Girl Scout Connections Fall 2023

“When I talk about why Girl

was important to me as a kid, it was a place where I felt the playing field was leveled…That feeling of belonging and empowerment was meaningful and helpful in making me who I am today. Every girl deserves that experience.”

– Susan Trujillo, GSACPC Board Chair

Letter from the Co-CEOs and Board Chair

Welcome to the 2023-24 Girl Scout membership year! Whether you are one of our newest Daisies, an Ambassador entering her 12th year as a Girl Scout, or a level in between, we are excited for your year of adventure.

As leaders of this incredible organization, we are grateful to each Arizona Cactus-Pine (GSACPC) parent, guardian, volunteer, and community member who believes in and invests in girls. We say this often, but it is worth repeating. GSACPC has the best volunteers who lead with their hearts and whose incredible service makes a huge difference. Thank you for your priceless gifts to the Girl Scout Movement, our council, and the young lives you impact daily.

Congratulations to GSACPC Gold Awardee Katharyn (Katie) Holm, who received the 2023 Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship for $10,000. Katie earned her Gold Award this year for her project, We Mean to Help, an online program containing resources on hotlines, psychologists, and coping mechanisms for mental health for younger audiences. We are so proud of Katie and all Gold Award Girl Scouts who make this world a better place.

In June and July, GSACPC hosted over 1369 girls at Girl Scout Summer Camp

across four beautiful properties in Prescott, Payson, and Phoenix. Our Navajo Nation STEM Camp hosted over 70 Girl Scouts in Tsaile. Girls traveled to incredible global destinations, including Japan, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. Members also traveled to Orlando, Florida, to attend the triennial Girl Scout National Convention (in-person postponed since 2020) where nine girl and adult delegates from Arizona Cactus-Pine met to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement and elect national leaders for the next triennium, including one of our very own. Congratulations to former GSACPC Board Chair, Lupe Camargo, on being appointed to the Girl Scouts of the USA Board of Directors!

When a girl comes through Girl Scouts, her leadership is bar none. As we venture into a new membership year let’s remind our community that before she becomes a CEO, discovers a new species, or teaches the next generation; she’s a Girl Scout.

Yours In Girl Scouting,

Mary Mitchell and Christina Spicer

Co-CEOs Susan Trujillo

Board Chair

GSACPC

GSACPC

Mary Mitchell, GSACPC Co-CEO

Christina Spicer, GSACPC Co-CEO

Susan Trujillo, GSACPC Board Chair

Social Shout Out!

Check out the most liked post from our Instagram page @GSACPC Jan. 1 – May 31, 2023. Then, head to our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages to make sure we’re connected!

Mascot Monday is our new social media series featuring GSACPC Girl Scouts and their pets! Whether it’s a cat, dog, bunny, or reptile, we’d love to see a photo of you and your favorite companion this cookie season (we’re not kitten).

#girlscouts #girlscoutsaz #gsacpc #GirlScoutCookieSeason #cookies #cookieboss #gscookies #galletasgirlscout

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Editor’s Corner Your Year of Adventure

Girl Scouts are full of curiosity, dreams, and talents. In every issue of Girl Scout Connections, our goal is to share your stories of adventure beyond cookies and camp because we know Girl Scouting is limitless. From skateboarding with friends in your favorite park to smashing a puck past an intense goalie, you are redefining what it means to be a Girl Scout.

Please continue to share your awesome adventures, celebrations, and news this membership year with us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories so we can feature them across our publications and social media channels. Also, please email suggestions for our magazine or comments about this issue to our Marketing and Communications Team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org

—Your Editorial Team

165 Likes

Adventures, Innovations, Leadership, Pushing Boundaries, Setting an Example, Taking Charge, Accomplishing Goals. This is Girl Scouts.

1 In March, Troop 1141 celebrated Girl Scout Sunday at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix. About 38 Girl Scouts sung in the choir and read scripture and prayer to those attending service. Next year, the girls look forward to inviting more Girl Scout troops to participate in the choir and/or program. Great work, Girl Scouts!

2 With community cleanups, tree planting, and giving back to local animal shelters, Troop 2167 has accomplished a lot! As a team, the girls worked together to clean Centennial Park and ensure visitors have a clean and healthy space to gather or play. They also donated food to their local animal shelter and planted sapling trees at the Arizona Humane Society, unlocking their Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch.

3 Let’s celebrate our Girl Scout Ambassadors from Troop 3050 and 2020, who recently learned handgun safety at C2 Tactical from Girl Scout Alum, Heather! After learning safety, proper stance, handling, loading, and firing, these young ladies got to spend an hour at the range practicing their aim. They all left feeling educated and empowered!

4 Troop 4929 used their cookie donations to help children in foster care! The troop members went shopping together and gathered items for A Mighty Change of Heart Arizona (AMCHAZ). After delivering, they volunteered to do inventory, stock shelves, and pack duffle bags for AMCHAZ kids. Sounds like an amazing day of giving back!

5 In April, the Girl Scout Juniors of Troop 6348 used their cookie proceeds to spend a magical weekend at Disneyland! Not only did they ride the fun roller coasters and eat yummy churros, but they bridged to Cadettes at California Adventure Park! To help them celebrate, Minnie and Mickey Mouse were waiting for them on the other side of the bridge.

6 Traveling with your Girl Scout sisters is always a great time! Troop 3095 (Juniors) and 2195 (Cadettes and Seniors) traveled to Shadow Rim Ranch to learn outdoor skills and plan their next camping trip. They cooked on buddy burners and outdoor stoves, learned knot tying, knife safety, campfire building, and trail signs. Each skill was taught by girls within the troop who learned the skill prior to camp. After a day of learning, they enjoyed archery and canoed through the pake.

7 This Silver Award project will serve the community for many years to come –demonstrating that Girl Scouts is more than cookies! During the pandemic, Troop 3632 and their families spent many days outside of Mountain Vista’s ICU talking and praying with families, which inspired them to give back with something thoughtful and uniting. To start their sunshine therapy garden, the girls submitted building plans to the City of Mesa and raised more than $30,000 to purchase building materials. We know this project will leave a lasting impact on the lives of many families. Outstanding work, Troop 3632!

8 Troop 4519 has been selling cookies for four years and each year, they choose a local nonprofit organization to donate a percentage of their cookie proceeds to. During cookie season, Troop 4519 gifted a package of Do-Si-Dos to a unhoused person they saw consecutively near their booth, inspiring them to donate to St. Vincent De Paul by using their cookie proceeds. The girls donated over 40 drawstring bags, zip lock bags, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, shavers, deodorant, sunscreen, chapstick, and detergent to support the nonprofit. We admire you, Troop 4519!

9 Using their cookie proceeds, Troop 7121 traveled to Tucson to visit Biosphere 2, the Southern Arizona Girl Scout Council Shop, Tombstone, Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, and took advantage of their trip to complete a service project at Kartchner Caverns State Park! They held a bridging ceremony over Rattlesnake Bridge and saw the new Little Mermaid movie. We’re proud of you, Troop 7121!

10 Look at that view! Adventurous Troop 4997 hiked the Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Did you know that the White Tank Mountain Regional Park was established in the 1960s? With thousands of acres, the park has an abundance of wildlife such as bobcats, mountain lions, javalinas, and more!

11 Elea nor, a Girl Scout Daisy in Troop 2188, earned the Girl Scout Global Action Award in May! To earn it, Eleanor first imagined her superpower to be the ability to repair damaged habitats, which shaped the structure of her project. She created a global citizenship commitment to use resources wisely and learned about the life cycle and history of blue jeans – coming up with a sustainable plan to recycle and reuse clothing items. Eleanor recommends donating them to a friend, store, or to a place of worship; however, they can also be repurposed into curtains, bags, pillows, or quilt patches.

12 In May, Troop 1557 of Coyote Plains held their final Bridging ceremony, after growing and working together since 2011 as Daisies! Girl Scouting has allowed the girls to participate in fun travel opportunities, camping, crafting, and community service. The trip they remember most is when they traveled to Los Angeles then to San Francisco where they bridged over the Golden Gate Bridge! On their way home, they wandered through Yosemite National Park, and Nevada – what an adventure, and most importantly, what a beautiful example of friendship and learning. Congratulations, Troop 1557!

We Want to Spotlight Your Girl Scout Memories and Milestones

Share your triumphs and favorite moments with us! Your stories could inspire others to begin their Girl Scouting journey. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/stories to submit your stories and photos.

Girl Scout Athletes Smash Gender Norms

By Zuri Torres

TThe phrase “You throw like a girl” has infamously been used in media, on sports fields, and within social circles, suggesting weakness and inadequacy–that women fall short in their athletic abilities and are, therefore, inferior. Girl Scouts in Arizona are rewriting this narrative by stepping into traditionally male-dominated sports, being team leaders, and exposing that phrase’s sentiment for what it is: false.

For Girl Scouts Kennadi and Savanna, their passion for athleticism led them both to join co-ed teams in pursuit of personal growth. Savanna, a Girl Scout Senior, has been on her school’s co-ed varsity track and field team for the past two years. When asked how it feels to be one of few girls on a male-dominated

team, Savanna shared, “there is so much pressure to perform well – I feel like I need to prove that I am worth my spot on the team.” Although Savanna does not directly compete with boys during track meets, she does practice with them. “In an all-girls sports team, like volleyball, which I am also a part of, the team culture is centered in encouragement, and with boys, it feels more competitive.”

Girl Scout Senior, Kennadi, felt similarly when speaking about her experience being one of two girls in her high school’s co-ed flag football team; she, at the time, was an eighth grader. “I was terrified for my first practice. There was only one other girl on the team, and although she and I bonded and have since become close friends, I felt a divide.” Kennadi grew up with three brothers who love football, so being surrounded by boys with a deep love of the sport was not out of the ordinary, but being on a team with older students who held a bond tied to gender

Kennadi, Troop 1658

Kennadi, Troop 1658

presented an obstacle. “At first, I felt like they hated me,” shared Kennadi, “it didn’t feel so much as a gender thing, but more about the age difference because I was an eighth grader joining a team of high schoolers. I felt a lot of pressure all the time; I tried so hard and would overthink my actions so much that I ultimately felt like I was failing my team.”

The stress girls face to be perfect is overwhelming, especially in sports with a clear objective to win. Navigating a team culture that has whispers of traditional gender norms leads girls to seek validation of their athletic talents when it is their self confidence that should take precedence. Having been Girl Scouts for multiple years, Savanna and Kennadi found themselves using skills they’d gained to overcome these obstacles.

The benefits for girls in sports complement what they experience in Girl Scouting. They have increased self-esteem, confidence in decision-making and problem-solving, and a sense of belonging. “Girl Scouts has taught me how to have a growth mindset and helped me learn how to navigate stress and pressure,” shared Kennadi. Savanna also shared her thoughts, saying “sports has taught me how to learn from my mistakes which is similar to Girl Scouts where I have been able to challenge myself and grow personally because of it.”

The difficulties that both girls experienced in their teams became essential to finding their place and strength in those environments. “I made a lot of friends within my team, and we even made it to district! If I could go back and talk to myself when I was freaking out about tryouts, I would tell myself to just go for it because it’s worth it,” Savanna said when reflecting on this past track and field season. Kennadi found success with her team too and will be returning this upcoming season – “being in a maledominated sport pushes you harder, and you get to see another perspective and challenge it. In the end, I found that our determination to win superseded any gender norms.”

There is no one way to be a Girl Scout. We are athletes, artists, activists, and more. Hearing the stories of how girls are using skills gained through Girl Scouting to carve a path for other girls to succeed and disprove negative gender stereotypes associated with girls and women proves that our movement is doing what it needs to do – creating leaders the world needs.

Savanna, Troop 7428

Savanna, Troop 7428

Girl Scouting Through Generations

By Darian Cruz

The Girl Scout uniform is a unique piece of clothing that transcends decades of fashion trends. What started with green berets and midi skirts, eventually evolved to reflect societal standards on women’s fashion and historical events – introducing a more practical design to help Girl Scouts move comfortably in the outdoors and complete community service projects.

As an essential component of Girl Scouting, uniforms – whether vintage or new – carry years of stories and memories with them. With a glance, anyone connected to the Girl Scout Movement gets flashbacks of joy and nostalgia, almost like they found a time capsule. For Angela Slater, this is what it felt like to see her daughter wear a 1980’s Girl Scout Brownie uniform that once belonged to her.

“I remember shopping for it with my mom and my grandma, and we didn’t have a lot of money, so it was a really big deal for me to get it,” said Angela. “When Willow goes door-to-door wearing her uniform, a lot of people strike up a conversation as soon as she rings the doorbell; they say things like ‘I remember that uniform’ or ‘my daughter used to have that uniform’.”

Growing up in a traditional church, girls were expected to follow rules that boys didn’t have to. For Angela, joining Girl Scouts was a way to go against the grain and breakthrough sexist attitudes that fueled divisive gender stereotypes. Some of her favorite childhood memories stem from her seven years of Girl Scouting – Watching Grease for the first time with her troop, participating in service projects, craft activities and tent camping.

Girl Scout alum, Angela (right) with her daughter, Willow (left)

“Being a Girl Scout has really helped Willow with her confidence; It has helped her build interpersonal skills, a growth mindset, and a willingness to try new things.”

Now, she encourages Willow and her eldest daughters to take risks and grow into fearless women despite contemporary challenges.

“I want them to be independent, and when an emergency happens, to be able to take care of themselves and other people which is something they start learning as Daisies,” said Angela. “Being a Girl Scout has really helped Willow with her confidence; It has helped her build interpersonal skills, a growth mindset, and a willingness to try new things.”

For Willow, wearing pieces of her mom’s uniform keeps her close to family traditions, and helps her sell during cookie season! She describes her vintage uniform as a great conversation starter that sparks lots of curiosity

and interest in what it’s like to be a Girl Scout. Like Willow, Angela also participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and remembers her grandmother being the reason she met her cookie goals during a time when digital orders were nonexistent.

“Being successful during cookie season depended on your parents because they would take your order form to work with them, and since my dad was a heavy equipment operator and my mom stayed at home, my grandma who was a hairdresser, would take orders from her clients,” said Angela. “My grandmother’s favorite cookie was the Trefoil, and though Willow didn’t get to meet her, she tells her customers ‘these were my greatgrandma’s favorite’,” said Angela.

Even though Girl Scouting has evolved, not only evident through the uniform, there’s a stand-out similarity that connects Angela and Willow’s experience and something that remains true through generations: Girl Scouts has always been a community that empowers girls to reach higher, dream bigger, and change the world.

2023 Girl Scouts National Convention

Council Highlights

Girls Own Their Sparkle at Annual Meeting

After three years of virtual ceremonies, our jurisdiction reunited in-person for Annual Meeting at the Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain in March. The venue filled with familiar and new faces as we united to celebrate our council’s achievements from the past year and discussed necessary benchmarks to ensure we continue to serve girls at the highest level.

Media Ambassadors and Girl Voice Committee members presented on council milestones such as our second annual Bring Home the Cookies 5K, the return of Badge Bash, and international travel highlights. We acknowledged the commitment and contributions of Lupe Camargo who served as council’s Board Chair for three years – her leadership and passion proving essential when navigating the pandemic. After honoring Lupe’s tenure, we continued the celebration by welcoming Susan Trujillo, a Girl Scout alum and former Financial Committee Chair as our new Board Chair along with new board and board development committee members.

Thank you to our 2023 national delegates at the convention.

Jessica Brown

Alyssa Hill

Ella Killebrew

Allison Lee

Courtney Mendoza

Sandie Patchett

Christina Spicer

Sarah Witte

Kaitlyn Van Der Werf

After the business meeting concluded, Gina Ferroni, a Girl Scout Media Mentor, hosted an interview with Co-CEOs Christina Spicer and Mary Mitchell. They shared their connection to the Girl Scout Movement and how their experiences in Girl Scouting led them to their current executive roles. Annual Meeting was a memorable experience - connecting staff, volunteers, and Girl Scout families through a shared passion for Girl Scouting and building an equitable movement.

Media Mentor, Gina, hosting post-event interview with GSACPC Co-CEOs.

Media Ambassador, Avery, presenting some of our Council highlights.

Girl Scouts celebrate by breaking geodes!

The Girl Scout Mobile Building Space

Thank you to our Mobile Building Space funders!

The creation of the Girl Scout Mobile Building Space was made possible by the support of our amazing community partners who shared our vision for this new program.

Girls across our jurisdiction can now gain hands-on learning experiences around construction, engineering, architecture, automotive, and general life skills by visiting the new Girl Scout Mobile Building Space. Our council has received incredible support over the past two years to bring this initiative to life with our partners from Girls Can Build, comprised of industry experts and mentors. We are also grateful to local sponsors, individual donors, and community leaders passionate about empowering the next generation of girls in predominantly male-dominated fields. The beautifully branded and retrofitted 20’ box truck equipped with tools and gadgets will be integrated into Girl Scout programming, travel to camp properties, and appear at signature events. Girl Scouts get ready to tinker, build, and dream!

A special thank you to Girls Can Build and Sharp Construction for spearheading this project with us and to The Design School at ASU, Kenzy Architects, and Stratton Motor Cars for their countless contributions and expertise.

We are deeply grateful to the funders that provided the resources necessary to purchase the vehicle and transform it into a tinker-lab-onthe-go that will serve girls for years to come. Their trust, faith, and belief in investing in girls helped make this dream a reality.

Fiesta Bowl Charities

Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation

Toyota

Valley of the Sun United Way

Individual Donors & Local Businesses

Council Highlights

GSACPC History Committee Corner

The Girl Scout Patch Jacket

By Julia McKee-Ostos

When I first started as a Girl Scout leader in 2010, a friend showed me her patch jacket from her days as a Cadette in Flagstaff in the early 1980s.

Last year, I posted on one of the many Girl Scout history Facebook pages for information on patch jackets and I received a flood of responses! I didn’t have a patch jacket as a Girl Scout in Michigan in the 1970s, yet many alumni from across the country shared they wore patch jackets as early as the early 1960s. A patch jacket identified where you were from and where you had been. Girls wanted to have a place to show off their fun patches, so they started wearing patch jackets, usually a windbreaker jacket, sweatshirt, or a denim work shirt.

“Back then leaders didn’t really wear uniforms – we wore the patch jackets instead”, says Christine (Elizabeth’s mother, and former troop leader) “All the leaders liked to wear them to show people what we had

accomplished with our troops.” Elizabeth and Christine currently serve as volunteers in the Palo Verde Neighborhood in Troop 6091. Girl Scout patch jackets became more prominent as Girl Scout Seniors began to attend councilwide or national events, such as Senior Roundups in the mid-1950s, with the first fun patches emerging in 1956 in Michigan. The first Girl Scout patch jackets were for patches only, not official insignia. At that time, Intermediate Girl Scouts – now known as Juniors and Cadettes – added a sash to the uniform in 1951, but it wasn’t until 1973 that girls started to put patches on the back of their vest after seeing GSUSA’s catalog for Cadettes.

Carol Celebre Miller, an adult volunteer for her daughter (troop leader) and granddaughter’s Troop 3811, remembers wearing her patch jacket as a Cadette and Senior in the late 1960s in the Maricopa Council. “I wanted all my badges, pins and patches in one place,” says Carol. “When I bridged Girl Scouting levels, I took everything

Elizabeth Halverson, today, wearing her Troop 3 Cadette/Senior patch jacket, from the late 1990s.

Christine Erwin, back in the day, wearing her leader patch jacket in the late 1990s.

off my sash and put it on my patch jacket.”

Since the patch jacket was never an official GSUSA uniform, girls bought their jackets from various places like Sears, J.C. Penney, or thrift stores. Official dark blue leader vests rolled out for the first time in 2019. Some girls had two sets of insignia, one for their official uniform, and one for their patch jacket. Other girls moved their membership pins back and forth. “We never put anything on uniforms that wasn’t official in the 1960s, which is why we made patch jackets,” says lifetime Girl Scout member, Hollis Barton.

The patch jacket is very serious business to many Girl Scouts. “I don’t just collect patches; I’ve earned every single one,” says lifetime Girl Scout member Lois. “Everything on that jacket represents the places I’ve gone and the things I’ve done in Girl Scouting.”

Council Highlights

Honoring Mary Louise Spikerman

Mary Louise Spikerman, a longtime volunteer with the GSACPC History Committee, passed away in November 2022. She joined Girl Scouts as a girl in 1942, earning the highest award, the First-Class pin. She first became a leader for her own daughters in 1964 and volunteered as a trainer, event manager, camp coordinator, Girl Scout Religious Pin Committee Leader, and instructor in six councils (including TOFL-Troops on Foreign Soil) as their military family moved around. Mary Louise earned many awards, including several Pearl Awards, the 65-year Member Numeral Guard, the 60 Volunteer Years of Service pin, and the Honor pin.

Mary Louise’s love of history and Girl Scouts convinced her to volunteer for the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum and Heritage Center (i.e. History Committee) starting in 2010. Her knowledge of Girl Scout history, both national and local, was impeccable. Mary Louise embodied the Girl Scout spirit and lived the Girl Scout Law every day.

History Committee Members, Joyce Maienschein (left) and Mary Louise Spikerman (right).

Carol Miller, back in the day, wearing her Cadette/ Senior patch jacket.

Carol Miller, today, wearing her late 1960s Cadette/ Senior patch jacket.

Addressing the Challenges in Arizona’s Education System

By Girl Scout Senior, Jocelyne Duenas, in collaboration with Darian Cruz

When I was younger, I was told that teachers don’t make a lot of money, especially in Arizona – one of the lowest states for school funding, teacher pay, and school spending per student.

After listening to an amazing teacher of mine talk about how much he and his colleagues earn, I became interested in learning more about teacher salaries in Arizona and how this might impact the quality of education students receive.

As I write this, Arizona’s average teacher salary is around $54,000 a year. Now, that may not seem like a very low number, but adding taxes and rising cost of living expenses, the average teacher salary doesn’t seem so high anymore. Compared to Rhode Island, a much smaller state, the average teacher salary is $76,000. Because of the pay, some of our teachers have to pick up seasonal jobs to earn money while school is not in session. Something else that sets Arizona’s education system apart from other states in the country is the average spending per student, a number or percentage used to determine how much money states spend on pupils. According to a 2022 United States Census Bureau report, our state spent $8,785 per student, ranking us 51st in the country (if we include Washington, D.C.). This number reflects the low investments in education and represents a great need for programs that are necessary for students to thrive

in public schools. Because of the investment or lack thereof, schools are unable to offer performing and visual arts classes, sports team coaches and even healthcare

professionals because they cannot afford to hire more staff. As a result, a lot of students are left without that essential piece of education that can help develop skills and talents which they can use throughout their careers and lives.

Teachers play a big role in a child’s development and are usually the ones that kids spend the most time within a day during the school year. They not only teach us general subjects like math and social sciences but teach us about discipline and the importance of following our dreams. With the challenge of salaries and low education funding, it makes sense as to why we are experiencing a teacher shortage in Arizona. I believe students in Arizona deserve to thrive, and to increase our success, our state must allocate more funds to hire qualified teachers, and bring back those extracurricular programs and activities that we desperately need.

Are you interested in sharing your voice with the Girl Scout community? Pitch a Pass the Mic story today at https://bit.ly/41Nxllk

Arizona’s average teacher salary is around $54,000 a year.

Our state spent $8,785 per student, ranking us 51st in the country

I believe students in Arizona deserve to thrive, and to increase our success, our state must allocate more funds to hire qualified teachers, and bring back those extracurricular programs and activities that we desperately need

Meet GSACPC Board Chair, Susan Trujillo

Susan takes on the role for a three-year term after serving on our board since 2016. She is currently a partner in the Phoenix office of Quarles & Brady LLC. In addition to her work with the Girl Scouts–Arizona CactusPine Council, Susan currently serves on the Arizona Bar Foundation Board of Directors and is also President of the Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) Board of Directors.

By Susan Brichler Trujillo

Like many of you, my Girl Scout story begins here at Arizona Cactus-Pine. I started as a young Girl Scout with this council, and my mom was my troop leader.

I came to camp and vividly remember sleeping on the ground in tents at Camp Sombrero (Now known as the Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women) and making dolls out of cornhusks. I also learned how to ride a horse at Camp Maripai. My mom talks about dropping me off at camp, and a week later, seeing a different girl walk down the gravel road to get in the car. She always felt that I returned more confident, and she was right.

When I talk about why Girl Scouting was important to me as a kid, it was a place where I felt the playing field was leveled. My voice was heard just as much as whoever the popular girl was at the time because, honestly, that girl wasn’t me. That feeling of belonging and empowerment was meaningful and helpful in making me who I am today. Every girl deserves that experience.

As Board Chair, supporting your Girl Scouting adventure is a gift and an honor. In addition to your troop leaders and family, an entire group of people at Arizona Cactus-Pine is working hard to ensure you can dream big and do good in the world. I am grateful for Lupe Camargo, who graciously passed the torch to me in April and, over the last three years, led our council through some historic moments. Likewise, I’m deeply honored to continue working

with our wonderful board, Mary, Christina, and the staff, who all believe in building girls of courage, confidence, and character.

Girl Scouts, I hope your new membership year leads to memories like mine that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Susan Trujillo, GSACPC Board Chair

Artist Corner Girl Scout Wins Doodle for Google Art Contest!

From self-expression to advocacy, artists have the ability to illustrate emotions and concepts that may feel abstract to us. Girl Scout

Paloma from Troop 7387 did just that with her piece titled “Worlds of Gratitude” for the 2023 Doodle for Google contest. The piece illustrates her love for both her imaginary and real world. Paloma won the contest for Arizona and went on to compete in the semi-finals!

Congratulations, Paloma –thank you for sharing your art with the world.

GS Impact Team Shares Girl Scouting in Important Spaces

The Girl Scout Sisterhood is a bond founded in trust with the ability for girls to be their authentic selves, explore new opportunities, and foster lasting friendships in female-led spaces. Arizona Cactus-Pine works diligently to ensure that all girls in our jurisdiction are given equitable access to the benefits of Girl Scouting; at the root of that effort is our GS Impact Team.

“Every girl deserves an opportunity to be a Girl Scout – our 11 person team is dedicated to identifying the spaces in which a traditional troop setting may not be the most effective way to provide this opportunity,” shared Jenna Grubb, Multicultural Manager for GSACPC overseeing the GS Impact Team. “We ensure Girl Scouting is available for girls in three intentional ways, through community partnerships, Girl Scout Centers and Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) programming.”

The GS Impact Team provides families with insight into the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and organizes programs in partnership with community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Chicanos Por La Causa, UMOM New Day Centers, and more. Our council is aware of the social and systematic challenges that girls face, impacting their road to success. With our Girl Scout Centers, our GS Impact Team creates a sense of community and belonging in areas where Girl Scouts does not have a strong presence. In that realm of work is GSACPC’s Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) program - bridging Girl Scouting in a special way.

Thank you to our amazing GS Impact Team!

Established in 1994 in partnership with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, GSBB allows the GS Impact Team to hold monthly troop meetings for girls impacted by incarceration – whether their mother and/ or grandmother are currently incarcerated at one of our partner facilities. As the leader of western states, Arizona’s incarceration rate impacts girls whose parents are behind bars, increasing their challenges with mental health, physical aggression, and substance abuse. GSBB offers an opportunity for a girl to be reconnected with their incarcerated family member but also overcome these odds and build the futures they deserve.

When speaking on the impact of GSBB in these spaces, Senior Program Coordinator, Ciara Dixon shared “Every girl has a powerful story, and girls in these spaces are included in that. To be a part of this experience in helping girls find their voice and help them amplify it is a privilege.”

GS Impact serves over 500 girls in our jurisdiction, with 26 girls being positively impacted by the GSBB Program. Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus – Pine Council is honored to have a team dedicated to these spaces whose passions align with our mission. To close the interview, Jenna shared these powerful words “As we continue to create leaders the world needs, we are equipped to break down barriers that stand in the way of a girl’s success because every girl is worth the fight”.

To learn more about GS Impact program and/or volunteer opportunities, please contact gsimpact@girlscoutsaz.org

Onto New Adventures: Celebrate our Girl Scout Graduates!

For many years, our Girl Scouts have left a legacy of change and a trail of accomplishments everywhere they go. Whether they started their Girl Scout journey as a Daisy or joined the movement later on, they’ve dedicated hours of their time to meet with their troops, outline their goals, coordinate service projects, pursue High Awards, and more. Congratulations to our 2023 Girl Scout graduates – who will continue to make a difference in every space they walk into!

Kirsten Buelt

Kirsten Buelt has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and recently graduated magna cum laude from Hamilton High School. She has been an encampment leader for several years in the West Chandler Service Unit and earned her Bronze and Silver High Awards. She plans to study computer science this fall at Arizona State University. Girl Scouts helped her develop a love for the outdoors and provided her with outstanding leadership opportunities.

“From being a young Brownie to now a graduated Ambassador, the memories, and skills that Girl Scouts has given me are irreplaceable. As I enter a new chapter of my life, I’m very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and all of the support I’ve received – motivating me and giving me the tools to achieve my dreams!”

Paige Jarvis

Paige Jarvis has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, strengthening her relationship with her mother who was also involved in Paige’s Girl Scouting experience. “I learned a lot in Girl Scouts and can’t wait for my next journey! I am now a lifetime member and studying to be a police officer.” Paige graduated high school and Mohave Community College and is now headed to Northern Arizona University.

“I was always encouraged to lead in Girl Scouts, and this experience taught me skills that I will use for the rest of my life and especially as a fresh high school graduate. I mastered time management, group leadership, maintaining my mental wellbeing, work/life balance, public speaking, and mentoring, just to name a few. These skills put me ahead of the game academically and as an adult volunteer, I look forward to teaching these same qualities to the next generation of Girl Scouts!”

For Paige Chilicky, Girl Scouts has been an opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and gain confidence. With the support of her wonderful leaders, Paige felt like she could be her true self without judgement. Through the Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie Programs, Paige learned how to speak to people fearlessly, helping her develop a strong sense of confidence that she always seems to carry. Because of her commitment to community service, Paige has earned college scholarships that will shape her future into a bright and successful one!

Amanda Jimenez

Gina Ferroni

Paige Chilicky

Thank You to our Summer Camp Funders!

GSACPC has generous philanthropic partners who help fund Girl Scout Summer Camp and provide camperships so every girl who wants a camp experience has the opportunity. We appreciate our funders who understand the importance of providing girls time to stretch their independence, soak in nature, and explore new interests at camp. Thank you to our donors who made Girl Scout Summer Camp a funfilled, memorable experience for all girls!

APS

Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement

Burns & McDonnell Camp Colley Foundation

Holbrook Pyle Fund

Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

Summer Youth Program Fund

Support Sky Harbor

Tempe Diablos

Girl Scout Summer Camp

From Phoenix and Payson, our camp properties were radiating with joy and vibrant Girl Scout energy! The second campers stepped foot into their cabin, camp staff and volunteers welcomed them to a week of adventure and outdoor recreation. Campers explored the habitats of mythical creatures at Shadow Rim Ranch; painted ceramics and zip-lined at Willow Springs; rock climbed at Parsons Leadership Center and rode horses at Camp Maripai! After singing along to musical hits and learning the best s’mores roasting technique, every day spent at camp became an opportunity to gain confidence and create memories to last a lifetime. These incredible camp experiences encourage girls to step out of their comfort zone, express themselves creatively, and develop a skillset that will stay with them. Thank you to our camp directors, staff, and volunteers for providing a fun and safe environment for girls to explore, take risks, and build community.

It was my first Girl Scout Camp experience and my favorite part was the overnight stay! We had so much fun playing games, listening to Disney songs, and made s’mores. I also made new friends at camp and exchanged S.W.A.P.S. before saying our goodbyes. I won’t forget my first camp experience and all the memories that we created together (like spotting a spider when we only had five minutes left to complete the shower).

I was so excited to attend Shadow Rim’s Cadette Adventure six-day summer camp! I got to experience so many new and exciting things like ziplining and rock climbing. I learned how to embroider and canoe in the infamous pake! It was such an unforgettable first Girl Scout Camp experience; I loved it!

Avery, Girl Scout Cadette

Emely, Girl Scout Brownie

Girl Scouts on the Navajo Nation Explore the World of STEM

nIearly June, GSACPC hosted the fourth Girl Scout STEM Camp on the Navajo Nation.

Nearly 70 girls gathered for a jampacked weekend of hands-on and experiential learning, thanks to our partners at Navajo Transitional Energy Company, the APS Foundation, and Cook Native American Ministries Foundation, Diné College, and the Land Grant Office, hosted the event at their campus in Tsaile, AZ. Here, girls experienced STEM-based learning like solar and seed science, design thinking and engineering processes, quantum physics, stargazing and astronomy.

Camp opened Friday night with a visit from Miss Navajo, Valentina P.N. Clitso, who encouraged girls to think about their education and the importance of sharing their STEM camp learnings with their community. Afterwards, girls had an opportunity to work in teams and design a roller coaster using recycled and found objects—learning the basics of the design engineering process which laid groundwork for the weekend’s

future activities.

On Saturday, girls spent the day learning about solar energy, UV light, and astronomy with NAU’s AIMER. Activities included looking through telescopes at the daytime and nighttime sky. ¡Explora! Science and Children’s Museum from Albuquerque taught them about water filtration and aquifers, and girls also learned about the stages of plant growth. NAU’s MIRA stretched their imaginations with the basics of quantum science all while girls donned lab coats. The girls also had a chance to participate in more traditional camp activities like archery and a campfire complete with s’mores.

Other notable visits from Navajo women included time with Navajo Nation Vice President, Richelle Montoya, and Emily Staley, a fifth-generation tour guide from Canyon de Chelly. Both women shared with girls, the importance of remaining true to themselves and how they represent the future of the Navajo people, culture, and traditions. By the end of the weekend the girls had earned a whopping 13 patches to display proudly on their vest or sash.

Girl Scouts use teamwork to build a roller-coaster.

Girl Scouts explore the world of quantum science.

Selfie time with Valentina P.N. Clitso, Miss Navajo Nation 2022-2023.

Getting ready to try the archery range!

That’s A Wrap! The 2022-23 Media Ambassador Program

Congratulations to our Girl Scouts who participated in this year’s Media Ambassador Program! They represented our council and spread the positive impact of Girl Scouting in our communities through various TV interviews, social media content, news articles, and creative photoshoots.

This year, we hosted multiple media outlets at our council’s cookie warehouse to promote the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program and toured the studios of AZ Family’s 3TV & CBS 5, Arizona PBS, and the Phoenix Theatre Company. To conclude our 2022-23 Media Ambassador Program, we featured an exclusive Q & A session with local female leaders in the media industry at our annual Media Ambassador celebration.

Thank you to our Media Ambassadors who actively participated in the program throughout the year; your voices help us share our organization’s story and emphasize the power of Girl Scouting.

Aarohi Ghorpade

Addison Cowan

Alyvia Scott

Aujenae Tyler

Avery Kaiser

Brynlee Rogers

Catalina Begay

Caylee Landry

Daphne Thomas

Emely Shaffer

Gina Ferroni*

Hope Bellefeuille

Imara Webb-Blakely

Isabella Baron

Jania Stuart*

Kennadi Gramlich

Kennedy Lettieri

Kennedy Sullivan

Kiana Jeskewitz*

Kiara Kuykendall

Become a Media Ambassador!

Madeleine Lettieri

Maya Hamer

Miracle Tyler

Nadia Kharoufeh

Penelope Ruiz

Scout Hubner

Shirah Avalos

Willow Warren

*Thank you to our Media Mentors for guiding our Media Ambassadors through the program and being excellent role models and leaders.

Available to Girl Scouts of all levels, the GSACPC Media Ambassador Program creates opportunities for girls to enhance their public speaking skills, tap into their creativity with social media content and attend workshops that provide insight into this career path.

Interested in participating? Complete our online application (available in English and Spanish) by Nov. 5. Details on our Media Ambassador training will be shared with candidates upon their application review. To apply and learn more about our program, visit girlscoutsaz.org/gsmedia.

Inspiring Girls with the Phoenix Mercury

On August 27, Girl Scouts landed on planet Mercury to celebrate Inspiring Girls Day! The day was full of surprises from morning to evening, starting with the Court of Dreams – a unique opportunity for girls to run basketball drills with Phoenix Mercury staff on a WNBA court. Before tipoff, Troop 801 walked onto the court as anthem buddies, while our talented Troop 558 presented the color guard with Girl Scout Betty from Troop 3811 performing the national anthem. And the fun didn’t end there!

Our Co-CEO Christina Spicer received the Believe in Women Award for her leadership and contributions to the Girl Scout Movement in Arizona. The award honors Christina’s commitment to extending and creating opportunities for women and young girls in the community. To continue the celebration, our Media Ambassadors delivered a sweet birthday surprise for their favorite WNBA mascot, Scorch! The multi-layered Girl Scout cookie “cake” had all the favorites including Trefoils, Adventurefuls, Samoas, Tagalongs and Thin Mints.

After the game, Girl Scouts and their families attended a media panel with special appearances by Alecia ‘Sug’ Sutton and Megan Gustafson, who shared about their journey to the WNBA by staying true to the theme of the day – inspiring our Girl Scouts to follow their dreams and never give up.

Special thanks to the Phoenix Mercury for hosting Inspiring Girls Day and empowering our Girl Scouts to create change in their communities.

2023 Fall Product Program

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a great way for girls to enhance their entrepreneurial skills while interacting with members of their community.

However, if your Girl Scout is unsure if she is ready to dive into cookies, the Fall Product Program is a great stepping stone! With delectable chocolates, flavorful trail mixes, and other goodies, girls can learn essential business skills which they can confidently practice when selling products to family and friends. Under the guidance of a parent/caregiver, girls can sign up for the program online and create their order site and avatar. They’ll invite loved ones to place order and/or shop online and earn rewards in the process!

2023 Fall Product Program Key Dates

The program runs Oct. 1 – Nov. 26. Girl Scouts may join the program online at any point.

Oct. 1 Fall Product Program begins – online ordering opens, and girls may sell in-person.

Oct. 22 Final day for in-person orders with the order card.

Oct. 23 Deadline to enter order card items into the online system.

Oct. 29 Final day for online girl-delivered orders.

Nov. 11-19 Nut and chocolate items will be delivered to Service Unit sites

Nov. 26 Final day for online shipped orders.

Selling options include:

• In-person using the nut order card and collecting payments.

• Online by inviting friends and family to place an order through a personalized and secure website

The theme “Own Your Magic” speaks to the unique personal traits girls possess that shape their leadership style. Magical qualities like compassion, humor, empathy, patience, all have an influence in how they handle small- and large-scale responsibilities, especially when working collaboratively with others. We cheer on girls as they take ownership of this magic within them and give them the tools and support within the Fall Product Program to thrive in a secure entrepreneurial space. Learn more about the Fall Product Program by visiting girlscoutsaz.org/fallproduct.

Meet this year’s Fall Product Program’s mascot, the ocelot! The ocelot is a small cat that can be found in southern region of Texas all the way to the northern portion of Argentina in South America. Check out these other fun facts about our mascot:

• Ocelots live in place with thick vegetation like rainforests. During the day, they will sleep hidden in bushes, on a tree branch, or inside a hollow tree.

• Ocelots are picky eaters. They ensure that their prey is completely clean of feathers or fur before eating.

• Ocelots are nocturnal. It is as easy for an ocelot to walk around at night due to their sharp night vision as it is for us to walk around during the day!

• Their coats are unique (no two ocelots have the same markings). Young ocelots are born with marks on their fur.

Around the Bend Find the differences

Find the differences

Directions: locate and circle the 10 differences between the 2 scenes.

Directions: locate and circle the 10 differences between the 2 scenes.

6.yellow ower by frog 7. ipped lily pad 8. zigzag on hat 9. frog freckles 10. jumpsuit pocket 1.butter y/dragon y 2. winking Eye on axolotl 3. little green tree 4. yellow ower on tree 5. cattails

6.yellow ower by frog 7. ipped lily pad 8. zigzag on hat 9. frog freckles 10. jumpsuit pocket 1.butter y/dragon y 2. winking Eye on axolotl 3. little green tree 4. yellow ower on tree 5. cattails

On Your Mark, Get Set, Bring Home the Cookies 5K

Lace up your running shoes! Our annual Bring Home the Cookies 5K is on Feb. 24, 2024, at Westgate Entertainment District! Hosted in partnership with State Forty Eight Foundation and State Forty Eight, this event celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship while supporting local business owners and our Girl Scouts during the final weekend of the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program. With a runner’s village, guest DJ, activities, and of course, Girl Scout Cookies, we know this event will be our best one yet! Make sure to follow @gsacpc on social media to stay updated on event details and visit girlscoutsaz.org/5K to learn more!

Get ready to experience the essence of Girl Scouting at Badge Bash!

Our annual fundraiser to support girl programming and experiences, Badge Bash, is an evening of community empowerment. On November 4, 2023, Parsons Leadership Center will transform into a night of Girl Scout fun. The mountains surrounding our camp property will light up to welcome community leaders, and girl champions ready to give back to current and future generations of Girl Scouts in Arizona. Enjoy dinner under the stars, roast some yummy s’mores, earn “badges” from Girl Scout-themed activities, and celebrate at the after-party with dueling DJs! Join a movement that believes in the power of girls. This event is for adults (21+). Get your tickets today at girlscoutsaz.org/badgebash.

Girl Scout Cookies® Are Here

Sweet News! The 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program

The largest girl-led entrepreneurial program returns on Jan. 15, 2024! Every year, thousands of Girl Scouts in our council enhance their leadership skills and gain essential business tools during the Girl Scout Cookie Program. From goal setting to marketing and inventory management, girls work independently or collaboratively in their troops to raise funds that will elevate their Girl Scout experience.

With nine iconic flavors, Girl Scout Cookie fanatics can satisfy their sweet tooth while supporting community efforts; knowing that with each package purchased 100 percent of the proceeds stay local. Learn more at girlscoutsaz.org/cookies.

Set the Alarm: 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program Key Dates

Dec. 10 Initial Troop Order due (Please check with your troop leader or IGM Coordinator for their due date)

Mid Dec. Access to the Digital Cookie website opens (email invite will be sent to the girl/parent contact on file for set-up)

Jan. 5 - 12 Extended area cookie delivery

Jan.13 - 14 Metro Phoenix area cookie delivery

Jan. 15 Girl Scout Cookie Program starts

Jan. 20 Cookie Fast Pitch and Sweets & Swag Block Party

Feb. 24 Bring Home the Cookies 5K at Westgate Entertainment District

Feb. 25 Girl Scout Arizona Cactus-Pine Cookie Program ends

May - Sept. 2024 Cookie rewards arrive, and cookie reward events take place

Parent/ Guardian Guide to Becoming a Cookie Boss

As a Troop Member

1. Attend an information meeting about cookies with your troop leader.

2. Read and sign the parent agreement form for financial responsibilities.

3. Submit your cookie order and review your personal and troop cookie goals.

4. You’re ready to participate in the program and earn rewards!

As an Independent Girl Member (IGM)

1. Attend a information meeting about cookies with your IGM coordinator.

2. Read and sign the parent agreement form for financial responsibilities.

3. Review/set your cookies goals.

4. You’re ready to participate in the program and earn rewards!

samoas®

Crisp cookies with caramel, coconut,

2024 Girl Scout Cookie Lineup

tagalongs®

Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty

raspberry rally®

do-si-dos®

Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with creamy peanut butter filling.

lemon-ups®

Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages.

trefoils®

Delicate-tasting shortbread that is delightfully simple and satisfying.

girl scout s’mores®

Crunchy graham sandwich cookies with

toffee-tastic®

Gluten free! Rich, buttery cookies with

adventurefuls®

Indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with caramel flavored crème and a hint of sea salt.

The Walter Hive: Where Art and Science Collide

Integrating art in healthcare settings might seem abnormal when we’re used to separating science from creative arts, not realizing both can coexist and provide answers that transcend beyond hospital walls. Like how science is dedicated to accuracy and objectivity, art is a craft that requires the vulnerability and courage to take risks while discovering and expressing different parts of ourselves to the world.

When taught to children, including our Girl Scouts, art should be taught in a way relevant to their current life experiences and learning level. At The Walter Hive, our Girl Scouts enter a space that ignites creativity and encourages them to break through fear and judgement when creating.

“Partnering with The Walter Hive is important to us because it not only teaches STEM in an interactive way but combines it with different forms of art and creative expression that I have not seen anywhere else. This partnership has introduced Girl Scouts to many artistic and STEM-based disciplines including welding, bookbinding, stamp carving, construction, and more,” said Annika Schroeder, GSACPC Program Manager and High Awards Liaison.

Before starting The Walter Hive, Founders Mary and Kirk Strawn were primary healthcare professionals, Mary as a physician in pediatrics, and Kirk as a family doctor. While working with their patients, they each saw the impact that art can have on someone’s healing process. Mary used art to help burn survivors cope with injuries and trauma, and Kirk practiced acupuncture and stress reduction techniques –learning that healing looks different for everybody.

“Art was a distraction from their external circumstances and a way to express their internal circumstances without needing words,” said Mary. “These kids deal with their injuries forever – they deal with being bullied, with pain, and chronic issues, but the skill of being able to express themselves through art is a lifelong skill.”

“During my work, I was exposed to complementary and alternative types of healing, and I started to understand that healing can have a lot of different doorways,” said Kirk. “It’s not just about writing a prescription or getting surgery – a lot of people don’t respond, and a lot of conditions don’t respond to medicine.” With two facilities in Scottsdale, including

Mary and Kirk Strawn, Founders of The Walter Hive.

an art gallery and a maker space, Mary and Kirk have used their knowledge to give back to the community and share the power of creative self-expression. In their makerspace, The Walter Dome, our Girl Scouts have participated in welding workshops, fairy housebuilding, stamp carving, and more – teaching them how to problem solve, manage their time, and work together as a team to create something beautiful.

As a program partner, The Walter Hive, supplements the skills and values girls learn through Girl Scouting. Whether by teaching them how to use power tools or create something meaningful to them, girls learn about resilience and overcoming challenges – developing a skill set that will stay with them forever.

Fun fact: The Walter Hive was named after a vintage firetruck named Walter! In the 1960s Walter served at Luke Air Force Base, then traveled to Jerome, Arizona where he was discovered and transformed into the world’s largest Volkswagen bus. Walter used to save lives as an airport fire truck and now continues to save lives through art. The Walter “Hive” was named in honor of bees who work together sustaining the livelihood of plants, animals, and us!

Girl Scout with Welding Instructor and Girl Scout alum, Jina-Lin O’Donnell.

Mary Strawn supporting an artistic workshop at The Walter Hive.

“Art is a strong communication tool because you don’t need words, you don’t need to speak the same language – art is a way to express yourself, learn, and communicate with those around you,” said Mary.

The BIGGEST Girl Scout Event of the Year is Back

After a three-year hiatus, The B.I.G. (Believe In Girls) Event is coming to Phoenix on Nov. 11! Considered to be the ultimate Girl Scout carnival, B.I.G. will highlight all the incredible experiences girls have by being a part of Girl Scouts.

Arizona Cactus-Pine program partners and council committees will host booths with activities in the in-formal education space. Family entertainment includes live performances, horses , rock climbing, ziplining, bounce houses, food truck vendors, a D.J., and more! Last month, our council held a Northern Arizona B.I.G. Event at Prescott High School, welcoming over 300 attendees. Next month’s event in Phoenix is expected to surpass over 1500 guests!

This event is open to all community members (you do not need to be a registered Girl Scout to attend) and will be hosted at ASU Preparatory Academy in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Girls are encouraged to invite friends and family to participate in the fun. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/bigevent to purchase your ticket!

A Shirt That Makes a Statement

Available for preorder until Nov. 12

Fuel the higher education goals of our Gold Awardees and look good while doing it! In collaboration with State Forty Eight, we’re releasing a limited-edition t-shirt to benefit the council’s Gold Award Scholarship Fund . This will be the third year that we have worked together to produce a design that highlights the incredible present and future accomplishments of girls in our jurisdiction.

To support, preorder your shirt ($35) by visiting girlscoutsaz. org/gold-shirt. Follow @gsacpc on Facebook and Instagram to be notified when the shirt design is revealed! Thank you for being a champion for girls.

Shirts will be shipped in late Dec. 2023 – We cannot guarantee that shirts will arrive in time for the holidays.

Champions for Girls

STEAM Challenge

Seventy-six girls spent time this summer exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through GSACPC’s firstever STEAM Challenge! Modeled after the popular Get Outdoors Challenge, Girl Scouts completed activities off the STEAM Challenge Checklist to score points and earn patches and rockers. The program focused on exploring STEM through the Arts, with categories for Painting & Drawing, Mixed Media Art, Photography, Music, Dance, and more.

Consider Joining our Circle of Friendship!

Your generosity gives girls a space to lead, thrive, and make the world a better place. When girls are given opportunities to grow and develop their potential, they change the world!

As a Circle of Friendship donor, you’ll support Girl Scout programming by making an easy, automatic gift every month.

Learn More!

Memorials

Reflects gifts made

Jan. 1 – May 31, 2023.

In Memory of

Barbara Anderson

Harriet “Hootie” Redwine

Chickadee

Martha Brodersen

Jo Norris

Tim Combs

Harriet “Hootie” Redwine

Kathryn Comley

Patricia Holt

Paul Cromley

JP Morgan Chase United

Way of Central New Mexico

Suzanne Kelly

Harriet “Hootie” Redwine

Thomas Guerra

Samuel Leung

Julia & Samuel Leung

Harriet “Hootie” Redwine

Mary Tally

Paulette Brown

American Express Foundation

31,

The highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6-8) can earn, the Silver Award helps girls become organized, determined, and dedicated to improving the community. After completing a Cadette Journey, girls find a way to create positive change. In a small team, they plan to “Take Action” on the root cause of the problem they discovered and researched. They put their plan into motion, demonstrate an understanding of sustainable change, connect with others outside their immediate neighborhood, learn how others have solved similar problems, determine how others can help, and share what they learned.

Troop 456

Elliot Conaway

Sophia Bryson

Penelope Rial

Troop 558

Sophia Harmon

Troop 1734

Kathryn Jones

Taylor Nunziato-Cruz

Danielle Johnson

Taryn Getting

Casey Nunziato-Cruz

Grace Sandrin

Karlee McMahon

Troop 1394

Hailey Potts

Troop 3421

Avery Graham

Glory Shanahan

Kaliya Padawer

Troop 3512

Savannah Guzman

Troop 3999

Calia Ransom

Troop 4344

Layla Richter

Kherrington Briggs

Sophia Wright

Ariella Rosacci

Madison Clark

Molly McCusker

Serafina Summers

Ainsley Ray

Troop 4928

Clara Jacobsen

Genevieve Nevarez

Lilly Hellman

Hailey Corrigan

IGM

AnnMarie Adair

Heidi Gonzalez

Jacquelin Cardenas

Raivyn Davis

Jan. 1-May

2023: There were 11 different Silver Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 33 Silver Award Recipients.

Jan. 1- May 31, 2023: There were 16 different Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 80 Bronze Award Recipients.

Troop 588

Leah LoBosco

Lillian Standerfer

Cora Poor

Scarlett Lacis

Troop 1044

Renee Mobley

Troop 1656

Lauren Schaefer

Abigail Koenig

Claire Strait

Mya Moxley

Olympia Anders

Sofia Mendoza

Aubrey Wanamaker

Troop 2050

Abby Yant

Kaity South

Daleyza Ibarra

Ryan Duckwiler

Hayden Arroyo

Emme Hathaway

Troop 3092

Penelope Meeks

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is a leadership adventure, and the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior (grades 4-5) can achieve. After completing a Journey program, girls work together to find and research a problem in their community. They plan and complete a “Take Action Project” to address the root cause of the problem, learn how others have solved similar issues, develop more confidence, meet new people, and discover the rewards of working cooperatively to make a difference in their community.

Troop 3811

Betty Lee

Sylvia Button

Ashley Demark

Keira Azali

Aspen Hoefer

Sophia Mayer

Naomi Kellogg

Vera Liebler

Guenevere Brown

Kate Langdon

Cailyn Young

Troop 3930

Kate Pafford

Hannah Lueken

Abby Finnegan

Grace Coash

Mabel Vynalek

Lucy Crogan

Emma Kinsey

Troop 4261

Marlee Lepetich

Mariah Strickland

Kendall Sandhaus

Kelsie Smith

Claire Schloemp

Charlotte Bevan

Amelia Bacon

Charlotte Thurston

Adelaide Kelly

Troop 4333

Lillian Centofante

Abigail Hermie

Solana Graham

Sara Forsdal

Scarlett Grieco

Sadie Valencia

Madeleine Lettieri

Troop 4877

Cassie Pondelik

Aria Lonia

Vivienne Taylor

Danica Schwartz

Colette Fournier

Troop 4916

Adelle Ramos

Troop 6167

Isla Thomson

Lucy Bergman

Troop 6348

Nikki VuTon

Ella Corso

Hanna Seeburg

Penelope Hogan

Gemma Phillips

Sa'miyah Simpson

Sydnee Lee

Carmen Solares

Troop 6492

Amelia Puddy

Layla Jaeggi

Olivia Woldeab

Addison Gordon-Carter

Ameline Ammirati

Pre Tate

Delaney Walker

Madeline Geer

Madison Nishida-Grimm

Troop 4894

Rebecca Warner

IGM

Kellie Stevenson

Lexi Hall

119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004

602.452.7000 / 800.352.6133 girlscoutsaz.org

602-452-7011

Council Shop

The Council Shop is currently open for in-store visits and is offering curbside pick-up! This is your resource for all things Girl Scout-related – find program supplies, branded merchandise, uniform kits, and more!

Your Council Shop is located at: Parsons Leadership Center 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042

602.452.7137 shop@girlscoutsaz.org

Travel Kit Giveaway!

Business Hours: Closed – Mon, Thurs, Sun Tue, Wed, Fri – 9:00am – 5:00pm Sat – 9:00am – 1:00pm

girlscoutshop.com never closes!

Key Dates

Make sure to mark your calendars with these exciting events!

Get ready to plan your next adventure! We’re giving away a passport cover, luggage tags, a Girl Scout tote bag, and scrunchies! To enter our Travel Kit Giveaway, follow @gsacpc on Instagram, and share a recent or past travel story at girlscoutsaz.org/ stories. The winner will be notified via email. See you at your next destination, Girl Scouts!

¿Prefiere esta información en español? ¡Contáctenos! preguntas@girlscoutsaz.org o