Girl Scout
Gold Award Girl Scouts are Changing the World
Adventure Awaits at Girl Scout Summer Camp
Local Girl Scout Alum Shares Her Sparkle
Girl Scout
Gold Award Girl Scouts are Changing the World
Adventure Awaits at Girl Scout Summer Camp
Local Girl Scout Alum Shares Her Sparkle
Spring 2023
On page 22
“My goal and objective in life are to open my daughters’ eyes to as many experiences they could possibly have. I hope that when they look back on their experiences, whether that’s through Girl Scouts or watching my journey as a Girl Scout to now, they’re inspired and are able to do anything they put their minds to.”
—Alex Bradberry, Girl Scout Alum and Owner of The Sparkle Bar
On the Cover
Shikeyah Torres | 2022-23 Troop 7387
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Around the Bend
Adventure Awaits: Girl Scout Summer Camp
What a wonderful time of year to live, work and play in Arizona. As our fantastic staff team and volunteers host weekend encampments in Prescott, Payson, and Phoenix, we are also thrilled to welcome girls to Girl Scout Summer Camp in June and July. Research shows that when girls are outdoors, it helps them with their physical and emotional health. We all feel better when we get physical activity. Our camp properties and programming create extraordinary opportunities and spaces for girls to test their agility outdoors and understand how to take risks, while supported by caring adults. Quite simply, girls discover new ways to own their sparkle, and Arizona Cactus-Pine is much better and stronger when all girls shine bright.
Speaking of girls who sparkle, we congratulate 22 of our outstanding Girl Scouts who have EARNED their Gold Award this year! Gold Awardees are changemakers, role models, and real-life heroes. Our world is better because of the problems they solve and the sustainable change they make when implementing their Gold Award projects. Achieving the highest honor in Girl Scouting also shows the power of sisterhood. We are deeply grateful for the members of our high-award committees, troop leaders, and parents who supported girls through their high-award journey this year. We look forward to the next class of Gold Award Girl Scouts whose impact will make a lasting impression.
The celebrations continued during our 86th Annual Meeting. For the first time
since 2019, we held our Annual Meeting in person and offered a virtual option to be more inclusive of our complete jurisdiction. Girl Scouts confidently shared council highlights and Girl Scout Ambassador Gina Ferroni hosted a fun chat with us on stage, while delegates participated in our democratic process of electing new board members, including GSACPC Board Chair Susan Trujillo. Susan was a Girl Scout at Arizona Cactus-Pine, her mother was her troop leader, and she went to camp just as many of our girls are about to experience this summer. She has been a dedicated leader in this movement for years and amplifies the spirit of sisterhood. Congrats, Susan; we are excited about your leadership.
In the same breath, we want to acknowledge Lupe Camargo, who has gracefully served as our council’s Board Chair since April 2020, taking the reins at the start of the global pandemic. Lupe is an incredible champion of girls and volunteers and has served this council in various ways over the last 20 years.
We honor what she has given us and how she has positively transformed this council during some of the most challenging moments of our lifetime, and because of her leadership, GSACPC will never be the same. She is the epitome of what it means to own your sparkle. Thank you for your dedication, Lupe. We love and appreciate you.
Yours In Girl Scouting,
Mary Mitchell
GSACPC Co-CEO
Christina Spicer
GSACPC Co-CEO
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Today, we heard thousands of people sitting along the @fiesta_bowl parade route shout, “Hi, Girl Scouts,” “I was a Girl Scout,” “My granddaughter is a Brownie,” and “We love your cookies”!
What an incredible experience for our girls. Thank you, all!
#gsacpc #girlscoutsaz #girlscouts #fiestabowlparade #parade
Girl Scouts are rock stars; there’s no denying it!
As you read through our latest issue of Girl Scout Connections, you’ll find that each page tells stories of how inspiring, talented, brave, and beloved our girls are in their communities. From earning the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award, to surpassing cookie goals and giving back to the community in fun and unique ways. Way to go, Girl Scouts!
Please continue to share your stories, celebrations, and news with us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories so we can feature them across our publications and social media channels. As always, please email suggestions for our magazine or comments about this issue to our Marketing and Communications Team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!
—Your Editorial Team
Adventures, Innovations, Leadership, Pushing Boundaries, Setting an Example, Taking Charge, Accomplishing Goals. This is Girl Scouts.
1 After visiting Camp Maripai, Silver Award Girl Scouts Savannah and Delaney from Troop 1468 noticed an unmarked trail that needed to be reworked. They took it upon themselves to make a safe trail for all to enjoy, which sparked the establishment of the Friendship Trail! The girls built an archway entry and added wooden signs with lyrics of the song “Make New Friends” along the route. They also made a sitting area for campers to paint a rock for the Friendship Rock Garden. Next time you’re at Camp Maripai, make sure to check out this vibrant walkway with your best friends!
2 Froz en treats, friendship, and entrepreneurship - sounds like an amazing Girl Scout experience! Troop 4519 visited Mahalo Made, a local shop serving Hawaiian-style shaved ice to earn step one of the ‘WOW! Wonders of Water’ Journey. The owner, Lastassia Eidson (a.k.a. La), gave the girls a tour of her store front where they got to see how shaved ice is made. La shared her journey of running a womanowned small business, starting with a food truck to opening a store and offering catering. The girls learned about the importance of water as a resource, enjoyed a tasty treat of shaved ice, and received a custom patch from La to celebrate this awesome experience.
3 Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors of Troop 3390 explored new careers in robotics and engineering! With the help of Carl Hayden High School’s Falcon Robotics team, the troop earned their Robotics badge and learned about what it takes to design and build a robot! As the team shared their experience about building and competing, the girls had the opportunity to ask great questions and drive the team’s robot, “Funny Little Guy”. Just wait to see what else these girls will accomplish in the future!
4 Last year, Troop 2256 traveled to Hawaii for an agricultural tour! The troop visited coffee, vanilla, chocolate farms, an aviary, and a salt-making facility, but the adventure didn’t end there. They explored Kona’s volcanoes, enjoyed a luau, browsed a farmer’s market, and visited a black sand beach; but one of the highlights of their trip, was visiting an octopus research facility. This trip to Hawaii was an unforgettable experience full of fun memories.
5 This past fall, 150 Girl Scout Sisters from across the state marched together at the Phoenix Pride Parade, an annual celebration that unites our diverse LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Some of the girls traveled from as far as Lake Havasu to walk a mile and a half and connect with other Girl Scouts also participating in the parade. Every step along the way, the parade watchers cheered them on and were so excited to see Girl Scouts represented at this event.
6 In partnership with HART Pantry, an organization that provides weekend food bags to teens who do not have access to food outside of school, the Daisies of Troop 2575 hosted a food drive and collected donations . At such a young age, these Girl Scouts are already setting a great example of what it means to advocate for at risk youth and communities in need. The leadership this troop demonstrated through such a thoughtful act of service is making a great difference in the lives of our community members.
7 Girls from Troop 2997 and 4997 let their creativity shine to help rescued animals at the South Mountain Humane Society! The girls worked together to make cat toys and beds to bring comfort and warmth to those soon to be adopted pets. In December, some of the girls delivered donations in person and toured the facility to learn all about how the humane society helps animals find their forever home. Shoutout to you all for making such a PAWsitive impact!
8 Ever heard of a robot powered by Girl Scout Cookies? As a rookie FIRS T Tech Challenge robotics team, the Techalongs won the 2022-23 Cactus Qualifier Judges Choice Award after competing for the first time! Sponsored by the Pima Service Unit and Girls in Tech, this mighty robotics team is made up of four Girl Scouts from different troops including Margot and Lila from Troop 4727; Maya from Troop 2256; and Eleanor from Troop 4202 . Now, they’re practicing more as a Girl Scout robotics team to teach younger girls about robotics and coding. That’s what sisterhood is all about!
9 To kick off the holiday season, Troop 7190 organized a pajama party to exchange gifts, celebrate sisterhood and collect over 50 toys for the Sojourner Center’s Gifting Hope program! The shelter serves families, individuals and pets that are survivors of domestic violence. Because the holidays can bring a lot of stress to communities going through a difficult time, the troop donated a $350 grocery gift card to help bring joy and inspire hope. As a multi-level troop, the girls love making a difference in the lives of families and children by reminding them they are loved and cared for.
10 American Forests is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces by taking care of forests and nurturing a healthy environment. Girl Scouts from Rising and Central Phoenix (Troop 3047, 6859 & 2790) joined the organization to plant 37 trees at a Phoenix elementary school. The girls learned about the importance of trees, environmental justice, the effects of climate change and how to advocate for healthier forests and outdoor spaces. After tree planting, each volunteer earned the Girl Scout Tree Promise patch for their participation in this conservation initiative.
11 Troop 308 from the Copper Ridge Neighborhood participated in a group service project called Books, Bears, and Blankets to benefit kids served by the Department of Child Safety (DCS). The girls stuffed tote bags with a small blanket, book, and a stuffed animal, then decorated the bags with pictures and words of encouragement. Once they were ready, the bags were gifted to kids experiencing a crisis situation to provide them with comfort items for bedtime. This past year, 59 comfort bags were dropped off just before Christmas.
12 Full of energy and enthusiasm, the Daisies of Troop 2575 participated for the first time in the Girl Scout Cookie Program! After being unsure about what quantity of cookies to order and watching the cookie rookie training video at a troop meeting, the girls were ready to start selling. They also got to taste test a very special treat – the new limited-edition Raspberry Rally cookies. With their hard work, the troop met their goal to have an end of year celebration at Great Wolf Lodge and are preparing to donate cookie packages to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the Peoria Police Department. We’re excited to see what else this Daisy troop accomplishes as they continue their Girl Scout journey!
By Darian Cruz
There’s something unique about nature that transports us to a new place. Offering more than a breath of fresh air, outdoor spaces boost our confidence and strengthen our physical and mental health, giving us more than enough reasons to conserve it.
Growing up in the west valley, my family and I loved visiting local parks for bike rides and as a way to step out of the house for a few hours. Over time, I’ve witnessed the deterioration of some of these spaces, causing many community members to drive out of the neighborhood to enjoy clean and well-maintained areas. Because the conditions of some of these parks have worsened, not many people can walk their pets, go on runs, and essentially use
the designated space for what it was created for. Though I wasn’t a Girl Scout when I was younger, the spirit of environmental stewardship lived within me, making me eager to learn more and take action to conserve spaces that continue to impact my life.
Environmental stewardship oversees the protection and conservation of nature, and if we think about it as a tree with many branches, one of those consists of maintaining clean outdoor spaces not only for other humans but for wildlife as well. As a council employee, I now see how these values are embedded in Girl Scout programs and activities that help us connect with nature, including camp, Jamboree, and the Get Outdoors Challenge; however, there are a few ways we can take a step further to ensure we’re respecting and caring for an environment that provides so much for us. As you plan your outdoor adventures this summer, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Respect wildlife: Learn more about the property and what kind of wildlife you might encounter during your visit. Some of the animals that have been spotted across our state and camp properties include chuckwallas, coyotes, javelinas, rattlesnakes and more. Please do not approach or attempt to feed and touch wild animals and remember to respect their space and maintain a safe distance.
2. Reduce your waste: If you’re camping, hiking, or exploring the outdoors briefly, use reusable bottles and utensils to avoid leaving a trail of plastic that might end up in our local water streams. Please pick up after yourself and practice the ‘leave no trace’ principle to keep nature clean and healthy.
3. Organize a clean-up: You don’t need to travel far to organize a local clean-up in your community. Pick a location and reach out to friends, family, and
everyone else who might be interested in helping. Clean-ups are a fantastic way to beautify a site and properly dispose of the waste polluting land, air, and water.
4. Learn about the land’s history: Did you know that our council’s camp properties and most national parks (if not all) sit on Indigenous grounds? As you prepare for your next adventure, learn about Indigenous rights and Native Americans’ efforts to implement conservation policies to protect their homelands.
Carrying out sustainable practices can help us protect and recover outdoor spaces so future generations may enjoy them. Nature is a place that welcomes all, and it’s our responsibility to take care of it and the wonderful creatures and plants that thrive from it. How will you take action today?
By Julia McKee-Ostos
Before Girl Scout Destinations existed, Wider Opportunities (Wider Ops) and Senior Roundups were often the highlight of the older girl experience. Throughout the years, there’s been four Girl Scout Senior Roundups organized by the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to showcase the best of Girl Scouting. During the International Senior Roundups held every three years from 1956 to 1965, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from other countries were invited to join the adventure.
1956
• Location: Midland, Michigan
• Total of girls: 5,000
• Total of girls from our council: 2
• Theme: Americana
1959
• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Total of girls: 10,000
• Total of girls from our council: 24
• Theme: New Frontiers & A Mile High, A Worldwide
Council Highlights
Although the Senior Roundups were the pinnacle of the Girl Scout experience, the list of requirements to apply and the stiff competition narrowed an applicants’ opportunities. Generally, eight girls were chosen to represent each Girl Scout council, and all participants had to attend training and encampments in their regions to prepare for the roundup. Since roundup camp uniforms were required, most of the girls traveled to the roundup in their full Girl Scout Senior dress uniform. When it was time for a Senior Roundup, the trading
Location Button Bay, Vermont
• Total of girls: 9,000
• Total of girls from our council: 16
post was stocked with an array of items ranging from dolls in roundup uniforms, ceramic tiles, and even ashtrays!
In 1968, GSUSA developed new programs to encourage older girls to stay in Girl Scouts and overall provide them with more opportunities to experience and learn about the world around them. The name later changed to Wider Ops to reflect the objective of the programs for older girls. Now, Wider Ops is known as GS Destinations.
What are SWAPS?
SWAPS are small tokens of friendship that girls often make and take to events or while traveling to trade with other Girl Scouts. At Girl Scout Senior Roundups, SWAPS were typically worn on hats.
• Location: Farragut, Idaho
• Total of girls: 12,000
• Total of girls from our council: 22
• Theme: On the Trail of Tomorrow 1965 1962
• Theme: Honor the Past, Serve the Future
Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council’s (GSACPC) co-CEO Mary Mitchell was honored with a Phoenix Business Journal 2023 Outstanding Women in Business Award this spring. Mary joined 25 other remarkable women who are trailblazing the Valley’s business community as mentors and visionaries at a dinner ceremony in Scottsdale.
During the ceremony, Mary was surprised with the 2023 Building for the Future Specialty Award presented by Achieve for moving GSACPC into a future that nurtures and grows its focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice. Mary was joined by co-CEO Christina Spicer, Board Chair Lupe Camargo, family, staff, and Girl Scouts, whom Mary deeply desired to witness a celebration of female leaders.
“In my early 20s, I had a mentor named Beatrice who told me to not allow fear of change to hold me back, as my growth and future would rely upon my ability and courage to do so. I’ve never forgotten her advice, as she was absolutely right. Thank goodness I was able to hear her words and take them to heart,” says Mitchell.
Mary is also a 2017 Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Fellow, a 2020 Phoenix Mercury Believe in Women Honoree, a 2020 recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Leadership Award as well as a graduate of Valley Leadership, Class 26. She is a member of International Women’s ForumAZ and the Arizona Community Foundation, African American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle.
As Girl Scouts, we work to enhance our leadership skills with each opportunity we are presented with, both in life and in the classroom. We want to extend our gratitude to ASU Prep for believing in the power of girls – in sponsoring our annual Bring Home the Cookies 5K and ensuring that girls across our jurisdiction are given access to an education that fulfills their interests and goals.
“Being both a Girl Scout and a student at ASU Prep allows me to learn new things. Whether outdoors or discovering a new art technique, there is always something to discover!” – Paige, Troop 2602
“Girl Scouts gives me the confidence to make new friends at school! In class and in my troop, we learn about STEM through fun activities, programs, and experiments.” -Carson, Troop 3186
There are no limits to what Girl Scouts can accomplish. Thank you, ASU Prep, for helping us create leaders that our world needs now and in the future!
The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn –exemplifying their leadership skills, compassion for their communities, and love of service. This year, 22 girls completed their Gold Award projects targeting a gap or community issue which they tackled with a sustainable solution allowing for positive change to continue to blossom as they move on to the next phase of their life.
From creating a health-focused recipe book for Indigenous communities, to providing equipment for military families to participate in outdoor activities, they carried out one-of-a-kind projects. Their environmental contributions included building a dog park at a national park, gifting bikes to military families, and developing outdoor survival programs for children. In cultural and social areas, some projects civically engaged young voters, dispelled mental health stigmas, and helped Iranian youth form connections with one another. Other areas of focus included projects to help communities improve their reading and financial literacy, build self-confidence
through art, and support families as they navigate pet healthcare issues.
The Gold Award opens doors of opportunity and growth by helping Girl Scouts stand out on college and university applications, earn college scholarships, and enter the U.S. Armed Forces at a higher rank. As they move forward with their lives and careers, these Girl Scouts will continue their leadership journeys as they create change for current and future generations. We’re excited to see how they continue to lead confidently and courageously!
Meet the Gold Award class of 2023!
Chandler
Cubs’ Den
Aiming to raise awareness on mental health in the community and get a head start on her future career, Girl Scout Falak Asif created Cubs’ Den, a place for students of Arizona Cultural Academy & College Prep to relieve their stress and learn how to cope with their emotions in a healthy manner. Impacting over 100 students in grades 8-12, Cubs’ Den provides a safe and fully supervised space on campus for students to destress using toys, art, puzzles, books and more. A Girl Scout of over 10 years, Asif credits the organization for providing her with leadership and project execution skills to successfully carry out her Gold Award project. Asif plans to attend Arizona State University to study psychology.
Gilbert
Finessing
For Evvie, earning the Bronze and Silver Awards empowered her to pursue a unique Gold Award project that encapsulates everything she’s learned from her 13 years of Girl Scouting. To teach high school students and young adults about finances, Evvie launched Finesse Your Financial Future, a program to teach basic financial information via videos, worksheets, and quizzes through Google Classroom. She filmed 13 videos about saving and spending money. Through her project, Evvie was able to understand finances better, and use her learnings from the Girl Scout Cookie Program to create a rewarding and educative project. She advises her fellow Girl Scout Sisters to choose something they’re truly passionate about and connect with their mentor to ensure the completion of a successful Gold Award project. Evvie plans on pursuing a post-secondary education degree in earth sciences, english or communications.
Gilbert
As a survivor of abuse, Hailey attended Scottsdale’s Hunkapi Farms to heal through equine therapy. She used her Gold Award project to help kids like her and gave back to the farm that means so much to her by donating a greenhouse using funds raised through donations and the Crowdrise donation platform. The greenhouse will provide more opportunities for participants to heal and cope from PTSD and trauma. In addition to providing the greenhouse to the farm, Hailey also spread the word on the benefits of equine therapy to the community. A Girl Scout for 13 years, Hailey says the organization has made her a better person. She plans to go to trade school and one days hopes to run her own equine program and give kids a place away from home to heal.
Phoenix
Bikes and Helmets for Military Kids
Growing up a military child, Girl Scout Amanda Bernier often saw kids disappointed during Christmas when they could not receive a bike due to their loved one being deployed. To prevent this, Bernier set out on her Gold Award mission and collected over 50 bikes and helmets for children on Luke Air Force Base. Bernier donated the bikes and helmets at a Military Assistance Mission Christmas event. A Girl Scout of over 10 years, Bernier credits the organization for equipping her with the skills to manage, plan and organize events. This helped her earn the title of vice president of the student body at Shadow Mountain High School, where she graduated from. Now, Bernier plans to attend Northern Arizona State University for a degree in psychology.
Peoria
You Are Loved CEHS Mural
Looking to connect students and staff under a common message and make her high school campus a better and brighter place, Girl Scout Cori Borgstadt took inspiration from Boston muralist Alex Cook and his popular mural art series to earn her Gold Award. Collaborating with Cook to transform a 43-foot gray wall at the Centennial High School into a colorful mural that reads “You are loved,” Borgstadt worked with Cook to design the mural and bring it to life by hand painting, learning about the artistic process of painting a public mural along the way. A Girl Scout for 12 years, the organization has given Borgstadt the opportunity to learn important marketing and communication skills through the Girl Scout Cookie Program and helped her travel across the country with her troop. The Girl Scout currently attends Texas Tech University where she is getting dual degrees in economics and business management and minoring in film and media studies.
Chandler
Education in Nutrition for Indigenous of
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scout
Jessica Burke learned about the issues of food insecurity faced by Indigenous communities and the implications it has on their health. To fight food insecurity and encourage a healthy diet, Burke used her Gold Award as an opportunity to share how to make a nutritious meal that is fit for the Indigenous palate by publishing “Native Health Cookbook,” a collection of recipes with tips on how to have a healthy lifestyle. The book makes use of commodities that are provided to recipients who participate in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations program and was donated to the Native Health food pantry, a local center that distributes food to Indigenous families. The communication and teamwork skills she has developed over the past 12 years as a Girl Scout, helped her make a difference. Burke plans to continue her Gold Award project by studying nutritional or food science in college.
Phoenix
Outdoor Desert Survival Day
Driven to help children learn about outdoor safety, LeAnna held an Outdoor Desert Survival Day to teach children what to do in case they ever get lost outdoors. The session was full of activities that LeAnna planned and organized herself. Since she was a Daisy, LeAnna has participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, learning management and communication skills that have helped her complete her Gold Award project successfully. One of her favorite things about being a Girl Scout is not only the lifelong friendships she’s formed, but the community service projects that sparked her passion for helping those in need. LeAnna is now attending Arizona State University as an organizational leadership major to continue to lead different communities.
Davenport
Wags for Awareness – A
In 2021, Marissa’s 3-year-old service dog was diagnosed with cancer, inspiring her to start Wags for Awareness – A Dog’s Cancer Journey, and help other dog owners prevent future health issues in their pets. Marissa created two patch programs for new pet owners, and for those who recently had a pet diagnosed with cancer. While the new pet owner bags contained information about pet insurance, vaccinations, and blood donations, the ‘cancer journey’ bags included more interventions and how to care for your dog after surgery. To help families and individuals that have a dog that’s been diagnosed with cancer, Marissa started a Facebook group to share important resources, and form a close-knit community. As a Girl Scout of 12 years, the skills and learning experiences she’s accumulated over time, empowered her to pursue her Gold Award, which then taught her more about project management, collaboration, empathy, and decision-making. To continue her studies, Marissa plans to attend Polk State College and major in occupational therapy in pediatrics.
As the student body president of Hamilton High School, Girl Scout Megan Finder noticed that some of her fellow students often go unrecognized despite their impact on the school’s community. To help these students receive their well-deserved recognition, Finder established the Husky Shadow Award, an award in which school security teams nominate senior students for their persistence and optimism at school. Receiving acclaim from both classmates and parents, the award has since expanded to all six high schools in the Chandler Unified School District and earned her the Desert Financial Community Service Scholarship and Chandler Education Foundation Impact Scholarship. For over 13 years, Girl Scouts introduced Finder to lifelong friends and mentors. She will be attending Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University to study management and sports business, and potentially earn a master’s degree in sports law.
The Gold Award gives girls in grades 9-12 the opportunity to create sustainable change for a problem that is significant to them and affecting their community.
With the support of the Gold Award Committee, you’ll discuss the planning and execution process to ensure your project is a success! Develop project management, networking, analytical, leadership skills, and more when you step into your Gold Award project – challenge yourself and create a positive impact in the world and within yourself.
Attend a Gold Award training to learn more about what it takes to go from green to gold. Visit the Activities Calendar at www.girlscoutsaz.org to reserve your slot!
We want to acknowledge the members of our High Awards Committees who guide Girl Scouts as they tackle some of their community’s biggest challenges in pursuit of change. From their initial idea proposal to the final report, these volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that each girl sees her vision come to fruition. Thank you for continuously putting our girls first and being committed to the Girl Scout mission in alignment with creating a world where women are at the forefront of positive change implementation and through the final report. Thank you for all you do.
Gold Award Committee:
Alanna Iannone
Angela Lian
Ariana Schein
Brianna Iannone
Carissa DeCicco
Diana Laulainen-Schein
Donna Dotzler
Gail Smith
Joanie Allen
Joanne Hartley
Laura Baughman
Lee Kline
Mary Killebrew
Megan Burke
Polly Thomas
Sally Nelsen
Samantha Janssen
Serena Schein
Terri Hirning
Janet Ellison
Silver Award Committee:
Julie Anderson-Mora
Sandie Patchett
Kendra Wardon
Misha Ghafouri
Paradise Valley
Iranian Youth Connections
As a first-generation Iranian American, Misha often felt there wasn’t a welcoming space for Iranian American youth to connect with one another and learn from passionate Iranian leaders, which inspired her Gold Award project, Iranian Youth Connections: an online platform dedicated to creating a welcoming space for Iranian youth to connect, learn more about Iranian culture, and gain skills to become successful leaders in their community. To ensure her project’s success and sustainability, Misha created a website and partnered with the Iranian American Society of Arizona to provide high quality mentorship and programs for Iranian youth. She was also invited to speak at their annual gala and held a booth at the annual Persian New Year Festival with an audience of 5,000 people. Her Gold Award project helped her gain confidence and professional networking skills that have helped her share the importance of her cultural heritage. As a Girl Scout of 14 years, Misha will continue to amplify her voice and continue to advocate for the Iranian American community at a local and global level.
Elisabeth Green
Phoenix
Best Buddies Interactive Garden
After participating in the Best Buddies Club at Mountain Ridge High School for four years, a club that promotes oneon-one friendships between students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those without a disability, Elisabeth noticed that her club’s meeting space, the campus garden, needed an upgrade. With this, she set off on her Gold Award project to improve the space on campus. With help from the community, Elisabeth was able to install yard art pieces, provide new seating options, build sensory-friendly activities like a texture wall, sand table and more, and lay a large wheelchair accessible grass area that is big enough to fit the whole club. Elisabeth has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and would like to become a lifetime member of the organization. She plans to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Northern Arizona University and to eventually obtain a doctorate in nurse anesthesia, specializing in children and adults with disabilities.
For her Gold Award project, “Girl Scouts in STEM,” Ella aimed to combat the underrepresentation of women in STEM careers, especially engineering. To do this, she collaborated with Pima Neighborhood Day Camp to provide STEM lessons, activities, and a presentation about women in STEM for girls in kindergarten through sixth grade. She held lessons for girls with a focus on engineering principles like hands-on learning, problemsolving and the Engineering Design Process. The goal of Ella’s educational workshops was to set girls up for academic success and inspire them to consider a future career in science or engineering. Survey results from participants before and after the project revealed an overall 67 percent increase in understanding, with the most effective classes covering 3D printing and Newtonian Physics. Ella is now a graduate of BASIS Scottsdale and her project’s mission will continue to offer girls opportunities to learn STEM during the summer.
After experiencing physical assault her freshman year of high school, Emma was determined to speak up and take action regarding bullying and the way schools address it. To start the conversation, Emma produced a video to educate her high school about an app that allows students, parents, and community members to anonymously submit information to school administration. This encouraged many students to come forward and report their experiences, leading to a 520% increase in traffic on the app. As someone who has always been interested in film, creating a video with that amount of success was a great accomplishment and learning experience that taught her more about video production. As a Girl Scout of 12 years, Emma values friendship, and the amazing travel opportunities she was a part of, and now looks forward to attending Northern Arizona University to study athletic training.
Sanctuary Repair
Sanctuary Repair
As an animal lover and regular volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary, Awen looked to expand on her work by creating a proper living space for ducks at Liberty Wildlife, a local non-profit providing wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and conservation services for the community. For her Gold Award project, Awen refurbished enclosures for ducks by leveling the ground, washing, adding gravel, and securing the entire enclosure with 1/4’ fencing to protect it from other animals. As a result of Awen’s project, Liberty Wildlife now has a welldraining, safe environment for ducks and smaller birds alike. Awen has been a Girl Scout for over 13 years and credits the organization for having a positive impact on her life as well as teaching her valuable money-handling and customer service skills. She plans to attend Washington State University for veterinary medicine and eventually create her own animal sanctuary.
Noticing the need for mental health help for younger audiences, Girl Scout Katie Holm made it her project goal to be a resource for those who don’t know where to go for help. To do so, Holm created We Mean to Help, an online program containing resources on hotlines, psychologists, and coping mechanisms for mental health. In addition, Holm’s program also contained a blog where she educated users on the different types of mental health disorders and a podcast where she hears personal stories from students and teachers on what they have done to improve their mental health. While the We Mean to Help program mainly impacted Arizona, the resource was able to reach users worldwide and make a difference that she hopes to continue growing in the future. A Girl Scout of 12 years, Holm credits the organization for teaching her important life lessons and leaving an impact on her life. Graduating from Desert Vista High School, Holm plans to double major in material science engineering and psychology at Arizona State University.
Scottsdale
To create a welcoming and loving Girl Scout experience for all girls, Bailey led a troop of girls with disabilities for two years and filmed a video series that taught how to facilitate meetings with all girls in mind and shared tips on how to foster meaningful friendships to help leaders and fellow Girl Scout Sisters form inclusive troops. Bailey also interviewed leaders, families, and girls to identify their needs and help find solutions to make programs, troop meetings and activities accessible for everyone to participate in. Through her Gold Award project, Bailey learned about the importance of giving back to the community by advocating and taking action to support Girl Scouts with disabilities. A Girl Scout of 13 years, she’s learned how to trust her strength, and jump into adventure with courage and positivity. Bailey plans to attend Arizona State University as a computer science major.
Gilbert
With a love for reading, and her volunteer work with Clothes Cabin, a nonprofit organization that provides clothing and shoes to children and families experiencing poverty, Lauren identified a need for a library to entertain and educate children that visit the organization’s playroom. She organized a book drive and received over 1,600 books to gift to families. Then, she built a bookcase and created bilingual pamphlets to teach others how to get a library card and increase awareness about library resources. Every month, Lauren restocks the bookcase with new books and has received great feedback about her project. A Girl Scout of 12 years, Lauren recalls her experience being one full of encouragement, confidence, and support. After high school, Lauren plans on earning a degree in mechanical engineering.
Holbrook
Paws in the Park
Elizabeth Parker grew up visiting National Parks across the nation. During one of their trips, Elizabeth’s family struggled to find a place for her dog to exercise off the leash and began to brainstorm ways to help families traveling with their pets. While working for the Petrified Forest National Park, she heard conversations about opening a dog park, and began planning her Gold Award project which is now the first dog park in a national park. To educate the community about the importance of having a designated area for dogs, and the different ways to protect their pet from becoming injured during a hike or other outdoor activities. Throughout her 12 years of Girl Scouting, Elizabeth has gained valuable leadership skills that have helped her find solutions to the issues in her community. As a member of the GSACPC Girl Voice Committee, she has learned how to effectively use her voice and advocate for her Girl Scout community. Elizabeth plans to attend Arizona State University and receive a bachelor’s degree in theatre production and design.
Overcoming Barriers: Helping Refugee Children Who Struggle with a Language Barrier
As more refugee and immigrant communities enter the country, Zariya was determined to help children with language barriers so they can get an education and excel in the future. To teach them English, Zariya visited refugee communities with her project mentor and contacted different schools to recruit volunteers to teach English. Throughout six months, many of the children improved their English-speaking skills, boosting their self-esteem and helping them adapt to their life in the United States. As someone who grew up shying away from new experiences, her 11 years of Girl Scouting has helped Zariya transform into a confident and strong leader that is eager to help others. Her Gold Award project has expanded her communication and social skills, and she now advises fellow Girl Scout Sisters to take their time in selecting a project their passionate about. Zariya attends Hamilton High School and plans to pursue a career in the medical field.
At the National League of Cities Conference in Washington D.C., Emily connected with youth representatives to address the lack of civic engagement across the country, inspiring Arizona Go Vote: a project to register teens at local high schools to vote. To get started, Emily toured the Maricopa County Elections Department and published a series of educational videos to teach community members how to vote. To spread the word, she also designed flyers, and coordinated a group of teens to distribute them in 10 high schools, reaching over 10,000 students. To continue her work, Emily joined the Goodyear Youth Commission and now serves as the Co-Chair, where she’s learned more about local government functions and how important it is for citizens to be civically engaged. As a Girl Scout of 12 years, Emily plans to attend Arizona State University and study biomedical engineering.
Viviana York Laveen
PCAGA
As a student at Phoenix Coding Academy, a school where 20 percent of students are female, Viviana, aimed to address the gender gap at her high school and in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and, Mathematics) careers. To help get more girls enrolled to the technology focused school, Viviana created a weekly club on campus to give girls a community and a support system to share the benefits of STEAM with fellow girls. Through PCAGA, Viviana was able to empower fellow girls to gain confidence as a student in a male dominated field and successfully expose more girls to STEAM careers. She was also able to showcase her leadership skills as the president and founder of her club, where she set up events, meetings, and field trips. PCAGA will continue to make an impact on campus after Viviana graduates and moves on to study biomedical engineering.
In March, our council hosted a dinner to honor the commitment, perseverance, and triumph of our 22 Gold Award Girl Scouts. They have carved a path for future Gold Awardees - displaying the caliber of leadership needed to attain this prestigious honor while expressing compassion for their communities. In Girl Scouting, we take pride in helping to create and nourish future leaders, but what is leadership if not having the determination to be a catalyst for change? All these girls have initiated change, and we do not doubt that they will continue to do so as they grow.
By Nadia Kharoufeh, Girl Scout Senior and Media Ambassador
As you pack your bags to go to Camp Willow Springs, you start to get excited, but nervous. Though you’ve been there before, it feels like you’re going for the first time again, then suddenly a spark of fear burns within you with feelings of homesickness. You start to feel the pre-camp jitters and ask yourself scary questions like “Will I meet new people?” But as you are on your way to camp, both feelings start to increase. Your excitement is wondering “Are we there yet?” while your fear asks, “Can I go home?”
Over the past couple of years, you’ve noticed a change in your mental health. The truth is that a lot has changed over time. There was COVID-19, going to a new school, starting a new grade level, and much more. You become anxious of everything that could go wrong, but you remember something important: everyone goes through at least a couple rough situations in their life, and nobody is spared from experiences that can take a toll on your mental health. And though it sounds frightening at first, there are always ways to get out. You assume the rest of the Girl Scouts with you are stressed about this trip too, but everyone seems to be there for each other, making you feel at ease.
positively impacted your self-esteem/ mental health. You discover that no matter how alone you feel at first, you are never going to be lonely.
You arrive at camp and connect with other campers instantly. As you and the rest of your cabin unit start walking to the campfire, you take in your surroundings. You see the wildlife, the trees, and the mountains. It is good to take in the nature around you. After all, before anyone went to camp, technology was one of the highlights of everyone’s lives. You start to come to the conclusion that disconnecting can be good because life slows down. There’s no need to rush here nor the pressure from social media. When you breathe in, you feel the beautiful chill of the air rush into your lungs. When you exhale, your heart fills with joy because of the relief of being away from a quickpaced life.
The thing about Girl Scouts is that nobody gets left behind. You think back to your past trips and realize that this special element of going to camp has
Does this experience sound familiar? Before you went to camp, how were you feeling? What happened when you returned? I believe Girl Scouts holds a special place in all our hearts, not just because of the s’mores, but because of the opportunities we have to strengthen and take care of our mental health. Summer camp has a special way of building confidence and character, and like other Girl Scout programs, encourages us to be the best version of ourselves.
Our Girl Scout troop leaders are superheroes – their powers do not include flight or lightening speed, but something better: the power to uplift and shape powerful women of the future. Through event planning, communicating with families, creating a safe space for all girls, and ensuring they’re mentored by strong female and male role models – our troop leaders are unstoppable.
Jourdan’s artistic journey began with a personal battle with her self confidence; the media’s projection of beauty influencing how she felt about her identity – not seeing Black women with natural hair in the movies and tv shows she grew up watching. Having her hair straightened all throughout middle school, it was in her high school years that Jourdan had an empowering revelation – she cut off all her hair. “Cutting my hair felt natural and what I needed to do to shed light on the issue and give representation,” said
Artistry, activism, and poetry shine through Jourdan Jones’ work, bringing light to Black women and their relationship with their natural hair, which is impacted by Eurocentric beauty standards.
Jourdan. It was in her sophomore year that Jourdan took an honors art class and let her voice shine through her work –creating pieces that reflected her personal connection to her hair and culture.
Jourdan’s artwork has been cited for its excellence and displayed at an art museum in downtown Cincinnati, and has received a national Scholastics Art and Writing Gold Key award along with an American Voices award for her poetry. She plans to attend university and double
major in political science and philosophy – keeping her activism alive through her work. When asked what advice she had for younger girls experiencing something similar to what she did, Jourdan has this to share “Who you are matters, what you have to say matters as well. Beauty is based in uniqueness for every single person; don’t spend your life not liking your looks – build the things that make you special.”
With their rise in popularity in the 20th century, cosmetics have made it easier to enhance certain features and hide those we’re not so fond of.
Yet, over time, women have become targets of criticism and judgment for their use of makeup or lack thereof –surrounded by the buzz of the social stigma that if you wear too much makeup, you’re insecure and must have a list of flaws to cover up; if you don’t use makeup, you should seriously consider it.
And whether you use it or not, makeup is a creative tool that provides a unique and personal experience to those using it. For a local makeup studio, cosmetics are much more than palettes and brushes. By changing the narrative and negative perceptions of makeup, they’re building a community that thrives off of self-love and confidence.
Looking to deconstruct beauty standards, Girl Scout Alum Alexandra
(Alex) Bradberry, founded The Sparkle Bar to help others feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Opening its doors in 2015, the Sparkle Bar has become a place of creativity, selfexpression, and empowerment – Using makeup to celebrate what makes us unique.
“Makeup is a super powerful medium – It’s like your invisible cape. Makeup can be that thing that just allows you
to step into your higher self where you get to enjoy the act of putting yourself together and getting ready for whatever you have going on that day.”
As a Girl Scout alum, Alex was first introduced to entrepreneurship through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, helping her gain money management, marketing, and communication skills that would later help her establish The Sparkle Bar. As she was getting ready
to open her makeup studio, diversifying the beauty industry was a priority for Alex. Regardless of skin tone and age, she wanted to build a space where everyone felt seen and safe to be themselves while highlighting individuality and all the wonderful things that make us stand out.
“The reality is that makeup allows us to be reminded of who we are, to love the features about ourselves and enjoy what we see in the mirror. It’s important that you remind yourself to enjoy the one body, one face that you have, and really celebrate it.”
Reflecting on her years as a Girl Scout, there’s a lot to be said about the learning that took place to help Alex accomplish what she has. Going through the challenges of opening a business
“Leave a little sparkle everywhere you go.”
-Alex Bradberry
and seeking solutions, it’s important for her to pass on her knowledge of entrepreneurship and the importance of passion to her two Girl Scouts.
“My goal and objective in life are to open my daughters’ eyes to as many experiences they could possibly have. I hope that when they look back on their experiences, whether that’s through Girl Scouts or watching my journey as a Girl Scout to now, they’re inspired and are able to do anything they put their minds to.”
Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout! Inspire the next generation of leaders by sharing your story and professional journey with us. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/alum to get started - you
Another delicious cookie season is in the bag! Over 7,500 girls across our jurisdiction participated in this year’s program, collectively selling 3,104,395 packages of our iconic flavors.
The proceeds will fund adventures (national and international travel, summer camp, etc.), service projects, maintain our four camp properties, and provide innovative girl programming to create leaders of the future.
As Girl Scouts, we know that the cookie season goes beyond the
dollar amount – every delicious box of cookies supports a Girl Scout in her journey through our organization. Girls improved their communication, marketing, money management skills, and overall entrepreneurial craft with each customer interaction. This year also marked the first year with a Girl Scout Cookie digital exclusive release – Raspberry Rally, a crisp raspberry flavored cookie dipped in dark chocolate , debuted on Digital Cookie during council’s Cyber Cookie Week. As an organization, it is important for us to give girls the opportunity to navigate business trends that are reflective of the real-world. E-commerce has become essential
for small and large businesses –marketing, customer satisfaction, inventory tracking, and delivery all play major roles. For a girl to not only experience these elements but master them gives her an advantage as she continues her Girl Scout journey and later in life when she launches her career.
We are proud of the hard work and flexibility of our volunteers and Girl Scouts who allowed us to reach our council cookie sales goal – with each passing season, you continue to impress us and prove that Girl Scouts are capable of anything. We are excited to see what next year’s Girl Scout Cookie Season holds!
Thank you to our council cookie booth partners who hosted Girl Scouts across our jurisdiction at various locations! We also acknowledge the countless organizations and retailers who allowed Girl Scouts to host self-scheduled booths at their locations.
• Ahipoki
• Alight Tempe
• Arizona Visitor Center
• Bashas’
• AJ’s
• Fry’s
• Walmart
• Sonic
• Tractor Supply
• JRP Tax
• Zzeeks Pizza
• Valley Coffee Bar
• Wendy’s
• Ross Farnsworth YMCA
• NAU Men’s Basketball Team
• Sam’s Club
• Phi Sigma Ro Sorority ASU
• Macerich Malls: Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Desert Sky Mall, Kierland Commons, San Tan Village, Superstition Springs, Biltmore
• Arizona Coyotes
• Dog Haus
• Orangetheory
• The Yard Milkshake Bar
• Clearwater Systems
• True Value
• YAM’s Properties: As You Wish, Dulies Sports Bar, Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, Caramba, Pet Market
• Bookmans Mesa
• CVS
• Redpoint Tempe
Share your special cookie season memories and your plans for your cookie funds with us! We want to highlight the best moments of the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program with our membership –emphasizing the power of our Girl Scouts. Visit www.girlscoutsaz. org/stories to submit your photos and blurbs. You could be featured on our social media pages!
• Food City
• Eddies Country Shop
Girls who sold 5,000+ packages!
Cora Poor 7,544
Cybelle Lacis 7,572
Sophia Harmon 7,505
Lilly Delehoy 7,501
Savannah Scott 7,507
Abby Lange 7,507
Kiana Jeskewitz 7,757
McKenna Bantau 7,597
Hailey Aldaz 7,500
Maliah Winey 7,877
Avery Vo 7,866
Kaelyn Bishop 7,518
Magnolia Miller 7,524
Cassidy Cottle 7,637
Service Unit, Troop Number, Boxes Sold
Girls who sold 2,000+ packages!
Sarah Spresney 2,045
Brianna Angstead 2,018
Sabrina Padberg 4,500
Lillian McAnerney 2,004
Allison Roseboom 2,021
Aurora Arnett 5,072
Cora Poor 7,544
Cybelle Lacis 7,572
Danyelle Cottrell 5,069
Daphne Lott 2,034
Eliza Ohlson 5,020
Hayden Nemecek 3,511
Jenna Pachak 5,051
Katie Lott 2,025
Lillian Standerfer 5,026
Nyna Kingsley 4,000
Scarlett Lacis 5,008
Shante Summers 5,011
Sophia Harmon 7,505
Abigail Lomanto 2,085
Hailey Potts 5,063
Ava Gillane 2,502
Kaitlyn Van Der Werf 5,075
Larkin Lopez 5,017
Brooklyn Thomas 5,000
Destiny Hofrichter - Lay 5,000
Drew Byrne 5,000
Irelyn Wackernagle 5,000
Jovie Anderson 5,000
Peyton Wessels 5,000
Jordyn Quinn 5,003
Lilly Delehoy 7,501
Meira Hart 5,000
Payton Turner 5,013
Rilee Raymond 5,000
Savannah Scott 7,507
Kirin Head 2,001
Madysen Diekema 2,000
Starr Lester 2,000
Katlynn Anthes 2,507
Ella Lusson 2,142
Lilly Rowe 2,537
Janiya Jackson 3,124
Abby Lange 7,507
Kaycee Noderer 5,052
Alyssa Hill 3,000
Kloie Kalb 5,377
Bayli Haynes 2,000
Christine Koenig 2,000
Jaiden Silva Montes 2,000
Kiana Jeskewitz 7,757
Zoe Schuster 2,000
Natalie Dominguez 2,176
Paisley Leavenworth 2,232
Olivia Palma 4,504
Nicole Erickson 3,509
Salena Castillo 2,506
Arianna Johnson 2,019
Shannon Robelet 5,200
April Costello 4,026
Gabriela Lobato 2,008
Avery Graham 2,508
Lillian Hendricks 3,000
Calia Ransom 4,500
Olivia Ransom 2,000
Ella Wade 2,028
Kaya Crockett 3,048
Luci Hayes 2,000
Baylee Lairmore 2,000
Emalie McDaniel 4,008
Gianna Blair 2,048
Sophia Avina-Thomas 2,003
Avery Bantau 5,000
McKenna Bantau 7,597
Megan Berg 5,000
Tera Berg 5,000
Keira Gross 3,526
Emma Aldaz 5,000
Hailey Aldaz 7,500
Alyvia Scott 3,002
Trisha Dyer 5,155
Reagan OConnor 2,071
Arabella Bergen 2,065
3,656
Winey 7,877
On January 21, we held our annual Cookie Fast Pitch event in person for the first time since 2019! Fifteen community leaders and executives gathered with 30 girls for a morning of mentorship, networking, and skill-building.
Kiana, a Girl Scout Senior, shared that Cookie Fast Pitch “is a really great opportunity for girls to talk to CEOs and get advice on how to promote themselves and their cookie business.”
Among the mentors at the event were GSACPC’s co-CEOs. Mary L. Mitchell commented, “It was heartwarming and
inspiring. I learned a lot from the girls in terms of what they care about and how excited they are about the sale.” Christina Spicer added that the event “helps ensure that the very first-time girls sit across the table from a CEO, it is an opportunity to share about something they are confident about and they are experts in.”
Ashley Richards, founder of E Squared Marketing shared that she was “super impressed with the girls. They were so confident and spoke so proudly about the organization.”
We appreciate all the executives and community leaders who gave their time to listen to girls’ sales pitches, provide helpful feedback, share some of their own pointers and tips for success, and for supporting the girls by purchasing cookies!
Thank you to our 2023 executive leaders:
• Jackie Bosque-Diaz, The Colibri Collective
• Lupe Camargo, Perspective Financial and GSACPC Board Chair
• Lynne Cunningham, Community Member
• Zach Hall, AvAir
• JoAnn Holland, East Valley Women, Central Phoenix Women & Women of Scottsdale
• Michelle McQueen, EIC Agency
• Marcia Meyer, Be Kind People Project
• Mary Mitchell, GSACPC
• Mike Patterson, EIC Agency
• Ashley Richards, E Squared Marketing
• Drea Salazar, Stanley Black & Decker
• Mike Spangenberg, State Forty Eight & State Forty Eight Foundation
• Christina Spicer, GSACPC
• Tiffanie Tallman, Arizona Diamondbacks
• Jennifer Villalobos, Sharp Construction
A big thank you to State Forty Eight for hosting the event at their headquarters in Chandler, AZ.
Runners and cookie enthusiasts from across the valley gathered at Westgate Entertainment District on Feb. 25 to support GSACPC and State Forty Eight Foundation in our common cause of empowering Arizona’s entrepreneurs for a sweeter future. With over 700 people in attendance, the energy was electric as 12News Sports Reporter/Anchor Lina Washington emceed the event, ensuring participants felt motivated with each lap they finished as spectators cheered along the sidelines. A special visit from Baxter, the mascot for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Big Red from the Arizona Cardinals, Howler from the Arizona Coyotes, and Spirit from the Fiesta Bowl brought a playful ambiance as they energized the crowd for the big start!
Girl Scout Cookies were available for purchase, and customers picked up some free milk to accompany their sweet treats provided by Danzeisan Dairy. A couple of Girl Scouts were also present in the thriving runner’s village, enhancing their sales techniques as they interacted with customers and shared information on their small businesses. As a sweet finish, The Lola, one of the delicious tenants at
With the official unveiling of our brand-new mini bus donated by the Devin Booker Starting Five Grant, and troops boothing after the game, Girl Scout Cookie Night with the Phoenix Suns was a special one! On Jan. 22, cookie entrepreneurs and Girl Scout members headed to the Footprint Center to cheer on the Phoenix Suns as they took on the Memphis Grizzlies. Before the game, girls toured the mini bus, received an exclusive fun patch, created signs, watched a step show by Troop 3872, and danced to some of our favorite songs. Some of our Girl Scout Media Ambassadors participated in the honor guard and a fun courtside game where they met Go, the Phoenix Suns mascot!
During the final quarter, troops had the opportunity to booth in the main plaza of the Footprint Center and sold more than 5,000 cookie packages as fans exited the stadium.
Westgate, offered a delicious brunch menu featuring our iconic Girl Scout Cookie flavors.
The Bring Home the Cookies 5K was created at the end of the pandemic; in hopes of uniting members of our communities with an outdoor celebration highlighting the power of entrepreneurship. Reflecting on last year’s 5K, the first for our council, the rate at which this event has grown is truly triumphant, and this is not the end! We are already working on ways to elevate the experience and spread the mission of Girl Scouts alongside State Forty Eight Foundation and our love for the community.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
• Arizona Cardinals
• As You Wish Pottery Painting Place
• ASU Preparatory Academy
• Bashas’
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
• Kappa Delta
• Clear Channel Outdoor
• Danzeisen Dairy
• Dolores Miller Charitable Fund
• Sports Matters Foundation
• Dircks Moving & Logistics
• Kitchell Contractors
• Mountainside Fitness
• Phi Sigma Rho
• Presidential Pools
• Sports Fund of Arizona
• Young & Empowered
Congratulations to our cookie entrepreneurs for selling 3.1 million cookie packages! The 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season was memorable not only because of this number, but the excitement and the creativity radiating from every booth and sale!
This year, we had 380 entries for our Cookie Spirit Contest and a total of 24 winners! We received many photos and videos, making it almost impossible to select four winners every week. From across our jurisdiction, girls submitted photos of themselves in the middle of
a snowstorm, going door-to-door, and setting up their booth with lights and bright posters. Some even brought their pets, cookie costumes, and inflatable dinosaurs. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Powerful, moving, inspiring. On Feb. 11, Parsons Leadership Center was beaming with celebration in honor of Black History Month. Mahogany In Motion is an annual program created to help girls embrace their confidence and strength in their identity – specifically girls of African American descent.
Girls listened to a panel of influential Black female community leaders that spoke about their relationship with their cultural identity, hair, and shared anecdotes on their self-confidence journey that has led them to where they are now. This powerful conversation was followed by quilt and jewelry making, each of which hold significance in Black culture rooted in storytelling and pride.
A speech from teen artist and activist Jourdan Jones, fired up the audience as she shared how art could be a form of activism and shed light on crucial societal issues affecting Black girls in our country. Dress for Success Phoenix, The Sparkle Bar and The Beauty Revealed helped close the event with a fierce fashion show that included our Girl Scouts! They strutted the catwalk showing everyone that beauty should not be contained but shared with the world.
Thank you to our amazing partners for sharing your resources and insight to ensure we were able to provide the best experience for all girls in attendance.
• Alexandra Bradberry | Founder, The Sparkle Bar
• Jourdan Jones | Civil Rights Activist, Poet, Artist
• Dr. Kenja Hassan | Assistant Vice President, Office of Government & Community Engagement at ASU
• Shareé Hurts | Program Manager, APS
• Tamala McBath | CEO, Dress for Success Phoenix
• Candance Claiborn | Co-Founder, The Beauty Revealed
• Dr. Joel Martin | President, Positively Powerful Triad West Inc., and Founder, Positively Powerful Education Summit and Woman Awards Counselor for Girl Scouts who are 16-17 years old.
Around the Bend
Pack your bags; the countdown is on for Girl Scout Summer Camp! Filled with high adventure, new experiences, and friendship – this is a summer experience girls will hold in their hearts for years to come. At camp, girls are surrounded by supportive staff and other campers who will help them foster lasting connections, giving them the confidence to explore new interests and interact with nature.
We are excited to offer troop, resident, mini-resident, and combo camp options that are built to accommodate girls’ comfort level whether it is your first year at camp or you’re a returning camper. Registration is open to all, claim your spot by visiting www.girlscoutsaz.org/camp.
• Registration is still open!
• First week of camp – June 4 | Last week of camp – July 23
• Girls do not have to be a registered Girl Scout member to attend summer camp. Invite a family member or friend to join you this summer!
• New! Combo Camp – Available only at Parsons Leadership Center, campers will experience the adventure of a mini-residential camp but will only stay overnight on Thursday.
We believe every girl interested in attending camp should have the opportunity. Camperships provide financial assistance for girls to experience the summer of a lifetime. To learn more and apply for a campership, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/campership
Being outdoors provides a sanctuary for healing, self-reflection, and growth. By unplugging from the frenzy of daily life and the static noise presented by societal norms, summer camp provides a safe space where girls can express themselves freely while taking controlled risks to step out of their comfort zone. With four camp properties with over 300 acres, girls will fall in love with the beauty that nature holds while connecting with themselves and their Girl Scout sisters and new friends.
Bring out your creativity and write a letter about your summer camp adventures to a family or friend! Tip: Without showing the story to them, ask for nouns, adjectives and verbs to fill in the blanks. After it’s complete, read your silly story and try writing one of your own!
Dear name ,
This summer, I visited Shadow Rim Ranch and had the best time ever! It was my rst time trying and I’m glad I met some really adjective noun . I also ate noun , noun , and noun but what I loved most was noun . Spending time outside has encouraged me to challenge myself and become an expert in outdoor adventure, especially in camping. One day, my friends and I had to set up a tent and forgot to bring the noun and noun . My favorite memory was verb by the camp re and seeing my friends carry their noun after hearing the noun howl. We had some delicious noun and admired the adjective sky and the twinkling noun . Going to sleep was di cult because we couldn’t stop verb about noun . What did you do this summer? I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Sincerely, your name
GSACPC partnered with Girls Can Build after being inspired by their grassroots effort to empower the next generation of girls. It is an opportunity for generational mentorship in a field that predominantly has been male dominated. The Girl Scout Mobile Building Space will be an incredible opportunity for girls across our jurisdiction to discover new passions alongside experts who are currently in the field. The Girl Scout Mobile Building Space will be a branded, retrofitted box truck featuring hands-on experiences with tools, gadgets, and projects.
“When we think about the statistics around women in construction, we wanted to help to develop a strong pipeline of girls who know about and are invited into the trades. So, the Girls Can Build and Girl Scout partnership is an incredible opportunity to expose girls to one of the largest sectors in the Arizona community. Then, as they explore career
opportunities, they can see the trades as a unique space to share their talent,” says GSACPC co-CEO Christina Spicer.
Girl Scouts who visit the mobile building space will have exciting learning experiences around construction, engineering, electricity, plumbing, and automotive that correspond to badges and patches. More information about how girls can participate will be shared in the coming months.
Explore new cultures, tasty cuisine, and luscious landscapes with GSUSA Destinations! The power of travel is limitless as it opens doors to unforgettable experiences and encourages personal development and independence. Take the leap and see what incredible opportunities await as you travel worldwide! Girls from our council who are interested in participating in a GSUSA Destinations program can receive at least 30 percent financial support from our council when applying. Email destinations@girlscoutsaz.org to learn more.
July 29 – Aug. 7, 2023
Girl Scout Levels: Cadette – Senior
Go back in time to experience the old-world wonders of England, Ireland, and Wales. Kiss the Blarney Stone in County Cork, marvel at the Gothic spires of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin and tour the bustling streets of London.
From the birthplace to Shakespeare’s 16th-century works and the Harry Potter saga of today, the United Kingdom has long been rich with a literary tradition you’ll get to explore up close. You will also visit Pax Lodge in Hampstead to participate in unique Girl Scout programming.
July 6 – 13, 2023
Girl Scout Level: Senior – Ambassador
You’ll be staying at Lake Rickabear, a Girl Scout Camp just an hour’s drive from Manhattan. Each day, head into the city that never sleeps. Start with musical theater workshops led by Broadway professionals for in-depth career development.
Enjoy a variety of classes that cover everything from auditioning tricks to choreography. Your instructors will have you stretching your limits and learning new skills. Your afternoons will be filled exploring the city with your guides. Discover the view from the Empire State Building and the natural beauty of Central Park. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and see Ellis Island up close. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and check out Alexander Hamilton’s neighborhood.
Are you ready to defy gravity? Experience Wicked on Broadway! You and other participants will vote on two or three additional Broadway productions to attend. After each show, you’ll discuss the show’s impact on you and society as you take a deep look at the meaning behind the show.
By the end of your week, you will have experienced many of New York City’s neighborhoods, along with their cultures and foods. Broadway will become a part of your repertoire, and its lyrics a part of your memory, book-ended by the new friendships you will make.
July 16 – 22, 2023
Girl Scout Levels: Seniors – Ambassadors
Are you an aspiring outdoor adventurer, conservation leader, or nature photographer? There is no better place to find this inspiration than the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, where you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains, iconic geysers, and North America’s most magnificent wildlife.
Step out of your comfort zone and discover new confidence as a leader under the guidance of field instructors at Teton Science Schools. Together, on foot and by canoe, immerse yourself in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Practice naturalist skills while exploring Grand Teton National Park and give back through service as you build long-lasting friendships and create memories of a lifetime with other Girl Scouts from across the nation. Catch a glimpse of bison and elk (and maybe even wolves and bears!) and learn about the inner workings of mysterious thermal features on a two-night camping trip to Yellowstone National Park.
Nov. 4, 2023
We’re excited to announce that two local companies, onsemi and Avnet, awarded GSACPC grants for STEAM programming. The funding will support a brand-new STEAM Challenge this summer! Look out for more details at www.girlscoutsaz.org.
Thank you to onsemi and Avnet for investing in STEAM experiences for Arizona girls!
In anticipation of cookie season, 50 Brownies and Juniors got a jump start on their money management skills through a program provided by our partners Charles Schwab and As You Wish Pottery Painting Place this past December. Schwab volunteers led girls through a budgeting exercise, helping them learn to identify the difference between needs and wants and recognize the importance of saving for long-term goals. After the badgework, girls painted their very own “Cookie Dough” piggy banks.
This program was part of a new national partnership between Girl Scouts and Charles Schwab to offer youth across the country financial literacy activities that will inspire and prepare them to become financial stewards in their own lives and that will fuel a lifelong financial empowerment journey. We are grateful for this new collaboration. Thank you to local volunteers Kathy Bayer and Stacey Royston for planning and running the program.
We also deeply appreciate our longtime partnership with As You Wish who hosted the event and provided their popular painting activity.
June 1 – Dec. 31, 2022: There were thirty-four different Silver Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following sixty-six Silver Award recipients.
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.
Reflects gifts made Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2022.
Mary Sue Talley
American Express Foundation
Paulette Brown Memorials In Memory of
Troop 212
Samantha Swan
Peyton Van Hemert
Troop 487
Madison Stock
Troop 511
Audrey Power
Savanna Scott
Emma Whitmore
Troop 655
Jada Kennedy
Troop 674
Allison Wright
Kylie McEwen
Leanna McKnight
Troop 757
Olivia Uram
Dani Thomas
Karlie Garcia
Troop 932
Tatum Bethke
Valerie Huizar
Troop 1126
Isabella Espinoza
Aubry Golamb
Troop 1304
Athena Conway
Troop 1377
Troop 1377
Kylie Smith
Karynn Johnson
Abigail Hurst
Kaylan Cave
Troop 1468
Savannah Luckie
Delaney Silveri
Troop 1593
Emily Kodicek
Troop 1948
BayLee Pennington
Kiera Tallant
Charlotte Anderson
Madison Godinez
Lorna Maynard
Lillian Rice
Troop 2019
Kylie Lark
Gabriella Demgen
Harper Honeycutt
Leia Southworth
Troop 2137
Jula Keturatana
Mackenzie McEldowney
Troop 2374
Troop 2374
Kaylee Fowler
Troop 2650
Sophia Tew
Troop 2654
Eva Mast
Troop 2732
Cordelia Boyd
Sydney Anderson
Meagan Cummings
Nicole Richardson
Troop 3006
Ayla Edwards
Hailea Austin
Cameron Weber
Brooke DiCamillo
Troop 3384
Karina Kapadia
Troop 4290
Shannon Sellers
Kieran Sellers
Troop 4482
Marisella UrcuyoAcevedo
Troop 6464
Troop 6464
Elle St. Peter
Leah Lopez
Troop 128
Nicole Bentley
Troop 180
Sarah Spresney
Greer Masing
Catherine Lowe
Troop 436
Amani Jones
Troop 453
Isabel Cordova
Troop 3156
Ellie Lipinski
IGM
Alison Wings
Alison Wings
Katelyn Bons
Katelyn Bons
Ella Brewer
Ella Brewer
Sophie Becker
Sophie Becker
Karly Converse
Karly Converse
Reflects gifts made Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2022.
Tributes In Honor of
Ambassador
Barbara Barrett
National Society of DARGrand Canyon Chapter
Renee Parsons
Marti DeBenedetti
Eileen Ward
Martina Ward Page & Kory Page
My two daughters both Gold Award Girl Scouts
Ann Nimlos
Our children
Sherry Reyes
Tamara J. Woodbury
Tori Andrews
Ashlee Atkins
Dawn Baker
Jacki Bowers
Reflects gifts made Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2022.
In Honor of
Tamara J. Woodbury cont.
Evelyn Burrell
Valerie Cantrell
Lori Collins
Dawn Corley
Monica Garnes-Harper
Maria Marinick
Noreen Hill
Karen Johnson
Michelle Just
Kelly Laipply
Sonia Lebron
Wendy Ledezma Cons
Candace Lew
Barbara Lewkowitz
Rita Marko
Carrie Martz
Ruth McGregor
Darlene Newsom
Sagee Palavivatana
Connie Phillips
Eileen Rogers
Rosemary Schooler
Roberta Shank
Molly Stockley
Torrie Taj
Janelle Tassart
Monica Trejo
Julie Trujillo
Arvid Veidmark
Laura Verduzco
Stephanie Viboch
Michelle Walker
Janine Whelan
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Virginia G. Piper
Charitable Trust
June 1 – Dec 31, 2022: There were forty-four different Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 168 Bronze Award recipients.
Troop 511
Samantha Whitmore
Troop 558
Shante Summers
Troop 1044
Savannah Schroff
Troop 1264
Sophia McKeon
Jade Marinzulich
Troop 2104
Sanaa Chenel
Troop 2595
Isla Smith
Cora Richardson
Ada Loresto
Grace Franklin
Clementine Anderson
Maddie Wesseler
Emilie Buckner
Lilley Hamel
Brixley Killebrew
Troop 3047
Natalie Dominguez
Troop 3282
Kyara Flores
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.
Itzayana Flores
Maria Tabbilos
Troop 3297
Chloe Dunlap
Abigail Deutschman
Troop 3369
Savannah Scott
Troop 3396
Meira Hart
Troop 3615
Chloe Davis
Garianna Benson
Lucia Stramiello
Isabelle Davis
Avery Kaiser
Hayley Simon
Hayden Hreha
Troop 3721
Ainslie King
Crystal Allen
Troop 3725
Sofia Ponce
Kaylyn Owen-Jones
Reese Hammer
Emily Slaten
Riley Lawrence
Amelia Hilton
Julia Nodsle
Maddison Simon
Anniston Miller
Rose Masiello
Elizabeth Packer
Maya Blueford
Hope Bellefeuille
Troop 3801
Mallory Davidson
Vanna Flett
Brynlee Rodgers
Troop 3893
Laila Bergman
Chloe Ward
Adyson Hebert
Isabella Huels
Virginia Anderson
Troop 3958
Julia Shaw
Giada Pumo
Kennedy McClintock
Eleanor Sapp
Troop 4320
Kaia Romanelli
Molly Prince
Jenna Micek
Anneliese Haberlin
Troop 4615
Magnolia Hall
Vanessa Byassee
Madison Konkel
Charlotte Falk
Troop 4659
Mara Darcus
Leah Williams
Georgina Haddad
Isabella Toebben
Lucia Fleming
Kayla Norbury
Emily Forbes
Jessica MacPhee
Mary Mullenmeister
Laura Bird
Olivia Johansen
Troop 4674
Aiyana Argulski
Troop 4675
Emma Yuhas
Elsa Rigsby
Brooklyn Liberatore
Teagan Anderson
Troop 4864
Mila Martinez
Mila Brnilovich
Myla Bingham
Alania Posillico
Allegra Posillico
Taylor Pool
Kaylee Sands
Aubrey Gudgeon
Troop 4894
Mya Wells
Cora Smith
Abbey Valdez
Madeline Jones
Gracie Bell
Zoe Mullins
Antonella Magallanes
Debra Warner
Naia Huggins
Alanna Hart
Jillian Hallquist
Troop 6167
Priscilla Kalec
Troop 6234
Kaya Crockett
Sydney Phillips
Ella Wade
Troop 6404
Kayli Puccetti
Troop 6455
Shannon Robelet
Hannah Fraser
Marilyn O’Connell
Maya O’Connell
Tegan Burger
Troop 7073
Izadora Palma
Kendra Arreaza
Troop 7133
Heather Kunberger
Shirah Avalos
Moxie Marquis
Eva Osgood Green
Troop 7286
Savannah Bledden
Troop 7287
Elliana Davis
Alexandria Salgado
Shelby Tanner
Allison Flores
Troop 7387
Ellie Peacock
Troop 7443
Ailey Mejia
Abby Bonn
Troop 7478
Beretta Hale
Zoey Davison
Nevaeh Castro
Janaye Carter
Amy Wilson
Troop Collaborations
Anabella Tallant
Milliah Pennington
Emalia Geiser
Maleah Morales
Chloe Tagle
Giselle Armenta
Troop 181
Nadia Ahern
Troop 285
Mireya Griffin
Emily Gire
Megan Bergstrom
Mae Waters
Natalie Kaleta
Troop 3156
Natalie Lipinski
Jeannie Prugar
Troop 4847
Troop 4847
Mina Hooks
Hailee Cosper
Raimi Molina
Cailah Martinez
Charlise Inman-Ballesteros
Hailey Fernkes
Allie Fernkes
Raeah Mach
Kinlee Jablonowski
Autumn Ternes
Charlotte Tipton
Kylie Terry
Alani Hubbard
Abbigaile Morven
Zoe O'Leary
Troop 7133
Keona Marie Watkins
Troop 7478
Sloane Dorsey
Alaina Hinz
Hailee Timmons
Lila Brazdys
Hannah Finney
IGM
Eleanor Cronin
Aryana Reavis
119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.452.7000 / 800.352.6133 girlscoutsaz.org @GSACPC
¿Prefiere esta información en español? ¡Contáctenos! preguntas@girlscoutsaz.org o 602-452-7011
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!
Business Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri – 9am-5pm 2nd and 4th Sat – 9am-1pm girlscoutshop.com never closes!
Your Council Shop is located at: Parsons Leadership Center 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042 602.452.7137 | shop@girlscoutsaz.org
Make sure to mark your calendars with these exciting events!
5/30 Memorial Day
6/4 – 7/23 Girl Scout Summer Camp
6/19 Juneteenth
7/4 Independence Day
7/18 - 22 2023 Girl Scout National Convention
9/4 Labor Day
Enjoy a delicious summer night next to a campfire and s’more with this giveaway! The kit includes a set of reusable marshmallow roasting sticks, jumbo marshmallows, milk chocolate bars, graham crackers, and a set for s’mores themed ChapStick! To enter, follow @gsacpc on Instagram and share a photo and short blurb highlighting your favorite Girl Scout summer Camp memory using our stories form at girlscoutsaz.org/stories
9/15 - 10/15 Hispanic Heritage Month 9/16 Hispanic Heritage Month Event
10/1 2023-24 Membership Year Begins
10/1 - 30 2023 Fall Product Program
10/11 International Day of the Girl 11/18 Adult Awards and Recognition Ceremony
11/4 Badge Bash