvary Methodist (Stockton)

Tue, November 14, 2017

6–7 p.m.

American Community Bank & Trust (Huntley)

Tue, September 19, 2017

5:30–6:30 p.m.

North Aurora Area (TBD)

Wed, November 15, 2017

7–8 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Wed, September 27, 2017

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Sat, November 18, 2017

11a.m–12 Noon

Aurora Area (TBD)

Wed, October 11, 2017

6:30–7:30 p.m.

Plano Area (TBD)

Tue, November 21, 2017

7–8 p.m.

State Bank of the Lakes

Sat, October 14, 2017

10–11 a.m.

Elgin Service Center

Mon, November 27, 2017

7–8 p.m.

Whiteside United Way (Sterling)

Sat, October 14, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Sat, December 2, 2017

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Pecatonica Methodist Church

Sat, October 21, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Barrington Area (TBD)

Thu, December 7, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Wauconda Area (TBD)

Wed, November 1, 2017

8–9 p.m.

Barrington Area (TBD)

Mon, January 8, 2018

8–9 p.m.

Sycamore Area (TBD)

Thu, November 2, 2017

6–7 p.m.

St. Charles Area (TBD)

Thu, January 11, 2018

5:30–7 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Thu, November 2, 2017

7:30–9 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sat, January 13, 2018

10–11 a.m.

Byron Public Library

Sat, November 4, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Sun, January 14, 2018

4–5 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran (Dixon)

Sat, November 4, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Tue, January 16, 2018

11 a.m.–12 Noon

Freeport Service Center

Mon, November 6, 2017

6–7 p.m.

Byron Public Library

Sat, February 3, 2018

1–2 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Mon, November 6, 2017

7–8 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sun, February 4, 2018

1–2:30 p.m.

Woodstock Area (TBD)

Tue, November 7, 2017

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Wed, February 7, 2018

4–5 p.m.

McHenry Township Building (Wonder Lake Room)

Wed, November 8, 2017

6–7 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Sat, February 10, 2018

11 a.m.–12 Noon

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sun, November 12, 2017

3–4:30 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran (Dixon)

Sat, February 17, 2018

1–2 p.m.

Barrington Area (TBD)

Mon, November 13, 2017

8–9 p.m.

Brownie Level Training This required course for all new Girl Scout Brownie troop leaders provides leaders of second and third-grade girls with an in-depth look at how to create a quality leadership experience for Girl Scout Brownies through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. You’ll discover and explore resources and awards through the use of the National Program Portfolio which includes Journeys and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. For more information, upcoming training dates, and to register visit www. girlscoutsni.org. Free Sycamore Area (TBD)

Sat, September 9, 2017

7–8 p.m.

Barrington Area (TBD)

Mon, November 20, 2017

8–9 p.m.

Mt. Carroll Area (TBD)

Sat, September 9, 2017

2–3 p.m.

Calvary Methodist (Stockton)

Tue, November 28, 2017

6–7 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Tue, October 10, 2017

10:30–11:30 a.m.

St. Charles Area (TBD)

Tue, November 28, 2017

12:30–2 p.m.

State Bank of the Lakes

Sat, October 14, 2017

11 a.m.–12 Noon

Elgin Service Center

Wed, December 6, 2017

7–8 p.m.

Whiteside United Way (Sterling)

Sat, October 14, 2017

2–3 p.m.

Wauconda Area (TBD)

Mon, December 11, 2017

1–2 p.m.

Pecatonica Methodist Church

Sat, October 21, 2017

2–3 p.m.

Cary/Fox River Grove Area (TBD)

Tue, January 2, 2018

6–7 p.m.

American Community Bank & Trust (Huntley)

Wed, October 25, 2017

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Mon, January 8, 2018

6–7 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran (Dixon)

Sat, November 4, 2017

2–3 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Tue, January 9, 2018

11 a.m.–12 Noon

Byron Public Library

Sat, November 4, 2017

2–3 p.m.

St. Charles Area (TBD)

Thu, January 11, 2018

7–8:30 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Mon, November 6, 2017

6–7 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Wed, January 17, 2018

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Wed, November 8, 2017

6–7:30 p.m.

Byron Public Library

Sat, February 3, 2018

2–3 p.m.

McHenry Township Building

Wed, November 8, 2017

7:30–8:30 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Sun, February 4, 2018

2:30–4 p.m.

Freeport Service Center

Mon, November 13, 2017

6–7 p.m.

Elgin Service Center

Wed, February 7, 2018

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Montgomery Area (TBD)

Tue, November 14, 2017

6:30–7:30 p.m.

Sugar Grove Service Center

Wed, February 7, 2018

6–7 p.m.

Yorkville Area (TBD)

Wed, November 15, 2017

7–8 p.m.

Barrington Area (TBD)

Mon, February 12, 2018

8–9 p.m.

Woodstock Area (TBD)

Thu, November 16, 2017

6–7 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Tue, February 13, 2018

6–7 p.m.

Rockford Service Center

Sat, November 18, 2017

10–11 a.m.

Immanuel Lutheran (Dixon)

Sat, February 17, 2018

2–3 p.m.

Note: Trainings for Girl Scout Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troop leaders are coming soon! If you are a new leader for these levels, please contact GSNI’s Volunteer Resource Manager for training information at customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Enrichment Trainings Volunteer Toolkit Webinars

Dig deeper into how you can use the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)! The Volunteer Toolkit will save you time in organizing your troop’s activities and goals for the whole year while keeping in touch with parents! Whether you are new to Girl Scouts, have an older girl troop, or multi-level troop, the Volunteer Toolkit has resources you need throughout the year! For more information, upcoming training dates, and to register visit www.girlscoutsni.org. Free VTK: The Basics

Tue, October 17, 2017

6:30–7:30 p.m.

VTK: Older Girl Troops

Tue, November 28, 2017

6:30–7:30 p.m.

VTK: The Basics

Tue, December 19, 2017

6:30–7:30 p.m.

VTK: Multi-Level Troops

Tue, January 23, 2018

6:30–7:30 p.m.

VTK Older Girl Troops

Tue, February 20, 2018

6:30–7:30 p.m.

Trefoil Talks You’ll look forward to these monthly conference calls with a special topic featured each month! GSNI staff and subject experts conduct a live discussion each month for volunteers to gather ideas, ask questions, and network on different Girl Scout-related issues throughout the year! For more information, upcoming training dates, and to register visit www.girlscoutsni.org. Free Songs & Ceremonies

Mon, October 30, 2017

7–7:45 p.m.

New Leader

Mon, November 27, 2017

7–7:45 p.m.

Camp

Mon, January 29, 2018

7–7:45 p.m.

Conflict Resolution

Mon, February 26, 2018

7–7:45 p.m.

When girls are given the opportunity, they can change the world!

Help us give them that opportunity by donating items on the GSNI Wish List!

More info at www.girlscoutsni.org/wishlist 66

Outdoor Training Progression Update Great news! All of GSNI’s outdoor training has been updated! Starting now, the following outdoor training progression will be available for all new troop leaders and troop camp volunteers: 1. Beyond the Troop Meeting (Free) – This self-study will be available online starting in August 2017, and will replace Field Trip Basics. 2. Lodge Camping (Cost: $3/adult) – This training has been updated to include fire safety and will replace Indoor Overnights. Lodge Camping is required for all adults preparing to take girls on an overnight trip to a facility with modern amenities, such as staying overnight indoors at one of the council-owned camps, a hotel with pool, a leader’s home, or a museum. Adults will learn the progression needed to prepare girls for an overnight trip, how to explore when girls are emotionally and physically ready to spend the night away from home, plan the trip, complete paperwork and safety preparations, and spark ideas on things to do in the outdoors to educate girls. Participants must complete Beyond the Troop Meeting before taking this training. 3. Outdoor Overnights (Cost: $25/adult) - This training is required for all adults who are preparing to take girls on an overnight trip. You will learn how to prepare a delicious, nutritious meal outdoors, safe dishwashing methods, review fire building and safety along with different types of cooking fires and methods. You’ll learn how to pitch a tent and put up mosquito netting, plus activities for camping, review of latrine care, and cleaning up with minimal impact to the environment. Participants are required to spend the night. Participants must complete Beyond the Troop Meeting and Lodge Camping before taking this training.

Lodge Camping & Outdoor Overnights Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley Lodge Camping and Outdoor Overnights may be offered separately or together throughout the year. For more information, upcoming training dates, and registration deadlines, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsni.org. Fri, September 8–Sat., September 9, 2017

7 p.m.–5 p.m. (overnight)

$28/adult

Green is Our Favorite Color. Purchase a Reusable Bag in any GSNI store for $5.00 and every time you bring it back you’ll receive 10% off of one item!

DID YOU KNOW?? By using one reusable bag in a year, it can replace 300-700 plastic bags!

www.girlscoutsni.org Having problems?

New Members JOIN NOW!

VOLUNTEER NOW!

Returning Members

MY GS

located in navigation bar

Contact Customer Care at 1-844-GSNI-4-ME or customercare@girlscoutsni.org 67

Photo by New Leaf Photography

She's

the

Boss

Girl Scout Product Programs Girl Scout Product Programs provide troops with the means to finance awesome Girl Scout experiences while encouraging girls to be independent and confident. The Fall Product Program occurs annually for two weeks during October and offers all girls 68

several methods of participation! The Girl Scout Cookie Program is offered every year to Girl Scouts in all levels during the months of January–March. Both Product Programs help girls learn practical life skills while challenging themselves and having fun! Girls can earn individual rewards while troops earn proceeds to help fund adventures for the year! There are also opportunities for local service units to earn a monetary bonus. In case you haven’t heard, 100% of the proceeds stay local within GSNI’s borders! Our national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA, does not receive any funds through GSNI’s Product Programs.

Girl Scout Fall Product Program GSNI’s Fall Product Program normally occurs during October, but if girls want to kick start their sale, they can begin online sales in September! Note: Participation at any time requires Girl Scout

registration for the new membership year. Fall Product consists of nuts, candies, and magazines with delivery of nut/candy products to troops in mid-late November.

Benefits It’s fun and easy to fund troop activities at the beginning of the year by earning a minimum of 15% of total sales. Troops will also receive an additional 2% on any online magazine sales! Proceeds contribute toward maintaining camps, programs, and properties that allow girls to enjoy unique, customizable experiences. Fall Products are great to share at gatherings and make excellent holiday gifts for teachers, clients, friends, and family.

New Products Look for new products in the Fall Product Program lineup! If collectible tins are your thing, you can count on us to have an imaginative Girl Scout tin, as well as a holiday tin, exclusively for you! Here’s a sneak peek at the Girl Scout tin being offered in the fall of 2017!

Financial Literacy Participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and Fall Product Program is a great way to introduce girls at any age to important financial skills they’ll use throughout their lives! Girl Scouts

learn five practical life skills which are vital for developing independence and confidence.

The 5 Skills: Shaping Your Girl’s Future DECISION MAKING

GOAL SETTING Girls set personal and troop goals, develop a plan to reach them, and track their progress.

MONEY MANAGEMENT

Girls play an active role in deciding when and where to sell cookies or fall product and how their troop proceeds should be spent.

Girls develop a budget, manage customers’ money, and develop practical life skills.

PEOPLE SKILLS Interacting with people face to face and through online platforms, such as Digital Cookie, helps girls build healthy relationships and social skills that can be used in day-to-day life.

BUSINESS ETHICS By being honest, trustworthy, and treating people fairly while participating in product programs, positive values are reinforced that will carry on throughout girls’ everyday lives.

Girls can complete requirements for the age-appropriate Cookie Business and Financial Literacy badges featured in The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. See examples of some requirements below: Daisies’ Count it Up Cookie Business badge requirements have 3 steps:

Daisy

Cadette

Senior

Ambassador

n It

1) Find out more about brand identity. 2) Check out the competition. 3) Research other products with a philanthropic angle.

Cadettes’ Marketing Cookie Business badge requirements have 5 steps:

ine

–

It !

It’s

COOKIE BADGES

3) Set a sales goal.

t ’s

u Yo

s–

FINANCIAL LITERACY BADGES

2) Learn about different kinds of cookies.

4) Develop your marketing message.

Junior

1) Find out what cookies cost.

Brownie

5) Create your marketing campaign.

To keep up with what we are offering in our Council Stores, visit our Pinterest page.

www.pinterest.com/gsnorthernil 69

Girl Scout Cookie Activity Pin The Cookie Sale Activity pin is an earned outlined in the Cookie Sale Activity award worn to show participation in Guide. Pin(s) are awarded each year in a the Girl Scout Cookie Program after different color. completing participation activities

Where Cookie Funds Go All cookie funds remain local! For every box of cookies sold by a GSNI Girl Scout through the cookie program, approximately 50% supports all GSNI council programs and properties, 22% supports local troops through troop proceeds and girl rewards, and 28% covers the cost to the baker for cookies, delivery, software support, and marketing development.

Troop Proceeds Participating in GSNI’s Product Programs helps your Girl Scout troop directly. Troops receive a portion of sale proceeds from both the Fall Product Program and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The average proceeds earned during the cookie program last year were approximately $900 with more than 30 high-achieving troops earning $3,000+ in troop proceeds. These funds can be

used to support Girl Scout activities, adventures, and service projects at the troop level. Individually Registered Girls (not in a troop) receive “S’More Dough” in lieu of troop proceeds— vouchers which can be used to support Girl Scout service projects, activities, and other adventures!

Examples of what troops can do with their Product Program proceeds:

⏵ Outdoor Activities & Adventures:

⏵ Career & Interest Exploration:

• Visit one of GSNI’s camps for a weekend! Troop camping is a great way to get outdoors and share in fun activities! • Don’t wait for summer! Plan a day at Chestnut Mountain and go snowboarding or skiing!

⏵ Travel & Global Community:

⏵ Practical Life Skills:

• Visit a nearby college or university campus! • Take an art class. • Design unique jewelry at a bead shop. • Attend a robotics competition or visit science museums.

• Plan a trip to New York City to take in a show or go to the • Serve a meal at a homeless shelter. top of the Empire State Building! While there, visit Ellis Island • Sew blankets or caps for newborns and donate to local and learn about the Statue of Liberty! hospitals. • Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, is a historical landmark. Many troops have discovered this is a great way to learn about the founder of Girl Scouts.

Support GSNI. When you shop at smile.amazon.com Amazon donates. ❧ 70

Digital Cookie Digital Cookie allows girls to take orders for cookies online and run their own cookie business with flair while gaining new technology skills! Through her personalized cookie site, she has access to fun quizzes, games, and videos to teach her about marketing, budgeting, resource allocation, and other critical business skills—encouraging her and guiding her to be successful. Girls can send marketing emails to their customers giving them the ability to order and pay for cookies online and allowing them three options: 1) Have cookies shipped directly to them. (Shipping and handling charges apply.) 2) Have an in-person delivery. (Girl delivers cookies upon parent approval with no shipping and handling fees.) 3) Donate the cookies. (No shipping and handling fees apply.) Using the online platform, girls can set their cookie goals, track their progress, manage orders and inventory, learn internet safety skills, and more—all while they earn age-specific Cookie Business badges and explore ways to help others by investing their earnings back into their communities.

Mandatory Online Troop Trainings for Troops All troops participating in the Fall Product and/or Girl Scout Cookie Program will have to complete a mandatory online training before receiving materials from their respective Service Unit Fall Product/Cookie Coordinator. Additional trainings and resources are also posted on our website to assist you along the way!

Do you want the GS Store at your Event? Would you like us to bring the store to you? We’d love to, but you have to request it! The Choose Your Adventure Mobile Store can roll up at your next Service Team meeting or Service Unit event if you act fast!

Contact GSNI to request the mobile store at: 1-844-GSNI-4-ME (1-844-476-4463) Keep an eye out for more information about requesting the Choose your Adventure truck for parades as well!

New Journeys and Badges

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the inside scoop on our newest STEM and Outdoor programs! New program offerings for STEM and Outdoor are here! Each is topic-specific, aligned to program outcomes, and can be used as a prerequisite to the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Look for these exciting new program resources for STEM and Outdoor activities in the online Volunteer Toolkit (VTK). Some are also available

Outdoor Activities & Adventures 72

online in downloadable PDF format. These new Journeys and badges fit perfectly into GSNIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Career & Interest Exploration and Outdoor Activities & Adventures focus areas. This year, GSUSA provided new resources primarily for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. Similar content, but with age-appropriate activities, will be released for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors for Fall 2018.

Career & Interest Exploration

STEM JOURNEYS Engineering | Think Like an Engineer Girls learn how to think like a designer by participating in hands-on design challenges and completing a Take Action project. DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WGBH/DESIGN SQUAD. DAISY THROUGH JUNIOR, MULTI-LEVEL (K–5)

Computer Science | Think Like a Programmer Girls participate in interactive computational-thinking activities to learn how programmers solve problems. Girls also complete a Take Action project. DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CODE.ORG. DAISY THROUGH JUNIOR, MULTI-LEVEL (K–5)

Outdoor STEM | Think Like a Citizen Scientist Girls learn the scientific method by undertaking a citizen science project that involves making observations, collecting data, and working with scientists to receive feedback on research and findings. Girls also complete a Take Action project. DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCISTARTER. DAISY THROUGH JUNIOR, MULTI-LEVEL (K–5)

OUTDOOR JOURNEY Outdoor Anchored by the Troop Camping badge, this new Journey will deepen girls’ outdoor skills through badges that lead to a Take Action project and inspire girls to take an interest in environmental stewardship. DAISY THROUGH AMBASSADOR

BADGES Engineering | Robotics Girls design their own robots after learning how they’re built and programmed. “Unplugged” activities allow girls to earn badges without buying kits. DAISY THROUGH JUNIOR

Engineering | Mechanical Engineering Girls complete hands-on engineering activities, such as building and testing roller coasters, race cars, and jumping robots. DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLDIEBLOX. DAISY THROUGH BROWNIE

Girls’ Choice | Troop Camping This year, girls from across the United States had the chance to vote for their favorite badge category and topic. And the winner is…Troop Camping! DAISY THROUGH AMBASSADOR

New Daisy Badges Two new Daisy badges, Outdoor Art Maker and Good Neighbor, give Daisies a chance to get in on the creativity other Girl Scouts already enjoy and discover all about their school, city or town, and state! DAISY

Thank You To Our Major Program Supporters

Keep in Touch!

The Big Book is just the beginning! We are here for you all year! Our Customer Care team is ready to assist you when you call 1-844-GSNI-4-ME (1-844-476-4463) or email customercare@girlscoutsni.org. In addition, there are always new and exciting things happening at GSNI, and we invite you to join the conversation on the following sites:

facebook.com/GSNorthernIL

pinterest.com/GSNorthernIL

instagram.com/GSNorthernIL

youtube.com/GSNorthernIL

Our website is another great resource for GSNI members. You will always be able to find event registration, forms, news, and contact information for GSNI staff no matter where you go! Make sure to bookmark www.girlscoutsni.org so you’re always in the know. The News section of our website is constantly being updated with stories of what girls are up to around the council. Check in often! Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois develops independent, confident girls by offering a variety of customizable experiences with opportunities to learn valuable life skills and try new things, all while cultivating the character to make a difference in the world. Thank you for your support – be as a volunteer, member, donor, or advocate! Here’s to a great year!

Thank you from all of GSNI 75

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Elgin Service Center 12N124 Coombs Road Elgin, IL 60124

Elgin Service Center Elgin, IL 60124

Girl Scout Express Barrington, IL 60010

Rockford Service Center Rockford, IL 61107

Freeport Service Center Freeport, IL 61032

Rock Falls Service Center Rock Falls, IL 61071

Sugar Grove Service Center Sugar Grove, IL 60554