— Brynlee, Girl Scout Cadette
¿Prefiere
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Embrace Possibilities
Nearly 113 years ago, Girl Scout Founder Juliette Gordon Low envisioned what could be possible for girls by focusing on education and the outdoors. She proudly told her cousin, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!” Indeed, those words launched a global movement, so we follow her lead in embracing all possibilities as we reimagine what can happen for girls in 2025.
Girl Scouting is still relevant today because the work is girl-centered and girl-led. Something magic happens when thousands of Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scouts dream big and share their ideas with trusted adults. We see this occur across communities as girls have unique experiences through badge work, community service, and outdoor adventures, bringing our mission to life. We have immense gratitude for the thousands of volunteers who support and mentor Girl Scouts in these spaces.
As we follow Juliette Gordon Low’s lead in embracing all possibilities we reimagine what can happen for girls in 2025.
From episodic to those recently recognized for decades of service, dedicated volunteers create an environment where girls gain a sense of belonging and sisterhood. Serving in this capacity is not always easy because our organization is not immune from experiencing challenges
caused by external factors. Increased costs of goods and membership fees have resulted in a more significant request to serve girls. We know this is challenging and felt across the system, so our goal is to lead this council, focusing on the best outcome for girls, and remain committed to working alongside volunteers and families every step of the way. We recently offered a compassionate response in partnership with the GSACPC Board of Directors to help ease the impact of an increase in national membership dues. The board unanimously approved using a board reserve fund we have managed for years to help cover the $20 increase for girl members and the $5 increase for adult membership dues during the 2025-2026 Girl Scout membership year.
Moving into one of our organization’s most visible and celebrated times of the year also creates the heaviest lift for volunteers. The months-long support and guidance provided to girls to prepare for and successfully execute Girl Scout Cookie Season is nothing short of incredible.
As we adventure through this new calendar year, we encourage Girl Scout volunteers, staff, and donors to continue asking girls what they want, need, and think. This intentional approach will allow Juliette’s vision over a century ago to live on!
Yours In Girl Scouting,
Mary
Mitchell and Christina Spicer
GSACPC Co-CEOs
Susan Trujillo
GSACPC Board Chair
Left to right: Mary Mitchell, Susan Trujillo, and Christina Spicer
Girl Scout Cookies: The Sweet Ticket to a World of Adventure
As Girl Scouts, when January arrives, there’s one thing on our minds: Cookies. While families and troop leaders gear up for booths, Girl Scouts like Kiana view Girl Scout Cookie Season as their ticket to adventure.
Beyond offering delicious and timeless treats, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches valuable skills such as goal setting, money management, decision-making, people skills, and business ethics. Since her first year as a Daisy, Kiana has explored exciting destinations, thanks to the funds she’s raised each year. Now, as a Girl Scout Ambassador, her opportunities have expanded, and both the program and her confidence have empowered her to travel internationally!
“I started selling cookies my first year,” Kiana recalls. “And I’ve been a high seller since then, which is kind of crazy because I remember when the order card’s highest number used to be like 1,800 boxes. Now it’s 7,500 — that’s a huge difference!”
The goal was bigger than just hitting a sales target. It was about the dream of something extraordinary — a day trip to Disneyland, an adventure that became her first Girl Scout milestone.
“I remember telling my mom, ‘I’m going to sell enough cookies to go!’ And she said, ‘You’re crazy!’” But Kiana wasn’t deterred. “We did more booths, hustled hard, and boom! We made it happen. We took that trip to Disney.”
That first taste of success fueled Kiana’s love for the Girl Scout experience, and it sparked a special kind of determination that would stay with her through every cookie sale, every
badge, and every adventure that followed. Disney was just the beginning of her travels.
As she’s grown-up transitioning from one Girl Scout level to another, she’s also learned that the skills and confidence she’s gained through the Girl Scout Cookie Program have progressed and built upon each other. This realization has not only deepened her involvement in Girl Scouts but also helped her take genuine, authentic ownership of her experience.
Harnessing her confidence and communication skills equipped her for her first job, a trip to Hawaii, and the experience of leaving the country for the first time. It also encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and speak the native Spanish language. This past summer, Kiana and her mom who also serves as a troop leader, traveled to Costa Rica, creating a core memory for Kiana. Reflecting on the trip, she recalls, “I never even thought about going to Costa Rica before the trip popped up. And then it came up and I was like, wow, this would be pretty awesome.” She continues with excitement, “I got my passport. It was my first time leaving the country. It was really exciting. I cried when I went through customs.” Kiana adds, “It was honestly one of the coolest experiences. I got to be there with my mom, and we’d been planning to go somewhere internationally since I was a child.”
These experiences have shaped her into a stronger leader and reinforced her belief that with the right mindset, there are no limits to what you can achieve. Kiana has become a role model for her younger Girl Scout sisters and has a message for all those starting their Girl Scout journey—whether as new members, Cadettes, Seniors, or Ambassadors: “People want to hear your story, and remember why you started, why you joined Girl Scouts. Stay excited about the program, and take ownership of your Girl Scouting journey, whether you want to focus more on badges, STEM, or travel.”
Social Shout Out!
Check out the most liked post from our Instagram page @GSACPC June 1 – Sept. 30, 2024. Then, head to our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to ensure we’re connected!
When two leaders take the mic at the @wnba Changemakers Day! ����✨
#girlscouts #girlscoutsaz #gsacpc #PhoenixMercury
Editor’s Note
Talented, inspiring, brave, curious, and fun are a few ways we have heard Girl Scout staff describe the girls we serve across Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. As a nonprofit communications team, we are honored to support a brand dedicated to empowering girls, who represent our state’s brightest future. We also deeply value the Girl Scout mission and acknowledge it as the driving force behind the stories and designs you find in every issue of Girl Scout Connections magazine.
Please share your Girl Scouting adventures with us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories and don’t forget to include photos. Our team looks forward to featuring you and your Girl Scout Sisters throughout the 2024-2025 membership year.
—Your Editorial Team
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Adventures, Innovations, Leadership, Pushing Boundaries, Setting an Example, Taking Charge, Accomplishing Goals. This
is Girl Scouts.
1 In a spontaneous effort to give back, Troop 2713 decided to undertake a meaningful yet straightforward project: assembling birthday gift bags for foster children. Each girl was encouraged to contribute three items valued at $5 or less, and several members reached out to friends and family for additional donations. What began as a modest initiative blossomed into a remarkable outpouring of generosity, resulting in nearly 100 bags designed to bring joy to boys and girls of all ages!
2 Traveling is better in a troop! Troop 7121 enjoyed an incredible trip to California, celebrating the girls’ hard work in achieving their cookie sales goals. They packed their itinerary with a variety of activities, including a Glass Bottom Boat Eco Tour, fishing at Santa Monica Pier, and visits to the Holocaust Museum and Universal Studios. Other highlights included exploring the Aquarium of the Pacific, touring the Battleship IOWA Museum, and experiencing the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They also enjoyed a Pirate’s Adventure Dinner and went whale watching in Newport. Most expenses were covered by this past year’s cookie funds, allowing the troop to fund accommodations, meals, gas, parking, and provide each girl with a budget for souvenirs!
3 Girl Scouts from Troop 3047 made the heartfelt decision to donate all their 2024 cookie sales to support the homeless. Beyond the cookie donations, the troop used their funds to assemble care packages in string backpacks, filled with essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hats, wipes, combs, chapstick, shampoo and conditioner, water, and snacks. In collaboration with the organizer from the Seventh Day Adventist Glendale Church, Troop 3047 and their family members worked together to distribute the donations to those in need.
4 In e arly June, Troop 203 took their annual camping trip to Southern Colorado, featuring visits to Montezuma’s Castle, Navajo National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park. The breathtaking landscapes left everyone in awe, especially while staying in a picturesque valley with a rushing creek. Along the way, the girls engaged in badge work and enjoyed encounters with eagles and various critters drawn to their food. These cherished trips always conclude with excitement as the girls start planning their next adventure!
5 The Pima neighborhood came alive with energy and creativity as the annual girl-led day camp organized by Troop 2256 unfolded, showcasing the talents of local Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. An exceptional staff, comprising members from various troops, worked collaboratively to bring the week-long camp to life. Together, they designed the theme “Flashback,” which celebrated the vibrant decades of the twentieth century. Over 100 Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors attended, participating in activities that included science, robotics, dance, theater, sports, and art. Meanwhile, Girl Scout Cadettes took part in program aide training, gearing up to join the staff for next year’s camp.
6 The Techalongs take over day camp! Made up of multiple troops, FTC team #17062 had an amazing week at day camp, where they taught coding and paper airplane building while introducing younger girls to the fundamentals of robotic design. The campers enjoyed a playful twist on Ms. Pacman, with their robot taking on the role of the ghost. Participants also had the opportunity to drive robots, adding to the excitement! Day Camp is one of the team’s annual outreach projects aimed at inspiring younger girls in STEM fields. For more information on joining the team or learning about other outreach events, please email techalongs@gmail.com
7 To embrace independence in nature, Troop 7447 embarked on their first overnight camping trip at Shadow Rim Ranch near Payson, AZ. They participated in the flag ceremony, crafted sit-upons and water bottle slings, and prepared their own foil dinners, indulging in just a few too many s’mores while singing songs around the campfire (though there’s no such thing as having enough s’mores). Before returning home, the girls completed the Promise Trail, delighting in the quest to find the fairy queen and other mythical creatures along the way.
8 Troop 484 earned their Silver Award by building a Pet Pantry for the New Life Center Domestic Violence Shelter! To earn their award, the girls refurbished a cabinet, rallied donations from family/ friends/businesses, and created a vibrant presentation of their project. The Pet Pantry is now brimming with pet food, supplies, medications, and toys, all available for free to families at the shelter. Through this exciting initiative, the girls not only learned about the invaluable support the NLC provides to families in crisis but also fulfilled their goal of making a positive impact on furry friends in need!
9 With the incredible support of Tasha, both a mom and leader, Girl Scout McKenna from Troop 872 sold over 7,500 boxes of cookies in 2023, earning a special mother-daughter trip to Costa Rica this past summer! Their adventure was both rewarding and challenging. While they encountered more bugs than McKenna would like to remember, they thoroughly enjoyed their time in La Fortuna! They engaged in conservation work by replanting mangroves, hiked to stunning waterfalls, zipped through the jungle, and learned about the processes of making chocolate and coffee. They even spotted a flock of macaws and enjoyed a boat ride where they encountered crocodiles and exotic birds, finishing off their trip with a relaxing visit to the hot springs.
10 Spre ading kindness through service – Girl Scout Troop 5790 dedicated much of their year to supporting Trevor’s Vision, a local nonprofit that provides weekly meals to the homeless in Phoenix. Their journey began with a successful drive to collect essential items like clothes, blankets, and toiletries, which they eagerly delivered while serving dinner to 150-200 individuals in need. During cookie season, the girls raised funds by collecting spare change and donations at cookie booths, culminating in a $1,000 check presentation to support the nonprofit’s mission. As a heartfelt conclusion to their service, the troop was invited back to serve a special pizza party meal, where they were honored for their contributions. This experience ignited a passion for helping the homeless, fostering empathy and a strong desire to continue making a positive impact in their community. 9
Share Your Triumphs and Adventures with Us!
From service projects to exploring the globe, we know Girl Scouts are always working to create positive change and gaining leadership experiences. Share these moments with us; they could inspire others to begin their Girl Scout journey. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/stories to submit your stories and photos.
Women in the Spotlight: Films to Watch
By Zuri Torres
Igrew up in a household illuminated by the magic of film. T he living room corner was decorated with stacks of VHS tapes holding adventures in the wild west, comedies, fantasy worlds, and every night my siblings and I would take turns choosing which movie to watch before bed. My father learned to speak English by watching Silvester Stallone films on repeat and as result I became obsessed with the power of filmmaking.
A decade later, I was in college pursuing a degree in film production and exposed to films beyond what we had in my childhood home. However, with each passing class, I realized the gap in films created by women or where women
are the focal point. I wanted to see stories that I could relate to on a deeper level. Stories that explored female friendship dynamics, challenged social norms and the pressures women face by simply existing. Although the film industry has created space for female filmmakers since my time in school, I do think we have a long way to go to reach equality in representation and opportunity.
Girl Scouts teaches us that our voices and stories as women matter; in fact, we are empowered to amplify them. In that same spirit, here are a few films (some old, some newer) that have left an impact on me, reminding me of the beauty that comes from giving women the spotlight.
Note: We encourage families to look deeper into the content of each film and its rating before viewing. These films were chosen based on the author’s personal preferences, and the ratings are sourced from the American Film Association.
Real
Women Have Curves (2002)
Rating | PG – 13
America Ferrera has been a constant throughout my childhood. Before her epic feminist monologue in Barbie, she was a young actor amplifying Latino stories. I remember being awed by seeing another Latina on screen – feeling connected not only by our shared ethnicity but also body type. Real Women Have Curves follows Anna, a recent high school graduate as she navigates the pressures of being a daughter of immigrants in California, foreboding her dream of going to college, and finding body acceptance amongst a culture of judgement.
Anna’s relationship with her mother is what drives the film – showing the dichotomy between two generations; one focused on survival and another wanting to explore a life beyond. Beautifully written and acted, this film will make your heart ache, but its themes will ring true.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Rating | PG
Appropriately titled, this film spotlights the African American women whose mathematical brilliance contributed to our country’s ability to land on the moon but whose contributions were omitted from our history books. A story of resilience, female comradery, and defying the odds, Hidden Figures proves that women are powerhouses who are capable of accomplishing greatness even when faced with adversity.
It’s inspirational to see these women’s lives beyond their work at NASA – seeing them as mothers, friends, and community members. They are not tied to one thing but rather flourish in the relationships they create; not afraid to be direct when pursuing their professional goals.
Little Women (2019) Rating | PG
Make sure to have a box of tissues on hand for this one. Female director, Greta Gerwig’s recreation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott brings whimsy to the emotional hills of sisterhood and the internal conflicts that come with adolescence and womanhood. The iconic moments of vulnerability including monologues from Saorise Ronan and Florence Pugh put into words feelings that have surged through me but struggled to articulate.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)
Rating | PG – 13
A core memory of mine during my grade school years was the arrival of the Scholastic Book Fair. For a few days, my school’s library would transform into a colorful wonderland of new books and trinkets that made my bookworm heart sing. Among the authors that I would make a dash towards was Judy Bloom. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is an adaptation of Bloom’s popular novel that narrates 11-year-old Margaret’s summer after moving to a new town in the 1970s. Faced with new friendships, identity exploration and the whiplash of puberty, Margaret learns that authenticity is a superpower and feeling lost is a part of the human experience. We are not alone; we just need to ask for help.
These are just a snippet of the films that have come out in the last couple of decades that uplift women and transparently share our stories. Is there another female centered film that has directly impacted you? Share it with us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories.
GSACPC Co-CEOs Celebrated for Leadership
Mary Mitchell and Christina Spicer started their shared leadership journey at Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) after working together as Deputy Directors for three years. They then served in interim roles for a year before being appointed Co-CEOs in October 2022.
Leading one of our state’s most important social impact organizations, they advocate for girls across central and northern Arizona, crediting dedicated volunteers and staff for providing relevant programming, support and “moving at the speed of girl”. Their leadership has garnered the business community’s attention, recently earning each of them distinct honors.
Spicer was named a 2024 ATHENA Award finalist in the public sector category this fall. This recognition is a testament to her achievements and the organization’s support. For 36 years, the Greater Phoenix Chamber has honored the accomplishments of female leaders in the Greater Phoenix business community. The Chamber elevates women who lead the way in their industry, dedicate themselves to their community, and mentor other women.
“I am deeply grateful to the Phoenix Chamber for hosting an incredible celebration of women, and I truly appreciate my family and friends who attended. These awards serve as a powerful platform to share a meaningful message, and for me, it’s about empowering girls and women and championing the work of Girl Scouts,” Spicer said.
Mitchell was recently named one of The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2024. AZ Business and AZRE magazines shared that 1,900 women were under consideration for this honor, while Mitchell deservedly made the list. The award incorporates influential women in real estate, business, nonprofits, and other leadership or influential roles and counts them among the best in the Arizona community and business worlds.
Mitchell shared her source of pride with the magazine. “I am most proud of my service as Co-CEO of the council. It has been a great joy to utilize my talents, skills and expertise, on behalf of our mission “To help build girls of courage, confidence, and character.” Further, my service in this role speaks to my sincere belief that girls in our state deserve the very best of what we have to offer, as well as an opportunity to equitable access to programs, tools, and resources, to support their growth as unique individuals and to be able to source their own leadership, in partnership with caring adults and their community.”
Photos: (Left) Mary Mitchell accepts her award after inviting daughter and Girl Scout alum Alicia Mitchell on stage. (Right) Christina Spicer celebrates with GSACPC staff and board, including 2024 ATHENA Private Sector Winner Jenny Holsman Tetreault.
Girl Scout History Corner
Early Girl Scouting: Communication Badges
By Julia McKee-Ostos, GSACPC History Committee Member
Over 108 years ago, the first Girl Scout handbook, How Girls Can Help Their Country, listed the original 36 badges available to girls.
While girls earned badges that reflected traditional women’s roles, such as child nurse, invalid cooking, and housekeeper, several others required an exploration of technical and scientific concepts. Two of these advanced badges are related to communication: The Signaling Badge and the Telegraphy Badge.
Long before there was texting, people used other ways to convey information and send messages to each other. For example, by sending signals by flags (wig wag and semaphore) or sound. Flags—up for a dot and side for a dash is one of the most common and easiest for beginners, along with sound with whistles or bugles with long and short blasts. All sorts of communication can occur when the signals are committed to memory.
Coding was a useful skill to have even back then—Morse code, that is! For the Signaling Badge girls had to send and receive messages (at least 24 letters per minute) in Morse code or semaphore, and receive signals by sound, whistle, bugle or buzzer. The Telegraphy Badge had similar requirements for reading and sending a message in Morse code (twenty letters per minute), or girls must obtain a certificate for wireless telegraphy.
Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912 to empower girls by helping them develop leadership skills and practical abilities, enabling them to learn advanced skills that were not available to girls and women at that time. To see these unconventional skills in action, including signaling and telegraphy, watch The Golden Eaglet, a 1918 feature film starring Girl Scouts, available on YouTube.
Test Your Decoding Skills
Decode the two words written below in Morse Code
How to use semaphore flags from the Scouting for Girls; Official Handbook of the Girl Scouts, 1922.
Mary Shivvers, left, is holding two semaphore flags, and her sister Joan, right, is receiving a coded message. This photo was taken at their home in Phoenix on Encanto, c. early 1930’s. The Girl Scout sisters are also two of the four recipients of the Golden Eaglet (our Gold Award today) in our council.
Volunteer Recognition & Awards Ceremony
The Girl Scout Movement is built from a collage of empowerment, courage, leadership, and love.
We know that for a girl to thrive in Girl Scouting, she needs role models at her side ready to guide her through adventures and encourage her when obstacles appear. Our council’s volunteers continue to display their passion for Girl Scouting; going above and beyond to ensure that the Girl Scout experience is for all girls and be the mentor she needs to thrive.
To honor our volunteers, our council hosts an annual celebration spotlighting volunteers who continue to create strides in our organization – developing girls of courage, confidence, and character who are making the world a better place.
Together, we applauded as over 200 awardees received recognition for their time and contribution to the Girl Scout Mission. Thank you to our volunteers for being the heartbeat of Girl Scouting!
Girl Scouts National High Achievement Awards
Nationally recognized and established by Girl Scouts of the USA, High Achievement Awards are presented to volunteers who have gone above and beyond in advancing the Girl Scout Mission. Our council’s Recognition Committee reviewed all nominations and records of endorsement to select the recipients.
Pearl Award
This is presented to Girl Scout Volunteers whose actions directly support council’s wide range of efforts to serve girls and adults across our jurisdiction.
Carol Ackerson
Malinda Aftanski
Karen Allen
Dolores Bartlett
Annette Benn
Jessica Black
Darlene Blink
Denise Blommel
Tammie Bohnker
Liane Bowles
Patricia Boykin
Jessica Bozik
Jessica Brown
Nancy Buell
Michelle Burger
Justina Burks
Maria Carpenter Ort
Stephanie Carriere
Sara Ditwiler
Michelle Do
Julie Donick
Victoria Donnelly
Donna Dotzler
Kristen Duncan
Brian Duncan
June Durham
Marie Edwards
Yolanda EdwardsGuerra
Cortney Ellish
Christine Erwin
Yolanda Evans
Jessie Ferroni
Jennifer Fischer
Lana Fischer
Susan Fishman
Cassandra Fohrman
Briana Germundson
Mara Gerst
Kate Gookin
Jennifer Haberlin
Sarah Hall
Natalie Hall-Waters
Elizabeth Halverson
Robin Haney
Marsha Harmon
Maria Hart
Shirley Hawkins
Rebbekka Hirsch
Alanna Iannone
Cheryl Kalman-Terry
Andrea Keller
Jeryse Kelly
Scholly Ketcher
Lee Kline
Julie Kodicek
Monique Lange
Susan Law
Shelly Lear
Bobbie Legg
Alissa Letendre
Maria Lira
Sara Listar Guest
Erin Long
Melissa Lovelace
Oona Mada
Ashley Maldonado
Karri Maloy-Rice
Julia McKee-Ostos
Priscilla McLaughlinSanders
Deb McNelly
Brenda McNamar
Karen Meinerz
Stephanie Melvin
Courtney Mendoza
Jana Miranda
Susan Mitchell
Mary Muesegades
Natasha Neal
Renee Nelson
Kristal Nimmons
Rebecca Oakes
Cayla Padberg
Nick Padberg
Bobbi Page
Celia Page
Emma Parry
Sandra Patchett
Mary Peralta
Erika Percic
Leslie Perez-Whitehead
Melissa Perguson
Katrina Prentice
Amber Pryor
Justin Pryor
Cai Reil
Susan Russell
Trent Sanders
Sandra Leanne Scott
Stefanie Serna
Karen Smiley
Samantha Smith
Jaime Snethen
Leslie Thomas
Amber Touchet
JoDee Turner
Kristin Van Ark
Aprill Watanabe
Nikole Weaver
Valerie Wilkes
Council Star Award
Recognizes a volunteer for performing a specific task that is of significant benefit to the council.
Constance Higgins
JakinDee Kosaka
Sandie Patchett
Amber Pryor
Years of Service Pin
Indicates the number of years registered adult members are active volunteers.
20 YEARS
Jennifer Hall
Shelley Hoelz
Courtney Mendoza
Mary Patterson
Stevi Lynn Shearer
25 YEARS
Rhonda Clauss
Holly Dickinson
Cinda Willittes
Michelle Witte
30 YEARS
Brenda Torres
35 YEARS
Diana Laulainen-Schein
40 YEARS
Linda Blanchett
Pamilla Honor
50 YEARS
Phyllis Gay
Impact Award
Recognizes a volunteer whose significant and outstanding leadership has ignited a flame of excellence that passed to all members of the council, as well as the community outside of Girl Scouts.
Grace Ricca
Volunteer of Excellence
For outstanding service providing the Girl Scout
Leadership Experience to girls or supporting building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Austin Banghart
Terri Becker
Jessica Brown
Nicole Bui
Annie (Kai) Cheang
Kayla Davies
Michelle Do
Cassandra Fohrman
Elizabeth Halverson
Beverly Kerr
Janelle King
Kay Lacis
Christine Langevin
Nicole Lomibao
Marnie Nieves
Mary Patterson
Lia Ryan
Ariana Schein
Qadryah Shaffer
JoDee Turner
Lauren Unverferth
Katrina Vollmer
Ashley Vollmer
Renee Willers
Michelle Witte
Council Trainer Award
This award recognizes a volunteer trainer for service that went beyond expectations in a position that assisted our council.
Jessica Bozik
Carissa Decicco
Jessie Ferroni
Sandra Leanne Scott
Natasha Neal
Bobbi Page
Celia Page
Cai Reil
Jaime Snethen
Valerie Wilkes
Council Highlights
Commitment to Excellence
Honors volunteers who received the Appreciation Pin at least three years ago and continue to be engaged at the Service Unit level.
Angela Lian
Deb McNelly
Sandie Patchett
Kristin Van Ark
Thanks Badge
The service performed by the recipient is truly outstanding, benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.
Julia McKee-Ostos
JoDee Turner
Global Voices
The Global Voices Award recognizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion through significantly increasing the diversity of a troop, Service Unit, outreach program, or camp over a significant period of time.
Donna Dotzler
Honor Pin
The service performed by the recipient is outstanding, is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, is delivered to two or more Service Units within council’s jurisdiction and contributes to the council’s goals and objectives.
Allison Lee
Bobbi Page
Numeral Guard
Indicates the total number of years of being a registered member of Girl Scouts, including girl and adult years.
40 YEARS
Heather Mitchell
45 YEARS
Linda Blanchett
Megan Clarkson
Pamilla Honor
Christine Keyser
50 YEARS
Brenda Florman
Ginny James
Janice Oestreich
Tamara Woodbury
55 YEARS
Linda Nicholson
65 YEARS
Sherry Hutt
Appreciation Pin
Recognizes a volunteer for outstanding service to one Service Unit.
Joanie Allen
Jessica Bozik
Summer Christiansen
Cassandra Fohrman
Coleen Garcia
Rachel Harrison-Lewis
Shelley Hoelz
Sara Listar-Guest
Ashley Maldonado
Lauri Mast
Tiffany McGee
Priscilla McLaughlinSanders
Kristal Nimmons
Cayla Padberg
Danielle Steele
Lauren Unverferth
Michelle Witte
Service Unit Award
Emerald Award
Gilbert Service Unit
Yavapai Sky Service Unit
Pass the Mic A Day in the Life of a Pageant Queen and Media Ambassador
By Brynlee Rogers, Girl Scout Cadette
Over the past four years, I’ve participated in pageants and won several state crowns, and I’m still on the journey to achieve the national crown!
My involvement in pageants began when I received a letter inviting me to participate in National American Miss. I thought the experience would be all about walking around in pretty dresses, but I was wrong. After my mom hired a coach, I placed third runner up and was hooked! I have participated in many different systems, but my favorite event is fun fashion, which is like a really peppy runway walk. The most rewarding aspect about pageantry has been meeting compassionate leaders who inspire me to make a difference. One of my favorite memories was when I gave up the first crown I ever won. All my sister queens came to that final night and surrounded me with support representing the true sisterhood of pageantry as I crowned my successor. The girls I met from Arizona continue to be friends and mentors, much like the relationships I’ve built in Girl Scouts. Both experiences focus on volunteerism and creating change through addressing challenges and providing solutions. I focus on addressing hunger, and have adopted a stretch of AZ 202 to help make our planet a better place to live.
Preparing for pageants takes months of practice. I have a coach that helps me with my evening gown walk and my fun fashion walk, and another coach that helps prepare me for interviews. Both of these coaches help with my speaking events. My coaches don’t believe in practice makes perfect, but rather practice makes permanent. To me, some of the most important skills are public speaking and interview skills because they help me in my day-to-day life and prepare me for school interviews and Girl Scout events.
Both pageantry and the Media Ambassador Program have allowed me to speak in front of crowds about what I believe in, encouraging others to dream bigger. I’ve had opportunities that I never would have imagined, such as opening the WNBA Changemakers Day in front of accomplished athletes and media. Public speaking in pageantry gave me the opportunity to be signed by an LA Agency for acting opportunities, something I would have never considered prior to the opportunity. Though I consider myself an introvert, both programs offer opportunities to explore acting, journalism, television reporting and more. The speaking competitions in pageantry teach poise, confidence and how to speak with clarity, and the Girl Scout Media Ambassador Program allows me to put those tools into practice, refining and strengthening my skills.
“To me, some of the most important skills are public speaking and interview skills ...”
Balancing pageants, being a Media Ambassador, and other hobbies can be challenging. My mom and I came up with a system to ensure I could enjoy everything I love, but sometimes I still have to choose what activity I want to do. For example, if I have pageant practice overlapping a media ambassador event, I have to choose between the two, all while having soccer practice three nights a week and maintaining my 4.0 GPA. I’ve found that if I’m honest with everyone involved, and fully engage in the events I attend, others are understanding and supportive of my many interests. After all, I’m 12, so now is the perfect time to try things out!
To anyone considering joining pageantry or becoming a media ambassador, I say go for it! I had no clue what I was doing, but joining made life so much fun. If you’re considering pageantry, I recommend getting a coach because while hard work is important, feedback and practice are key. For those interested in joining the Media Ambassador Program, there’s no pressure to do things you don’t want to do, but the opportunities to get involved and learn how media profession works has been amazing. Being a Media Ambassador has really opened doors to new experiences (like WNBA changemakers) that I could have never imagined!
Side note from the author: I have never experienced pageantry like what is seen on TV. The Media Ambassador Program and pageantry are about empowering girls and empowering each other. Bullying, talking poorly about each other or not supporting each other is never tolerated. I have found so much support in the sisterhood from both organizations. Sometimes I get a lot of judgement from those who don’t understand pageantry, but honestly, the confidence I’ve gained from both organizations helps me keep my head high and block out the negativity.
Badge Bash 2024
Together, we celebrated another successful year of our beloved fundraiser, Badge Bash! Over 350 people gathered at our campground in South Phoenix to immerse themselves in the world of Girl Scouting, raising $140,000 that night! The event culminated in an unforgettable evening honoring our partner, Bashas’, for their support and collaboration, particularly in developing a patch program for girls in our council that teaches healthy eating, forming healthy habits, food sustainability, community building, and grocery careers.
Girl Scout supporters united to champion the current and future generations of Girl Scouts! As guests arrived, they donned their sashes and began collecting badges while exploring our iconic camp property, The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain. This year featured two new cookie-themed cocktails, alongside the return of popular attractions such as the photobooth, s’mores roasting, faux archery, and various ways to engage with the world of Girl Scouting.
Every Badge Bash attendee contributed to the well-being and growth of girls across our jurisdiction—funding programs, memberships, and experiences for all. A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for making this event possible! For those who couldn’t attend, please visit girlscoutsaz.org/give to discover how you can support our future generation of leaders!
Mark your calendars for Badge Bash Nov. 1. 2025.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Amazon
Arizona Cardinals
As You Wish Pottery Painting Place
Ashdon Farms
American Technology Specialists
Bashas’ Family of Stores
Charles Schwab
Clear Channel Outdoor
Great American Insurance Group
Lectric eBikes
Massage Envy
Medieval Times
Sprouts Farmers Market
SRP
The Colibri Collective
Toyota Financial Services
Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona
American Furniture Warehouse
Compa Spirits y Vino
Dan the Balloon Man
ONEHOPE Wine
The Believe In Girls (B.I.G.) Event made a joyful return on Nov. 16 at ASU Preparatory Academy, offering girls and families a delightful glimpse into the vibrant world of Girl Scouting. Attendees dove into hands-on activities and explored themed booths that celebrated the four pillars of Girl Scouting: STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship – discovering the countless opportunities and joys that come with being part of the Girl Scout Movement.
Every program was designed to connect both current and future Girl Scout members with activities that inspired them and encouraged them to embrace challenges. It was heartwarming to see girls everywhere getting ready to try something new, finding the courage to face whatever lay ahead—that’s truly what Girl Scouts is all about. Together, we created a warm and inviting day filled with fun for all families, leaving a lasting impression and a sprinkle of Girl Scout magic.
The Believe In Girls (B.I.G.) Event in northern Arizona will be held on April 5 in Prescott, Arizona. Learn more at girlscoutsaz.org/big-event.
Girl Scouts Embrace Possibility during the 2024 Fall Product Program
Fueled by delectable chocolates and flavorful snack mixes and powered by the entrepreneurial spirit, the Fall Product Program gives Girl Scouts of all levels an opportunity to step into sales in a market they feel comfortable in – their friends and family members.
From October to November, Girl Scouts activate their business leadership skills to unlock even more opportunities along their Girl Scout journey. A precedent to the Girl Scout Cookie Season, the Fall Product Program is a good stepping stone – opening the door to a larger scale business model that will assist them as they evolve as people and leaders.
As a council, we celebrate all the Girl Scouts who stepped out of their comfort zone and gained confidence as they worked with their personal (and troop) goals at the forefront. This year, 2,583 Girl Scouts participated in the program and raised $920,535.81. Congratulations, Girl Scouts!
The Girl Scout Mobile Building Space is hitting the road!
This exciting new addition brings a vibrant space where girls can dive into hands-on construction-themed projects, explore tools, and learn the art of building.
Be sure to look for the truck at the Believe In Girls (B.I.G.) Event in Northern Arizona on April 5! Make sure to follow @gsacpc on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on where the Girl Scout Mobile Building Space will be visiting.
Knock, Knock, It’s Cookie Time!
The sweetest time of year is just around the corner. With fan favorites including Thin Mints and Samoas making their way back into our Arizona communities, we are excited for Girl Scouts across our jurisdiction to thrive in the entrepreneurial space.
Each package sold will contribute to fueling adventures from summer camp to High Awards – enhancing the Girl Scout experience and creating leaders our world needs.
Learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program and how to get involved by visiting girlscoutsaz.org/cookies.
GSACPC Cookie Program Key Dates
Jan. 18
Jan. 19
Mar. 1
Mar. 2
–
June 5 events take place
Enter the Cookie Spirit Contest!
Show off your Girl Scout pride by entering the 2025 Cookie Spirit Contest. Let your creativity shine and share your innovations with us this cookie season.
From colorfully decorated cookie booths to cleverly directed videos, we are excited to see how you are expressing yourself this Girl Scout Cookie Season!
Submit one of the following to enter the contest:
GSACPC Walkabout Photos: A walkabout is what we call door-to-door cookie sales! Make sure to capture a few photos as you explore your neighborhoods with your cookie wagons.
GSACPC Cookie Flair Photos/Videos: Unleash your inner film director and submit a 30 second video that captures our vibrant cookie spirit (30 seconds max). Level up your cookie booth or wagon and submit photos for your chance to win.
Two winners will be announced each Saturday from Jan. 25 – March 1 on council’s social media platforms. Winners
Elevate Your Cookie Sales with Marketing Techniques
Supercharge your cookie selling experience on Digital Cookie! When using the Digital Cookie (DOC) platform, Girl Scouts can expand their marketing, sales analytics, inventory, and communication skills all in a virtual space.
Personalize your DOC site and craft emails to invite family and friends to place a cookie order with the options of in-person delivery or direct shipment to their homes. With parent/guardian’s permission, you can also create and upload videos to your DOC site to share your cookie pitch and enhance your marketing techniques! To learn more visit girlscoutsaz.org/digitalcookie.
Invest Your Cookie Earnings
An important part of the Girl Scout Cookie Program is what comes after the season ends. For weeks, Girl Scouts strategize marketing efforts, track inventory, and enhance their communication skills all while working towards a fiscal goal. Once the season ends, it’s time to decide where to invest cookie proceeds.
Digital Cookie Tip!
Use the Digital Cookie app to take payments on walkabouts or with family and friends. Remember to only share your cookie site with people you know – safety first!
Download the Digital Cookie Mobile App from the iTunes or Google Play store. The app is free and can be found by searching for “Digital Cookie Mobile app.”
Some of your investment options include:
• Girl Scout Summer Camp
• Council Travel Programs
• Council Shop Credit
• Program Credit
• Girl Scout Cookie Rewards
Give A Sweet Thank You
The Cookies for Community Program is an opportunity for troops and IGMs (Independent Girl Members) to donate packages of purchased cookies to local organizations. When hosting a cookie booth, Girl Scouts may run into a situation where a customer prefers to donate their package of cookies rather than take them home. With a network of partner organizations including St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, St. Vincent de Paul, USO Arizona and other non-profit organizations, cookies will not go to waste. The troop option allows troops to collect cookie donations and gift them to a local organization of their choice. We suggest that troops specify a donation goal and choose an organization before the start of the cookie program to better communicate the impact of purchases to customers.
To learn more about Cookies for the Community visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookies
Thinking Outside the Box: Creative Recipes with Girl Scout Cookies
Invite your customers to discover the magic of Girl Scout Cookies beyond just enjoying them on their own or dunking them in a cold glass of milk!
These delightful treats are incredibly versatile and can inspire a variety of unique desserts. From pie crusts to cake pops and ice cream crumbles, the possibilities are endless!
Take a look at the recipes below to spark some creativity in your own kitchen. Feel free to cut them out and share them with your customers, encouraging them to create something special at home. You can also display these recipes on your board or near your booth to catch their eye.
Recipe
Girl Scout Cookie Pancakes
Incorporate cookie crumbs into pancake batter for a sweet breakfast treat.
Instructions:
1) Follow the instructions on the back of your favorite pancake mix until you achieve a smooth batter.
2) In a separate bowl, crush five Girl Scout Cookies of your choice.
3) Add the crushed cookies to the pancake batter. 4) Cook according to the directions on the pancake mix box.
Serve with warm syrup, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of extra cookie crumbs on top. Enjoy!
Recipe
Brownie Swirls
Mix crushed cookies into brownie batter for a delicious twist. Add crushed pretzels for a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness.
Instructions:
1) Follow the directions on your favorite brownie mix until the batter is smooth.
2) In a separate bowl, crush eight Adventurefuls, Thin Mints, or Tagalongs, and mix them into the brownie batter.
3) To enhance the texture and balance the sweetness, incorporate crushed pretzels before placing the tray in the oven. If you’re using Tagalongs, consider swirling in some peanut butter for an extra treat!
4) Bake according to the brownie mix instructions.
Save the Date!
GSACPC’s 88th Annual Meeting
is Saturday, April 26, 2025
Join Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for our 2025 Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 26, at Phoenix College (Bulpitt Auditorium). We celebrate our council’s accomplishments from the past year, elect key board positions, and highlight exceptional programs and experiences for girls. Complimentary coffee and continental breakfast will be available from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., along with informational booths focused on key programming. The business meeting starts sharply at 9 a.m., followed by a girl-led session until noon.
GSACPC’s Annual Meeting is a wonderful way to engage in our movement’s business and network with members of our Girl Scout family. Our bylaws require an Annual Meeting of the corporate membership (comprised of board members, nominating committee members, and council delegates), which is conducted in April every year.
Bring Home the Cookies 5K
Join GSACPC and State Forty Eight Foundation for the 4th annual Bring Home the Cookies 5K at Westgate Entertainment District on March 1. Created with community at its center, the proceeds from this event will benefit local entrepreneurs in Arizona and fund entrepreneurial experiences for Girl Scouts in our council like the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The three-mile course is created to accommodate seasoned runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike — so gather your friends, family members and come celebrate the end of the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Season!
All registered participants will receive a limited-edition State Forty Eight event shirt, a medal and package of Girl Scout Cookies.
Visit bringhomethecookies5k.com to register.
New Merch Alert!
Please visit our event webpage, girlscoutsaz.org/annualmeeting, to learn more about in-person and virtual registration.
Event details:
8:00 am | Runners Village opens. Enjoy shopping from local vendors including Girl Scout small business owners!
10:00 am | Bring Home the Cookies 5K run/walk start time 11:00 am | Girl Scout Cookie Eating Contest
Add these great, limited-run pieces to your cart before they’re gone.
Cookie Friends Shirt (available in unisex and youth sizes)
Bring Home the Cookies 5K Stickers (bundle option available) Girl Scout Cookies Running Club Hat
Visit bringhomethecookies5k.com to place your order! Items will be available for pick-up at the event.
June. 1 – Sept. 30, 2024:
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 00761
Lily Chenery
Kailani Santiago
Troop 6544
Ruby Blacker
Troop 2595
Violet Anderson
Troop 484
Arianah Cortes
Addison Cowan
Cecilia Gaucin
Arabella Johnson
Troop 2274
Rania Imtiaz
Cristiana O’Neal
Makenna O’Neal
Leilani Prudeaux
Troop 1213
Ella May
Troop 3004
Addisen Duncan
Brooklyn Jensen
Beryl Koskei
Tessa Matherson
Reagan O’Connor
Troop 6503
Amelia Bauman
Troop 1656
Cordelia Didrickson
Averie Stevenson
Troop 1213
Elizabeth Radcliff
Kylie Renfro
Troop 203
Olivia Wagner
Troop 00203
Aria Cassidy
Troop 4202
Genevieve De Souza
Anisha Thaly
Troop 1044
Savannah Schroff
Marissa Suero
Kelsey Thompson
Kourtney Thompson
Troop 3814
Caroline King
Troop 7121
Baylee Beamer
Salena Castillo
Troop 5212
Kai Haney
Malia Lovelace
Cassidy Thorpe
Samaira White
Troop 4727
Lila Doan
Troop 6455
Tegan Burger
Hannah Fraser
Troop 4393
Hannah Heth
Troop 004393
Violet Stanton
Ellie Weiss
Troop 3462
Sunny Ditter
Imani McCoy
Shelby Shearer
Zoelle Williams
Troop 4352
Lilliya-Rose Hays
Kadri Pulley
There were seven different Silver Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 50 Silver Award recipients.
Award Recognition
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 4498
Jena LeDuc
Joii LeDuc
Ella Lusson
Kashvi Maheshwari
Aubrey Wise
Troop 281
Tara Bourghol
Amaliya Schoon
Troop 3356
Payton Turner
Troop 6109
Liberty Lapinski
Avery Ludwig
Addison Farris
Ashley Rice
Troop 6234
Sadie Ward
Troop 6109
Emma Watson
Elizabeth Stevenson
Troop 00285
Annabelle Alvarez
Alexis Bergstrom
Kennedy Bergstrom
Payton Kober
Kaylee Stiles
Aubreigh Weinberger
Troop 6520
Lila Dechter
Alyssa Harelson
Troop 3170
Emilynn MorganWight
Troop 7387
Olivia Boehm-Smith
Alessandra Lovesy
Troop 5333
Sidney Castagna
Molly Gaddis
Veronica Green
Makayla Moukheiber
Kaitlyn Paul
Troop 3396
Noemi Figueroa
Rilee Raymond
Troop 1264
Kambryee Houlik
Annabella Jimenez
Troop 5333
Heidi Begeal
Cora Vocke
Troop 7121
Kaitlyn Holstad
Rylee Smith
Troop 3721
Miriam Allen
Lillian Cox
Mila Burns-Piano
Troop 203
Eleanor Beversdorf
Kira Dodson
Charlotte Finneron
Savannah Nagtalon
Harper Thompson
Troop 0269
Cadence Freeman
Paeton McDaniels
Troop 3958
Julia Abend
Samantha Abend
Macy Angileri
Kaylee Klinger
Malia Marler
Melanie Martinez
Lily Maschino
Daphne Miller
Sinclaire Murphy
Brielle Sacco
Kiley Shaw
Troop 03396
Lilly Delehoy
Troop 210
Faye Howard
Kate Kolaga
Sadie Lynn
Hailey Petru
Izabelle Rees
Sophia Subject
Claire Voss
Troop 2566
Rayne Quinones
Alayna Quinones
Alice Scott
Troop 4894
Beatrix Herman
Mara Huggins
Mia Jones
Troop 4126
Sofia Foss
Troop 3465
Samantha Walsh
IGM
Rylee Epperson
Nayelli Towns
June. 1 – Sept. 30, 2024: There were 12 different Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 78 Bronze Award Recipients.
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
New Year, More Opportunities!
Step into new adventures in 2025! Visit the Events Calendar to register for girl programs of volunteer training to enhance your Girl Scout experience. Visiting girlscoutsaz.org/calendar to get started.
Scan the QR code to register and find upcoming events!
Key Dates
Don’t miss these important upcoming events!
1/7 Girl Scout Summer Camp registration opens 1/11 VolCon
1/19 – 3/2 Girl Scout Cookie Program
2/1 – 2/28 Black History Month
2/1 Empowering Girl Scout Entrepreneurs
2/15 Mahogany in Motion
3/1 Bring Home the Cookies 5K
4/5 Northern Arizona B.I.G. Event 4/26 GSACPC Annual Meeting