Girl Scout Connections Spring 2024

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Girl Scout

Spring 2024 Trailblazers in Action: The 2024 Gold Awards Dive into Summer Camp Coffee with a Purpose
Connections

On page 12

“I encourage girls to follow their passions, take advantage of every opportunity given to them, and remember doors will open, but you must be willing to step through them. Take a deep breath, be bold and and brave.”

— Cuyler Boughner, Girl Scout Alum and Volunteer for over 65 years

On the Cover 2024 Gold Awardees

Jayla Richardson, Julia Kim, Lana Fischer

¿Pre ere esta información en español? ¡Contáctenos! preguntas@girlscoutsaz.org o 602-452-7011

Editor Felicia Thompson

Managing Editor/Writer

Zuri Torres

Writer/Copy Editor

Darian Cruz

Magazine Design

Angie Slade Design

Creative Services

Simona Wong

Digital Marketing

Gabby Rodriguez

Contact Us info@girlscoutsaz.org stories@girlscoutsaz.org council@girlscoutsaz.org

119 E. Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004

602.452.7000

602.452.7030 call reghelp

844.317.9041 text reghelp

800.352.6133 girlscoutsaz.org

Follow Us @GSACPC

3Letter from Co-CEOs

About Girls: Creating Brighter Futures for Girls 6Girl Scouts in Action 8Feature: Coffee with a Purpose

Council Highlights

Meeting 12 GSACPC Volunteer Appointed to Our Chalet Foundation Board

Leading the Way 13Meet the Gold Award Class of 2024!

GSACPC x State Forty Eight Shirt

the Mic

Adventures

2024 Girl Scout Cookie Season

The Bring Home the Cookies 5K

Fast Pitch

Cookie Spirit Contest Winners

Mahogany In Motion

the Bend

Scouts Summer Camp

Camp is Right for You?

Bash

B.I.G. Event

Tours

Girl Programs

and Recognitions

In This Issue Highlights 2024 | VOLUME 7 | NO.3
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5 Creating Brighter Futures for Girls 22 Sweet Success! The 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program 21 Pass the Mic: Exploring Underwater Robotics
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31Badge
31The
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32Upcoming
34Awards
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11Annual
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Photo Photo by Zuri Torres.

Sunny Days Ahead

As we begin another Arizona summer, we are excited about the fantastic opportunities that await girls from Arizona Cactus-Pine. One of the most exciting aspects of this season is visiting our camp properties and seeing girls take healthy risks, make new friends, and enjoy adventures in the great outdoors. Girl Scout Summer Camp is a beloved tradition that generations of girls from different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences enjoy. With the help of our trained and caring camp staff, girls explore the outdoors and connect with nature in a girl-led environment. Our goal is to ensure that all girls can experience our unique properties, even beyond summer camp. Whether they are current Girl Scouts, friends, or family, we invite everyone to join us for an exceptional outdoor experience.

Summertime also means that hundreds of Girl Scouts who recently graduated from high school are ready to embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives. Whether pursuing higher education, joining the military, starting a business, or entering the workforce, we want you to know that we value your precious time in Girl Scouting. We are con dent that the people you meet along your journey will bene t from the courage, con dence, and character you developed over the years. As a Girl Scout alumna, you will always be a part of our community, connected and

Girl Scout Summer Camp is a beloved tradition that generations of girls from different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences enjoy

engaged in the movement for a lifetime, and a shining example for future generations. Speaking of shining examples, several graduating seniors recently earned their Girl Scout Gold Award. This year, we honored 35 Gold Awardees who produced service projects that targeted an array of relevant issues. Projects included establishing programs to improve mental and physical health, sustainability, and animal welfare, addressing gender bias, lack of medical access, gaps in educational curriculum, and more. Thank you for setting the gold standard in our community.

Lastly, we express our immense gratitude to the Girl Scout volunteers of Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for their exceptional and sel ess work.

Your dedication and commitment to the girls you serve are remarkable, whether you are troop leaders, cookie managers, outdoor education trainers, or provide support in many other ways throughout the year. We recognize and applaud your unwavering support, which makes our mission of empowering girls possible. Every time we meet a girl, her excitement, energy, and experiences are proof of the impact you have made in her life as a trusted adult.

Cheers to more sunny days ahead!

Yours In Girl Scouting,

Mary Mitchell and Christina Spicer

GSACPC Co-CEOs Susan Trujillo

GSACPC Board Chair

Letter from the Co-CEOs and Board Chair
Left to right: Mary Mitchell, Susan Trujillo, and Christina Spicer
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 3 Connections Girl Scout

Social Shout Out!

Check out the most liked post from our Instagram page @ GSACPC Oct. 1 – Dec 31, 2024. Then, head to our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to ensure we’re connected!

The energy was electric this afternoon as the @libertyfootball team took time out of their busy schedules preparing to play in the @ esta_bowl to build cookie wagons with Girl Scouts for our upcoming cookie season. Thank you to all the players, coaches, volunteers and especially our friends at the @ esta_bowl for this wonderful community event.

#girlscouts #gsacpc # estabowl #morethanjustagame

Editor’s Note

Hey Girl Scouts, now that summer has begun, we are excited about what is in store for you over the next few months. Whether you are heading to Girl Scout Summer Camp, traveling domestically or abroad, starting a new job, volunteering or spending time with your troop, family, and friends, we want to know about it. Please continue sharing your Girl Scouting adventures with us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories so we can feature them across our publications and social media channels. Also, please email suggestions for our magazine or comments about this issue to our Marketing and Communications Team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org.

—Your Editorial Team

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Visit the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum

Girl Scout Troops and Juliettes (IGMs) are invited to learn about the wonderful history of Girl Scouts at the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum on the campus of the Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership for Women and Girls at Camp South Mountain in Phoenix.

A tour takes approximately one hour, and a volunteer docent will work with you to plan a program for your visit.

We have authentic vintage uniforms from all eras of Girl Scouting in the USA that can be borrowed for events such as teas, fashion shows, ag ceremonies, and parades (newer vintage uniforms only for parades).

Social Media Highlight To book a tour visit girlscoutsaz.org/museum.
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Creating Brighter Futures for Girls

After pink and blue were labeled as masculine and feminine colors - blue for boys, pink for girls – something changed in the way communities associate color with gender, and gender with career exploration.

With educational toys and play time being essential to childhood development, children learn how the world around them functions and start to dream about their future and who they want to be when they grow up. But these dreams vary, as both boys and girls usually grow up playing with different toys. Typically toy aisles for boys include display trucks, cars, and National Geographic kits while the aisles for girls have baby dolls, kitchen toys and jewelry making kits on the shelves. With toys being marketed to create separation between gender groups, we limit girls from experiencing a world of opportunities.

At the age of six, children start to believe that boys are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) more than girls are - distancing themselves from the possibilities of exploring careers because of the stereotypes they hear growing up, and the ones they develop on their own, some gained through play and other early experiences. According to Allison Master, assistant professor of psychological, health and learning sciences at the University of Houston, once girls get to high school, they abandon the pursuit of a STEM career because they don’t feel like they belong. From personal experience, as soon as I dared to do something unconventional for girls, people quickly questioned

my femininity, as if my career of choice made me less of a woman. In high school, I was one of the few girls taking physics and engineering classes, but being in a classroom with a male majority was challenging. During exams, my male peers made fun of the girls when our test scores were not as high as theirs, and looked down on us when we needed additional training sessions to use the 3D printers and laser engravers in the room, even if there were other boys also needing the same support. Though this is just an example of my teen experience, it’s what made me wish I was a Girl Scout growing up. Because maybe then, I would have had the courage to stand up for myself, and the support to keep learning in that eld of interest.

As an organization that welcomes all girls and accepts them for who they are, our programs and experiences were created to dismantle these beliefs. By offering them leadership positions at camp, raising funds to construct a mobile building space, and badge activities that expose them to different careers, girls of all ages begin to believe they can accomplish anything. They feel empowered and are encouraged to be their authentic selves, because they know they have a supportive community that refuses to put girls in a box.

But it is crucial that these stereotypes and issues challenging girls are not just talked about within the Girl Scout community, but at home as well. Already, our Girl Scouts are role models for the work and projects they do in their communities, and we know their impact will only keep growing with our support. By being intentional about toys and experiences for children, we’re helping shape a generation of leaders who are unafraid to chase their dreams, and dive into the opportunities available to them even when society tells them they can’t.

When I grow up, I want to be a...
About Girls mechanical engineer chemist designer lmmaker Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 5 Connections Girl Scout

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

is Girl Scouts.

1 Af ter ve years of planning and saving, the trip of a lifetime became a reality in June 2023! Troop 212 spent nine days exploring the beautiful country of Costa Rica with the help of David, an amazing EF Tours guide. They met Girl Scouts from the midwest, and learned how coffee, chocolate, and pineapples are grown. The troop saw lots of wildlife, natural areas, and even had an art lesson, but the most memorable experience was the afternoon spent with some students from a local school with some traditional dancing and an impromptu game of fútbol.

2 Pima neighborhood Troop 6546, 2256 and 4401 hosted a birthday party for Girl Scout founder Juliette (Daisy) Gordon Low on October 28 to celebrate her 163rd birthday! Girls made daisy rings and pearl bracelets, sang traditional Girl Scout songs, and played games.

3 With overconsumption and social media micro-trends taking over, it’s not surprising to want the newest water bottle, shoes and clothes, but Troop 4520 is making strides to live a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle! This new troop contributed to making the world a better place by doing a Goodwill donation drop-off. We know these items will make a difference in someone’s life. Great work, Troop 4520!

4 Bold. Courageous. Powerful. Troop 1141 completed its Youth Advocacy in Education project with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter in November 2023. After months of preparation, these Girl Scouts conducted a school board presentation near downtown Phoenix using their voices as strong and powerful advocates for themselves and their community. They now proudly hold the “Advocate for Change” patch to commemorate this achievement.

5 In November, Junior Girl Scout Troop 7435 volunteered at the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) packing site in Mesa, Arizona! When they arrived, the troop was greeted by a friendly staff member who gave them hairnets and gloves. He explained that they would be packing meals containing rice, soy, dried vegetables, and a vitamin and mineral mix. He then proceeded to show them how to measure, weigh, seal, and box the meals. The troop learned the meals they packed would be shipped to FMSC’s partners around the world, who distribute them in schools, orphanages, clinics, and feeding programs. The girls worked together, cheered each other on, and took turns packing boxes. They packed enough meals to feed 104 children a daily meal for a year!

Girl Scouts in Action
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6 The Girl Scouts of Troop 5381 planted wild ower seeds and trimmed perennial plants at Pioneer Park, while working with the City of Peoria Trails Department to learn about the wild owers and milkweed plants necessary for Monarch butter y survival. They planted 12 varieties of wild owers and collected several bags of trimmings!

7 Me adowlark Girl Scout Seniors from Troop 7143, 1593, and 1797 worked together to complete their “Sow What?” Journey. For their Take Action project, the girls worked with Cultivate Coffee, a local coffee shop near Sunnyslope to use coffee grounds for local home gardens. The Girl Scouts donated containers to add the coffee grounds and created marketing materials to communicate with customers that they could take free coffee grounds for their gardens to add additional nutrients to the soil. To complete their project, the girls also studied their food footprint and made a meal using local ingredients.

8 Troop 872 is small but mighty! With only four girls part icipating in the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season, the troop earned a trip to Hawaii - Big Island & Maui, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. One of the troop members used their cookie proceeds to fund a trip to Costa Rica to which she is traveling to this June! Through the cookie program, Troop 872 has traveled to places they never imagined visiting and are now experiencing the rewards of their hard work. Learning and experiencing other cultures has broaden their perspectives, while also making memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re in need of encouragement, and a good travel story, we know Troop 872 has a few of those!

9 Talk about iconic friendships! Back in August, Girl Scout Haylee from Troop 480 met her favorite country artist, Erin Kinsey whom she’s kept in contact with since. When the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program started, Erin ordered 15 cookie packages to support Haylee’s goals. We know those cookies were the perfect snack after Erin’s performances!

10 Ol ivia, Lila, and Reagan from Troop 128 earned their Silver Award for their work with AZ Wings, a Childhelp chapter that supports their mission of prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. According to Childhelp AZ Wings, the girls “demonstrated tremendous leadership skills. They took charge, organized, and mobilized a team of volunteers to bring their project to life.” Their project will impact over 120 children and teens served by the organization. Congratulations, Troop 128 for your contributions to the community and for leading with compassion and care!

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.

Girl Scouts in Action
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Coffee with a Purpose

In sociology, a third place is a social space where community can come together to nd connections outside the home and workplace.

It is a place of gathering where diversity exists and perspectives vary, challenging our own views while providing a sense of belonging. In an article titled, Our Vanishing ‘Third Places,’ Urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg dives into the importance of a third place in social ful llment, writing, “Life without community has produced, for many, a lifestyle consisting mainly of a home-to-work- and backagain shuttle. Social well-being and psychological health depend upon community.” As the world continues to navigate through an epidemic of loneliness (an aftershock of the pandemic), the need for a third place is apparent – Cartel Roasting Co. works to satisfy this need for Arizona’s communities with one important tool: coffee.

Born in Arizona, Cartel Roasting Co. is the result of a labor of love between husband-and-wife duo Amy and Jason Silberschlag. Together, they have created a brand that stands for supply chain transparency, healthy workplace standards, and a connection among people rooted in a common appreciation for coffee. After being in business for 16 years, Cartel Roasting Co. assures that their coffee is ethically sourced, and that those harvesting are paid fair wages – building a brand and business that contributes to a better world. “We never want to grow so quickly or so big where we are compromising our values for the sake of our size,” shares Amy, “It is not the easy road, but it is the more responsible road and the road that I value. We

care about the livelihood of the farmers that work with us and the full coffee cycle to provide the best quality product for our customers.”

In addition to Amy, behind the scenes are Director of Retail Mercedes Infante and Director of Sales Kelly Ehley, who have also contributed to Cartel’s success and see a bright future ahead. Sitting in the 7th Street Cartel Roasting Co. location in Phoenix, the three executives shared their experiences of being female leaders in a predominately maledominated industry. Kelly has been a powerhouse at Cartel, closing sales with major distributors, including Whole Foods, which exposes Cartel Roasting Co. to a national consumer market. “As the Director of Sales, I’ve de nitely experienced gender bias just because people don’t take me seriously because I am a woman. I think recognizing that and being like, ‘Then you are not a customer for us,’ and if you don’t respect me as a woman, I certainly do not want to work with you every day. At the base level, respect is needed.”

Ten years ago, Mercedes, started as a barista with Cartel Roasting Co. and still strives to maintain an inclusive and expressive space for employees and customers as she now oversees all of Cartel Roasting Co’s retail locations. “I think being a woman in leadership, you are going to come across hurdles, and it’s how people typically view women and their ability to earn positions that were predominately held by men. Maybe the things that people with gender bias view as a weakness are really [women’s] strengths.”

“It feels like not long ago, we were ghting for our right to vote, and now we are running companies and having a strong positive impact on the

Feature
Spring 2024 8 Connections Girl Scout
“I think a lot of being a woman in leadership is ghting your own self-doubt. Being a woman is not a barrier; it’s this beautiful thing that you are able to be in a position of leadership”

communities around us. I really hope seeing more women in leadership will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Co-founder Amy also spoke about her experience as a female business owner: “A lot of the times, people will assume that it is his [my husband’s] business when we built it together. Fortunately, Jason will step in and correct people. I think ultimately it comes down to if you do not respect me as a person, our values are not in alignment.” In creating this inclusive environment where customers can nd community, they’ve kept kindness at the forefront of their leadership while maintaining healthy boundaries that preserve their self-worth – this rings parallel to the values held in Girl Scouting.

As part of Cartel Roasting Co.’s commitment to the community, they launched their Give Back Blend, a custom coffee blend inspired by the local organization they’re partnering with, the Give Back Blend is a fundraising tool to fuel the incredible work happening within Arizona’s non-pro t network. During the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Season, Cartel Roasting Co. launched a Thin Mint-inspired Give Back Blend to support Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. Just as Girl Scouts is a third place for many girls in Arizona, we know Cartel Roasting Co. will continue to be a pillar of our community, offering a space where patrons can show up as their true selves and feel welcomed with a comforting cup of coffee.

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Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 9 Connections Girl Scout
Left to right: Mercedes Infante, Kelly Ehley, Amy Silberschlag.

Girl Scout Day at Grand Canyon University

Girl Scouts and their families joined the Grand Canyon University (GCU) women’s basketball team as they took on the Utah Valley Wolverines on Feb. 3. Before heading to the area to cheer the Lady Lopes to victory, basketball fans participated in pregame activities, including an in atable obstacle course, sign making, dancing, and of course, Girl Scout Cookie sales. Patrons who bought cookies were also

treated to an exclusive GCU x State Forty Eight t-shirt.

With the Devin Booker Bus as their backdrop, Girl Scout Troop 5002, was met with great enthusiasm as a lengthy line formed to support the entrepreneurs at work. The afternoon was a smash, with 1,136 packages sold!

During the game, Girl Scouts Imara, Addison, Ollie, and Zuri serve

as color guard to an audience of hundreds while Girl Scout Betty from Troop 3811 performed the national anthem. Shortly afterward, GSACPC Co-CEOs, Mary Mitchell and Christina Spicer presented the game ball to coach Molly Miller. Girl Scout Day ended with an incredible win and a dance performance from the GCU Dance Team that were joined by our Girl Scouts!

Council Highlights
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Design Your Dreams: 2024 Annual Meeting a Success

On April 27th, over 300 Girl Scouts, delegates, members, and staff gathered in Phoenix for Arizona Cactus-Pine’s 87th Annual Meeting. The business and girl-led sessions were an exciting opportunity to engage in the democratic process, celebrate council wins, and review our organizational strategic plan.

Girl Scouts from the Girl Voice Committee and Media Ambassador program opened the meeting with energy and enthusiastically presented council highlights from the last membership year. Girl members from the Juniper Ridge Service Unit presented the colors and recited the Pledge of Alliance and Girl Scout Promise and Law, while Girl Advisory Members helped deliver essential action items. After the business session adjourned, girls facilitated a discussion, where attendees designed and dreamed around a strategic priority to enhance the girl experience.

The meeting also included the election of new board membersat-large, including Jacki Gaytan, Monica Meyerand, Neil Rao, Holly Snopko, and Tamara Webb whose diverse experiences and perspectives will help further our mission. Additionally, the Board welcomed Girl Advisory Members Anjini Ghorpade, Alyssa Hill, and Samantha Shockness. We also celebrated the new Board Development Committee members, comprised of Gema Duarte Luna, Julie Coburn, Julia Fischer, and Girl Advisory Members Charlotte Ferguson and Madeline Roberts, they join a dynamic group that serves in the best interest of all girls at Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.

Support Change Makers in Style

Pre-order your shirt today at girlscoutsaz.org/gold-shirt. Learn more on page 20.

Council Highlights
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 11 Connections Girl Scout

GSACPC Volunteer Appointed to Our Chalet Foundation Board in Switzerland

For Girl Scout alum and longtime volunteer Cuyler Boughner, being introduced to Girl Scouts at a young age meant the world didn’t feel as intimating when her family moved with her father in the Air Force because she immediately had a group of friends wherever she went. After 65 years in the Girl Scout Movement, the Flagstaff resident is now the sole American appointed to the 12-member Our Chalet Foundation Board. A year into her three-year term, Cuyler serves on the executive board as secretary.

Located high up in the beautiful Swiss Alps, Our Chalet was built in 1932 as the rst of ve World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Centres. It offers high-adventure activities, leadership seminars, and opportunities to build connections and friendships. According to Cuyler and the WAGGGS website, “Our Chalet Foundation is the legal entity that looks after the management of the buildings and the land where Our Chalet is located. The Foundation works closely with the Centre Manager and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.”

now be called a “Destination”. Additional invitations to serve as a volunteer summer counselor and as the sole paid seasonal staff person for one year followed. Over the years, Cuyler facilitated a leadership/teamwork seminar, was on staff for the Chalet 50th birthday celebration, helped with staff training, and participated in numerous staff reunions and celebrations.

“It was a good t. I made friends from all over the world and was the only American on staff. I thought it was fantastic to spend days with girls from Norway, Japan…all over the world,” said Cuyler.

“Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding can be the magic thread which links the youth of the world together.”
– Girl Scout Founder Juliette Gordon Low

Serving on the board is a culmination of Cuyler’s life work tied to Our Chalet, starting as a teenager when her troop took a train from Germany and visited it for a week, then being invited back after her junior year in high school to represent GSUSA at the rst Walking Week, an international “Opportunity” which would

In addition to serving globally, Cuyler’s love for Girl Scouts and outdoor programming has positively impacted girls from Arizona Cactus-Pine. Over the years, she supported leaders, neighborhoods and service teams as a eld director, directed Shadow Rim Ranch for four years, and led a high adventure Girl Scout troop. At 72, Cuyler still loves to backpack and calls Switzerland her second home.

“When I look back on how I became a leader and being comfortable with leadership, which led to this board appointment, it was because of Girl Scouts,” Cuyler shared. “I encourage girls to follow their passions, take advantage of every opportunity given to them, and remember doors will open, but you must be willing to step through them. Take a deep breath, be bold and brave.”

Council Highlights
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A Class of Perseverance and Empowerment: The 2024 Gold Awards

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, 35 Girl Scouts in our council completed their Gold Award projects targeting a gap or community issue which they tackled with a sustainable solution allowing for positive change to blossom as they move on to the next phase of their life.

Meet the Gold Award Class of 2024!

Educational Books for Preschoolers and Kindergartners about Water Safety

As a lifeguard and swim instructor, Tara noticed a lack of water safety resources available for schools and homes, so she created books for teachers and parents about the importance of water safety. In partnership with the YMCA, Tara published two books that illustrate techniques taught at YMCA’s Water Safety Program. The rst book, “May I Please Get in the Water?” teaches children about the questions they need to ask before entering the water and the second book, “Sammie the Star sh”, teaches children how to oat on their backs if they get tired or accidentally fall in the pool. Tara’s project was distributed to Cave Creek Uni ed School District, Arizona YMCA locations, and local preschools. Tara plans to attend the University of Arizona to study engineering.

Charlotte Boardman

Mesa

Private Lessons Post-COVID

A band enthusiast of eight years who plays three types of clarinets, Charlotte has found strength in music - being able to connect internally with their emotions has allowed them to build stronger relationships with others. Now, they’ve shared the power of music through their Gold Award by offering private music lessons. Charlotte gathered a team of other highly skilled high school band members to give free private lessons/master classes to local middle school students. After 12 years of Girl Scouting, Charlotte is ready to start their new musical journey at Northern Arizona University to major in music education and minor in Spanish.

Leading the Way
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London Brown

Tempe

Loom

Love

London’s love for crafting and passion for bettering the community came together to create “Loom Love,” a project encouraging a creative hobby while highlighting the need for warm winter clothing donations for the unhoused population. London created hats and assisted others while spreading the message behind her project at workshops and meetings. London surpassed her goal of crafting and donating 100 hats by the end of the school year, donating 103 hats to clothing distribution centers in Tempe and Phoenix that stay local. Upon completion, London also created and shared a stepby-step picture tutorial on how to make winter beanies on a loom to keep the project going. London is a graduate of Corona del Sol High School in Tempe and was a student at Mesa Community College before her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2024. London eventually plans to attend Arizona State University to study dietetics.

Ella Chevalier

Chandler

Eye Wear for All

Inspired by her cousin’s past Gold Award project at an orphanage in Shanghai, China, Ella discovered her own project idea that crossed continents. While exploring causes, she noticed a school mission trip to Brazil to establish eye clinics in villages lacking medical access, which ignited the goal for her own project. In preparation, Ella established reading glass donation drives at three schools in her community before traveling to Manaus, Brazil with her team and over 1000 pairs of reading glasses to share with the villages. In addition to providing glasses, Ella and her team hosted clinics at three villages along the Rio Negro in Brazil, administering simple eye exams and glasses to those who attended to help enhance vision and quality of life. Upon her return, Ella brought awareness to the importance of vision and the impact of community service projects by presenting her efforts to her high school class and encouraging fellow students to go on next year’s trip. Ella will take the lessons she learned throughout 14 years of Girl Scouting to the University of Kentucky, where she plans to major in Psychology and earn her doctorate.

Emily Coronado

Visual and Performing Arts Mural

Emily created a mural at Centennial High School dedicated to performing and visual arts to engage students to get involved in these programs. Emily spoke with students of all grades to communicate the message of her mural, encouraging them to participate in the arts while emphasizing the bene ts. After the completion of her project, Emily was contacted by multiple students who started to engage in the arts as well as the drama club of cers who noticed an increase in involvement. A Girl Scout of seven years, Emily took her lifelong passion for various art forms and brought it to life in hopes of bene ting her school and the social lives of her fellow students, all of which earned her the prestigious Gold Award honor. Emily is a graduate of Centennial High School and currently attends Glendale Community College where she studies ne arts illustration.

Mezaan Crosby

Chandler

Muslim Girls Mentoring Program

After nding support from a female Muslim mentor during the pandemic, Girl Scout Mezaan Crosby wanted to give this opportunity to other girls, leading to the creation of the Muslim Girls Mentoring Program. With studies revealing that mentorships create healthier relationships and help improve selfcon dence, Mezaan organized regular monthly meetings with fun activities and celebrations for the group including an outdoor hike, community service, an Eid party, and con dence workshop. Mezaan’s program impacted a total of 37 young Muslim women as well as their families and mentors. 60% of program mentees said they felt more con dent and 100% of the mentors who completed the survey said they would serve as mentors again. Mezaan has been involved in Girl Scouts for over 10 years and credits her Gold Award-winning project for teaching her how to fundraise and improving her public speaking skills. A student at Horizon Honors Secondary School, Mezaan plans to major in either life science or biomedical engineering with a longterm goal of a Ph.D. in engineering from an R1 institution.

Payton Dymek

Phoenix

Use Your Voice Platform

After her internship as the head sports broadcaster for Vietnamese Arizona American Television, Payton’s passion and appreciation for journalism grew, inspiring her Gold Award project. To address gender biases in English language classrooms, and the perception of women in journalism, Payton created a website containing free lessons to learn about the journalism eld, such as writing, broadcasting and other forms of media. Beyond Arizona, she was able to reach students in other states such as California, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, and New York. She also had students from South Africa engage with her project. After 12 years of Girl Scouting, Payton plans to expand her skillset and pursue a career in journalism, marketing and communications.

Lana Fischer

San Tan Valley

The Promise Trail - A Piece of History

While working at Girl Scout’s Shadow Rim Ranch camp property, Lana often took girls down the Promise Trail. To help restore the trail from prolonged use and bring back the history of the trail to educate girls, Lana’s Gold Award project focused on reviving the Promise Trail that is special to her. In her efforts, Lana designed new signs with the Girl Scout Promise and Law, trimmed blackberry bushes blocking the path and gathered the forgotten history of the Promise Trail. With the restoration, more girls are now able to walk and learn the history of the trail. Through her project, Lana learned that she can make a difference in young girls lives and serve as a role model A Girl Scout for 13 years, Lana says that Girl Scouting has made her proud of the person she has become. Lana attends Poston Butte High School and would like to go to college.

Leading the Way
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Brianna Fornoff

Love Our Schools Day

Girl Scout Brianna Fornoff takes great pride in her school and often noticed low school spirit from her classmates. To enact change, Brianna jumped on the opportunity to engage the community and to beautify her high school campus by establishing “Love Our Schools” campus cleanup events at Wickenburg High School. Between two cleanup events, Brianna gathered over 100 volunteers including students and community members, who helped paint curbs, build desks, weed the landscape, pick up trash, pressure wash, and more. Brianna’s surveys with students after the project revealed that 70% of respondents noticed and appreciated the projects completed on campus and revealed that students gained a new perspective on school. Taking important lessons from her 12+ years as a Girl Scout, Brianna set out to leave her school looking better than when she found it, starting a continuing tradition of clean-up events that has expanded to other schools in the area and earning herself a Gold Award. Brianna is a graduate of Wickenburg High School and currently attends Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Winter Gonzales Warnicke

Phoenix Teens for TNR

Inspired by her cats, Winter started Teens for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), an intervention program to decrease cat overpopulation by humanely neutering them and returning them to their colonies. This protects cats from diseases and cancers, allowing them to live while the population in the colony stabilizes and slowly decreases over time. Though she had been connected to TNR’s mission since she was nine, she contributed to their cause by conducting two trap jobs and launching a website to inform communities about TNR which included a database with links to TNR resources in every state and a workshop to spread awareness. Winter is now carrying this unique piece of her Girl Scouting experience in her pursuit of careers in biology and English at Smith College, a historical women’s college in Massachusetts.

Zoe Golston

Scottsdale

Healing Young Hearts

Growing up, Zoe witnessed her loved ones struggle with their mental health issues and always made an effort to support them in any way. For her Gold Award project, Zoe wanted to give her Girl Scout Sisters the knowledge and resources they’d need to recognize and act on mental health hurdles. Zoe created mental health workshops that were made to accommodate the needs of the different Girl Scout levels – hosting various activities including yoga, breathing exercises and journaling. Additionally, she created informational pamphlets for community members and held a Jingle Gold Hike in collaboration with a fellow Gold Awardee to teach girls about mental health and environmental sustainability while taking a walk outside. Through her project, Zoe reached 250 Girl Scouts, including 14 troops, and received positive feedback on the lasting impact of her workshops. A Girl Scout of 13 years, Zoe hopes to attend college after graduating from high school where she’ll major in theatre.

It’s Your Turn to Go for Gold!

Earn the most prestigious honor in Girl Scouting and work towards your Gold Award.

The Gold Award is an opportunity for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors to take the tools they’ve gained throughout their Girl Scouting experience and put them to action in a service project that offers a sustainable solution to an issue being faced locally or globally. A stellar addition to any college or scholarship application, Gold Awardees can use their projects to demonstrate professional capabilities when planning their future whether it be in higher education or the workforce.

From conception to execution, a dedicated committee of knowledgeable volunteers will guide you in your journey to gold and work alongside you to ensure your project goals and objectives are met.

Attend a Gold Award training to learn more about what it takes to go from green to gold. Visit the Activities Calendar at girlscoutsaz.org/calendar to learn more and reserve your slot.

Leading the Way
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 15 Connections Girl Scout

Leading the Way

Cassandra Gookin Scottsdale Stop The Silence: Support Resources For Everyone

After being diagnosed with Lyme Disease in middle school and witnessing her mom overcome invisible disabilities such as nerve damage from back surgery, Cassandra became aware of how others treated them. To challenge the notion that a disease’s severity is dependent on its physical visibility, Cassandra began raising awareness about what invisible or silent disabilities are and how they can affect people. She created a website where she posted blogs to educate others on invisible disabilities, support resources, and created a free patch program for all Girl Scout DaisiesAmbassadors. Cassandra plans to attend Scottsdale Community College and continue her project by adding more blogs and interviews to her website.

Lauryn Hardaway

Cave Creek

Dream In STEAM

After observing a lack of inclusion in her school environment, Lauryn sprang into action to create “Dream in STEAM,” a book published to highlight and honor people of color who have been trailblazers in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math elds. Lauryn self-published her book online and spread the message of inclusion by hosting weekly reading sessions and STEAM project demonstrations to inspire young audiences to achieve their goals just as the gures included in her book. Lauryn’s book, “Dream in STEAM,” secured a position in the top 100 on Amazon’s science books chart, and through her weekly sessions, Lauryn was able to impact over 100 children with her message of inclusion and STEAM, all enroute to a prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. Lauryn has been a Girl Scout for seven years and plans to attend Spelman College in Atlanta to pursue a major in chemistry and become an interventional radiologist.

Adhelle Kellogg Surprise Pride Af rmation Walk

To support her friends from the LGBTQIA+ community, Adhelle created a resourceful document to increase awareness on mental health issues that members of the LGBTQIA+ community face. Following the instructions provided in the document, people can scan different QR codes containing af rmations and resources that can be accessed simply by going on a walk. Her Pride Af rmation Walk project will be implemented in Arizona, Texas, Mildenhall, Suffolk, and Nottingham, England. Through this project, Adhelle felt more comfortable and con dent to be her true self and advocate for her loved ones and their experiences. Adhelle is currently completing an associate degree in communication and will be transferring to Arizona State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science.

Julia Kim Chandler

Helping Hand Yoga

When working on a health assignment for school, Julia stumbled upon an article from JAMA Pediatrics that reported a surge in depression and anxiety over the past ve years in children ages 5-17. Motivated by this data and her experiences volunteering with youth at a local after-school program, Julia dedicated her Gold Award project to creating a space where people of all ages could relax while gaining coping skills for managing stress and anxiety. Yoga being a passion of hers, Julia conducted yoga sessions during Club Fridays at Improving Chandler Area Neighborhoods (ICAN), a local community after-school program where she interacted with dozens of students, staff and educators. Additionally, Julia created a blog to reach a broader audience to share information and techniques on managing stress. After graduating from high school, Julia hopes to attend a university to pursue a medical degree that will put her on track to become a physician.

Haley Lee Chandler

Preventing Period Poverty

To address period poverty and the stigma around periods, Haley focused her Gold Award project on combatting this issue directly by creating an educational curriculum and period kits to distribute to communities in need. Haley developed her curriculum to cover menstrual cycles, hygiene, and products as well as the prevalence of period poverty and the necessity to address it. Haley’s project educated 30 girls in total, and she created 266-period kits with her team, each with over 10 period products and a personalized label. In total, Haley donated over $2,000 of menstrual products to AZ Diaper Bank to be distributed across Arizona and collaborated with local women-owned businesses to gather donations and make connections for kit distribution. A Girl Scout of 11 years, Haley continues to attribute her service to the community due to her childhood in Girl Scouts. Haley currently attends Hamilton High School and plans to follow the pre-med track in college when she graduates.

Rachel Leppla

Peoria

A Change to Energy

Rachel created her Gold Award project to spread awareness about sustainable energy and how the use of energy affects the world. Rachel researched and created an online platform to share her ndings with the local community. She ensured her research was accessible to young audiences to help them understand what sustainable and clean energy is. As her 12 years of Girl Scouting come to an end, Rachel is now using her leadership and communication skills to pursue degrees in English and Journalism/Mass Communications at Arizona State University.

Spring 2024 16 Connections Girl Scout

Abby LoManto

Youngtown

Liberty Wildlife Medical Information Boxes

After numerous school eld trips to Liberty Wildlife, a nonpro t center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals, Abby grew to admire the staff’s passion and commitment to animal rehabilitation. For her Gold Award project, Abby sought out the needs of the team at Liberty Wildlife so they could focus on helping animals impacted by urbanization. To assist the team, Abby ful lled the item at the top of their wish list by creating weathersafe storage boxes for staff to store medical records, providing more time for the staff to take care of animals in need. Abby stepped out of her comfort zone to explore a new skill of woodworking to earn the Gold Award honor. A Girl Scout of 10 years, Abby plans to go to Arizona State University to earn her degree in Education and one day become a high school teacher.

Emily McGee Goodyear

Burrowing Owl Project

With the ongoing loss of nesting habitats, water, and food sources for burrowing owls due to land overdevelopment, Emily focused her Gold Award project on raising awareness and addressing the challenges faced by this important animal in our desert’s ecosystem. To bring her vision to life and earn the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, Emily developed an arti cial burrowing site at her high school and coordinated volunteer support for two additional arti cial burrowing habitat sites to feed and monitor. All three burrows are self-sustainable and will continue to provide habitats to stop the decline of the burrowing owl population. Emily brought her cause to local school of cials, schools in agricultural areas of Arizona and city youth commission meetings to raise awareness. Emily’s research and project ndings were also shared in a presentation that reached over 800 scholars and more than 300 teachers within her school district. A Girl Scout of 11 years, Emily would like to become a medical examiner.

Sophia Moreno

Tempe

Capturing Impacts of the 1970s Labor Rights Movement

Empowered by her family’s history as migrant farm workers, Sophia took her Gold Award as an opportunity to not only honor her family’s sacri ces but also teach others about the 1970s Labor Rights Movement to preserve stories and continue a legacy of advocacy and change. Her interviews with eld workers, families, and activists were published online and shared with high school teachers to integrate into their curriculum. As a Girl Scout of 12 years, Sophia has shown great leadership and service to others by amplifying voices and telling stories that often go untold. Sophia is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science at Carnegie Mellon University and plans to attend law school soon.

Megan Motter

Cave

Creek

Dark

Skies

The night sky was Megan’s muse as she created light shields, brochures for the Cave Creek Dark Skies Initiative which included a YouTube video, an article for her school’s newspaper, and taught younger Girl Scout troops about the night sky, helping them earn their space badge. Her Girl Scouting journey of 10 years introduced Megan to new friendships, connecting her with new experiences that gave her the courage to explore new things and develop a con dent attitude. Megan plans to major in STEM to help the ecosystem through scienti c research.

McKinley Paltzik

Scottsdale

Welcome to America

While researching for a speech about Afghan refugees, McKinley discovered the story of Fahima, one of thousands of refugees resettling in Arizona, inspiring her to start her Gold Award project. With the Valencia Newcomer School for rst-year refugee children in Arizona, McKinley crafted a free English tutoring program to support students as they transition from refugee schools to public schools. McKinley interviewed teachers, studied ESL teaching strategies, and practiced with students to help them succeed academically. The stories and friendships that came from this experience remind McKinley of what it means to lead with care and compassion. Mckinley studies government and economics at Harvard University.

Jenny Pasternack

Scottsdale

Reading Buddies

After seeing how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted literacy rates and learning experiences for children, Jenny created Reading Buddies, a summer program for kindergarten and third grade students to participate in reading and writing activities alongside “teen buddies”. With 55 teen volunteers, Jenny served children in the Scottsdale Library System and Mustang and Civics Center, sharing her love for reading with everyone who participated. Jenny will be attending Emory University to study public policy analysis

Leading the Way
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 17 Connections Girl Scout

Leading the Way

Amanda Ray Phoenix

Low-Cost Ingredient Recipes

To help better her community and inspire others, Amanda made a difference through food. Amanda created a recipe book with lowcost ingredients and foods that are commonly donated to food banks to help patrons cook higher-quality meals. She also distributed printed and online copies to multiple food banks throughout Phoenix. Amanda received direct staff feedback on her project’s effectiveness, and to test that her recipes were simple, easy, and delicious, Amanda hosted a cooking event and taste test with her team to prepare the meals themselves. As a result of her project, Amanda has established relationships with local food banks in her area and donates annually to provide support. Amanda is a student at Chaparral High School, and she plans to attend Arizona State University to study business.

Jayla Richardson

Scottsdale

Music Soothes the Soul:

Music As Medicine

Living with her grandmother diagnosed with dementia, Jayla witnessed the power of music in her grandmother’s health and well-being.

As a musician herself, Jayla recognizes the bene ts of music, helping people relax and focus. Through her project, Jayla addressed challenges that people living with dementia experience related to memory loss, confusion, anxiety and stress. She provided an accessible and free music program for seniors at Angel Adult Day Center. Jayla curated music playlists and videos on YouTube from different decades, Christmas, and relaxation videos. She also donated a TV, an Amazon Firestick and Apple TV to increase accessibility in two areas of the center. With the help of senior residents, Jayla created a wall display of album covers, sparking conversations between the residents about their favorite artists. The leadership, project management and nancial planning skills gained throughout her 12 years of Girl Scouting shine through every corner of this project. After graduating high school, Jayla plans to major in neuroscience to study how music impacts the brain.

Maya Schnee

Phoenix

Garden

After 13 years of Girl Scouting, Maya dedicated her project to creating an outdoor learning space for students in a low-income neighborhood. Maya repaired the school garden and taught students how to maintain it so it can truly sustain itself over time. Before starting her college journey at Northern Arizona University, Maya was diagnosed with scoliosis, but that did not stop her from creating positive change in her community.

Cameron Shinyeda Chandler

So You Want to Fly Podcast

With a private pilot’s license and a passion for ying, Cameron established her own podcast to inspire others and share resources that were not easily available to her when she started ying. Through Spotify, she has reached multiple listeners across the country and has learned a thing or two about podcasting. Cameron plans to take her learning and hobby to the next level to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

Isabella Small Tempe

Type 1 Diabetes Youth Connect Organization

After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just seven months after her sister received the same news, Isabella used her Gold Award project to build T1D Youth Connect, an organization to empower kids through connection, inspiration, and fun. Isabella successfully organized three social events with T1D Youth Connect, developed an active online presence including a YouTube channel offering inspiration to newly diagnosed kids, delivered over 100 inspirational collages at hospitals, and created a T1D resource directory for 75 families to connect. A Girl Scout for 10 years, Isabella credits the organization for shaping her into an action-taker and change-maker. Isabella’s Gold Award project helped her realize her passion for inspiring others, in uencing her to attend Arizona State University and Barrett, The Honors College with a double major in psychology and organizational leadership. She aspires to create her own business, consulting companies on how employee happiness can lead to success.

Diana Spellman Tempe

Scottish

Highland Dancing in Arizona

Diana used her love and experience for Scottish Highland dancing to revitalize the local passion for the dance in pursuit of the highest honor in Girl Scouts–a Gold Award. To fuel local love for Highland dancing and inform the community, Diana held six free dance workshops for children that provided demonstrations, hands-on learning experience and other education. For a digital element to her Gold Award project, Diana used YouTube as a platform to educate the public on Highland dancing, costumes, and performance. To further drive sustainable impact, Diana bought and sponsored trophies to distribute at the Highland Celtic Festival dance competition in Flagstaff for the next 20 years. Diana’s efforts elevated the number of dancers at the Arizona Celtic Festival from 11 to 32 in just one year and in uenced 12 children to sign up for her dance school. Diana attends Corona Del Sol High School and is considering what she will study post-graduation.

Spring 2024 18 Connections Girl Scout

Olivia Stone

Tranquil Trails Labyrinth

Recognizing the importance of spending time outdoors and its positive impact on mental well-being, Olivia’s Gold Award project created a welcoming outdoor space in Flat Iron Park in Apache Junction known as Tranquil Trails Labyrinth. Olivia designed the space for individuals to engage in healing activities such as music, prayer, thought, exercise, and other healing activities. The Labyrinth is lined with positive painted rocks and encourages visitors to take a rock and leave a rock. Upon creating the Labyrinth, Olivia received thanks from parkgoers for creating the space and making the park even more beautiful. By creating the Labyrinth, Olivia wanted to help bring awareness to the effects of negative mental health and provide a support system for the community. A graduate of Desert Ridge High School, Olivia is going to college for deaf studies to become an American Sign Language interpreter, attending Phoenix College before transferring to University of Arizona.

Madisyn Van Hemert

Buckeye

Project A

Madisyn used her experience as a student athlete to provide equal accessibility and expand the athletic department of her school district to support low-income families who cannot afford to put their children in club sports. To boost students’ con dence and support their desire for sports, Madisyn held an athletic eld day event offering activities including volleyball, tag, football, ultimate frisbee and more with coaches and student volunteers assisting with games and engaging with participants. Surveys after the event revealed that students felt more comfortable in high school sports and were interested in attending the eld day again. As a Girl Scout lifetime member, Madisyn says she carries the Girl Scout spirit with her everywhere she goes. Madisyn is a graduate of Coconino High School in Flagstaff and is currently a full-time student studying tness and wellness as well as Spanish.

Our High Award Committees

A round of applause for the members of our council’s Gold Award Committee who guide Girl Scouts as they create change within their communities. These dedicated volunteers ensure that girls see their projects come to life. We want to thank you for making our Girl Scouts and their futures a priority – your commitment to the Girl Scout Mission ensures girls in our jurisdiction become stronger leaders with each experience they take on. Thank you!

Gold Award Committee:

Alanna Iannone

Angela Lian

Ariana Schein

Brianna Iannone

Carissa Decicco

Diana Laulainen-Schein

Donna Dotzler

Gail Smith

Joanne Hartley

Katie Holm

Laura Baughman

Lee Kline

Megan Burke

Polly Thomas

Sally Nelsen

Samantha Janssen

Serena Schein

Terri Himing

The 2024 Gold Award Ceremony Leadership in Action

In March, our council honored the accomplishments of this year’s 35 Gold Awardees with a dinner and ceremony at The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain. These projects, deeply rooted in cultural awareness, sustainability, women’s issues, and more, represent the leadership

embedded within Girl Scouting. We know that this class will carry the Gold Award experience with them into the classroom, board room, and beyond. Learn more about this year’s Gold Award cohort by visiting girlscoutsaz.org/goldaward2024

Leading the Way
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 19 Connections Girl Scout

Spencer Wareing Scottsdale

Saguaro-Pueblo Bilingual Performance Outreach Program

To integrate ne arts, more speci cally the impact of theatre into STEM curriculums, Spencer partnered with local schools to emphasis the importance of STEAM-based learning and organized the rst iteration of the Performance Outreach Program (POP) during the winter of 2022 and spring of 2023. With the help of elementary school teachers, Spencer led a group of high school students to teach them about theatre: set and props design, play scripts, costumes, and more. As students prepared to perform their plays, Spencer was greeted with gratitude and handmade letters from students whose lives had been changed because of the Performance Outreach Program. Spencer’s project increased an understanding of STEAM education, and established meaningful partnerships with teachers, and parents/guardians involved in their children’s learning experience. Her Girl Scouting journey of 13 years instilled leadership and a spirit of determination, leading her to join the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance as a double major at Southeast Missouri State University.

Tiffany Wong

Scottsdale

Kickstart the Arts

Stemming from her passion of dance, Tiffany dedicated her Gold Award project to providing art centered opportunities for her Girl Scout Sisters in the Pima neighborhood. She created four art badge events and multiple badge plans for Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies and Juniors. From producing the plans to planning and hosting the events, Tiffany found her project to be a creative outlet, further feeding her love of the arts. A success, Tiffany’s events saw double the attendance from art centered Girl Scout events the year prior, her badge plans are currently hosted on a website for volunteers and Girl Scouts to easily access. A Girl Scout of six years, Tiffany attends the University of Arizona studying speech, language and hearing sciences with a minor in educational psychology.

Support Change Makers in Style

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has collaborated with State Forty Eight, a locally owned apparel brand, to create a shirt celebrating our council’s Gold Awardees and in support of future recipients. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious honor in Girl Scouting – challenging Girl Scouts in high school to seek, research, and create a sustainable solution for a problem directly impacting our communities. This year’s design captures the innovative and advocating spirit of our Gold Awardees as they design change to bene t all those around them. Support the next generation of Gold Awardees by pre-ordering your shirt

Claire Xu Peoria

Music for Community

Drawing inspiration from her long-time experience in music as a piano and ute player as well as well as her cherished memories performing for her grandparents, Claire set out on her Gold Award mission to create positive, entertaining experiences for the elderly through “Music for Community,” a bi-weekly club that performs monthly recitals at senior living facilities. To effectively develop and maintain “Music for Community,” Claire applied the communication and organizational skills she learned over 11 years of Girl Scouting to lead outreach and engage club members. During the project, the impactful club gained 26 members across 13 different instruments and held 15 club performances at eight retirement homes across the valley. Claire is a current student at Mountain Ridge High School and plans to study economics or business administration while carrying her life-long love for music and performance.

Lilly Zahnow Scottsdale Garden

To recognize the collective heritage within Girl Scouting and the importance of passing this heritage down to the next generation, Lilly collaborated with over 15 Girl Scout councils across the nation to create a Digital Songbook collection of camp song lyrics, rhythms, and other regional differences. Lilly achieved the Girl Scouts’ highest accolade by showcasing 10 years of essential teamwork, communication, and organizational skills acquired within the organization to creatively promote cultural memory and inclusivity. Lilly measured the success of her project by conducting Girl Scout focus groups to discuss the impact, effectiveness and ease of use of her database. Lilly is a graduate of Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale. Lilly currently attends the University of Texas at Austin and is pursuing a degree in Theatre Education.

($34) today! All bene ts will feed our council’s Gold Award Scholarship fund to uplift our Gold Awardees as they pursue their next phase of life.

The pre-order is now open and will close on June 22, 2024. All shirts will be shipped and are not available for in-store pick-up. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/gold-shirt to place your order.

Leading the Way
Spring 2024 20 Connections Girl Scout

Exploring Underwater Robotics

When people think of the word robotic, it’s normal to think of robots like the ones we see in movies, but the art of robot engineering is so much more than a smart device that can clean a room or serve breakfast in the morning.

Currently, robotic engineering has developed so far to the point where we can explore the ocean. As a current member of the Girl Scout –Arizona Cactus-Pine underwater robotics team, I have clear insight into what we do and how we function.

Through our underwater robotics program, Girl Scouts are offered unique opportunities to explore new careers or learn more about an already existing passion or hobby. For example, a girl who loves engineering may participate in the program to expand her passion and learn how to apply it to real-world experiences. This is why I joined the underwater robotics program.

I love creating new things and telling others about the process of my new creations. The program has shown me that anything is possible and if I run into struggles, it has taught me to push through and shine brighter than ever.

During our underwater robotics program meetings, we set a new goal every meeting. If we are currently building our robot, we set goals to help us make

progress until the building is complete. Once we nish building our robot, we test it in the pool for buoyancy to see if it sinks or oats. We also test to see if the remote connected to the robot works. If everything passes the test, then we set up an obstacle course so the team can drive the robot through hoops and rings. Depending on how the robot responds, we come together to modify the robot and make any changes to improve its function.

As we spend more time on robot modi cations, the underwater robotics competition draws closer and closer. You heard right, competitions for underwater robots! At the competition, if a robot does well underwater, then the team can move forward to nationals. Some things the judges look for are the weight of the robot, and a robotic notebook that explains the process of our engineered robot.

Being part of a girl-led robotics team is important to me because it shows that women can do anything they set their minds to, and it’s a powerful way to impact the community and inspire other girls who are also interested in robotics or the STEM eld.

Pass the Mic
Pass the Mic is an online platform for Girl Scout Cadettes – Ambassadors to develop strong writing skills and publish stories relevant to Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts are encouraged to re ect on summer camp learnings, inspire others with their Gold Award project and discuss challenges impacting girls and women locally and globally. Pitch a story today at bit.ly/GSPassTheMic. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 21 Connections Girl Scout

Thank You to Our Council Booth Partners

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our council booth partners who hosted Girl Scouts across our jurisdiction at various locations! We also acknowledge the organizations and retailers who welcomed Girl Scouts to host selfscheduled booths.

Alight Tempe

Cartel Roasting Co.

Bashas’

AJs Food City

Eddie Country Shop

Fry’s Food and Drug Store

Sonic Wendy’s

Tractor Supply

Zzeeks Pizza

JRP Tax Valley Coffee Bar

The Yard Milkshake

Yams Properties

Bookmans Mesa Bookmans Phoenix REI

The Joint Massage Envy

Pretty Please Boutique

Macerich Malls: Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Desert Sky Mall, Kierland Commons, San Tan Village, Superstition Springs, Biltmore

Sweet Success!

The 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program

In rain, snow, and sunshine, almost 8,000 Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona participated in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world to raise funds for current and future Girl Scouting adventures.

The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by girls and volunteers echoed the mission we all work so diligently towards – creating strong, con dent leaders who will bring positivity to our communities.

Collectively, girls sold 3,413,035 packages of cookies, with Thin Mints being the most popular avor with customers this year. As a council, we want to extend our gratitude to those who gave their time and efforts this cookie season to ensure our Girl Scouts could thrive in their sales. We hope girls are proud of their professional growth and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful experiences that blossom from their hard work.

“I learned that it feels better to help my little sister who is a Daisy reach her goal so we can celebrate together rather than get further ahead in cookie sales on my own. It’s also great to learn how to sell cookies and talk to customers to prepare us for when we get real jobs!”

– Avyn Brownie, Troop 3126

“This cookie season I learned that I can set and exceed my own goals! I also learned that sometimes you have to change your strategies because unexpected things happen, like bad weather, but when I put my mind to it, I can be a great problem solver! Selling cookies helps Girl Scouts learn to run a business so we can be women entrepreneurs one day.”

– Willow Junior, Troop 4533

Past Adventures
Spring 2024 22 Connections Girl Scout

Top Cookie Sellers

Girls

Avery Vo 8,932

McKenna Bantau 8,893

Kaitlyn Van Der Werf 8,000

Savannah Scott 7,608

Cybelle Lacis 7,585

Hailey Potts 7,518

Leah Willard 7,527

Kyree Nelson-Turner 7,505

Sophia Harmon 7,504

Emmalin Pryor 7,500

Kloie Kalb 7,500

Tera Berg 7,500

Top Selling Troops

Service UnitTroop Packages

Bloom3396 30,842

South Phoenix 436 28,284

Gilbert 719023,929

Lake Havasu City 189221,734

East Chandler 872 21,393

Abbie Bostwick 3500

Abby Lange 5000

Abigail Chacon ............ 2500

Abigail Lomanto 2500

Addilyn Smith 2529

Addison Williams 2506

Adilene Nevarez 2000

Adyley Gordon 2012

Adyson Hebert 2247

Ainsley Kerr 3526

Alayna Ashley 5000

Alexa Scott 2002

Alexis Gefroh 3501

Alexis Velazquez 2500

Alta Metz 5055

Alyvia Scott 2500

Amani Jones 5001

Amy Wilson 2166

Aria McIntosh 2500

Athena Conway 3500

Aubrey Wanamaker 2562

Aubrey Wise 2214

Aubriella Avina-Thomas 3067

Audrianna Walker 2000

Aurora Arnett ............. 3500

Aurora Palmer 3605

Ava Alekson 2542

Ava Gillane 2543

Avagail Beveridge 2200

Avery Bantau 5000

Avery Graham 3008

Avery Vo 8932

Baylee Lairmore 2110

Brittany Mayes 2011

Brooklyn Ayala 3000

Brynn Sheldon 3224

Calia Ransom 5211

Carmen Odegaard 3002

Cassidy Cottle 5190

Caylee Landry 2000

Chloe Smith 2003

Cora Poor 5216

Courtney Dewey 4040

Courtney Hartle 2000

Cybelle Lacis 7585

Delaney McDaniel 2680

Eddie Vines ................ 3036

Elise Densmore 3500

Eliza Ohlson 5006

Elizabeth Young 4524

Ella Bartlett 5000

Ella Bianco 2500

Ella Haberlin 2005

Ella Lusson 3127

Ella Pugh 2500

Mighty Mint Club

Ella Rivera 2013

Emily Hobbs 2173

Emma Aldaz................ 5074

Emma Bowen 2000

Emma Thrasher 2518

Emmalin Pryor 7500

Eva Riley 2000

Giulia Guerrero 2500

Hailey Aldaz 5000

Hailey Potts 7518

Haley Garcia 2006

Hannah Zahn 3000

Haylee Reed 2057

Jadyn Head 2500

Jasmine Zimmerman 2503

Jhori Brace 5006

Jillian McWhorter 2500

Jordyn Quinn 4009

Juliana Sherrill 2000

Kaitlyn Van Der Werf 8000

Karita Bitsilli 2000

Katelyn Bishop 4005

Katlynn Anthes 3502

Kaydence Behrendt 2399

Kaydence Libonati......... 2001

Kaylee Fohrman 2025

Kayleigh Smith 2188

Kennadi Gramlich 3532

Kiana Jeskewitz 5005

Kira Schwimmer 2000

Kloie Kalb 7500

Kyree Nelson-Turner 7505

Larkin Lopez 5101

Leah Willard 7527

Lillian Hendricks 3002

Lillian Standerfer 5074

Lillian Walker 2511

Lilly Cottrell 2032

Lilly Delehoy 5001

Mackenzie Cuellar 2001

Maddie Dunlap 2500

Madelynne Hickel 5000

Madison Esker 2500

Madison Fouty 2034

Madysen Diekema 2500

Magnolia Miller 5002

Makenzie Davies .......... 2200

Maleahna Etue 2574

Maley Resh 2183

Maliah Winey 3605

Marisella Urcuyo 2043

McKenna Bantau 8893

Meira Hart 4000

Nayline Rodriguez 5000

Nevaeh Willson 3500

Nicole Erickson 4008

Niyah Summers 3000

Noemi Figueroa ............ 2501

Nuala Morales 2500

Nya Barnhart 2500

Nyna Kingsley 3085

Olive Granatelli 2046

Paeton McDaniels 2000

Paisley Leavenworth 2021

Payton Bodine 3502

Payton Turner 2501

Penelope Meeks 2000

Rayna Adams 5010

Rilee Raymond 5001

Roxanne Weaver 4000

Sabrina Padberg 4500

Sadie Dean 2671

Samantha Brink 2502

Samantha Dettmering 2591

Samantha Duran 2012

Samantha Stajner 2540

Samantha Swan 2004

Samara Bowdon 2502

Savannah Scott 7608

Scarlett Chenier ........... 2001

Scarlett Lacis 5000

Scarlett Servis 2500

Shanelle Smiley 2445

Shante Summers 3000

Shantelle Smiley 4500

Skyla Bishop 5004

So a Stevens 2018

Sophia Cole 2540

Sophia Franzone 2500

Sophia Harmon 7504

Sophiamarie Bowers 5009

Starr Lester 3500

Stormy Clement 5000

Taralynn Allen 2000

Taylor Celle 3693

Tera Berg 7500

Torynn Hammond 2000

Trisha Dyer 5272

Valentina Hardison 2290 Victoria Ball 3001 Violet Baca 2228 Violet Bjerke ............... 2000 Vivian Caruso 2075 Zoe Smith 2509

Zoey Davison 3590

Zoey Glynn 2039

Zoey Hansen 2014

Zuria Kosaka 2500

Past Adventures
who sold 5,000+ packages!
who sold 2,000+ packages! Packages Sold
Girls Selling 7,817 Per Girl Average 436 Most Popular Cookie Thin Mints 2024 Council Cookie Facts
Girls
3,413,035
Cactus Bloom55860,549 Hayden’s Ferry 203 38,905 Lakota Blossom 4847 33,583 Cactus
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 23 Connections Girl Scout

Building A Stronger Community at the Bring Home the Cookies 5K

Girl Scout Cookie fanatics and runners across the valley came together to uplift Arizona’s entrepreneurs during the 2024 Bring Home the Cookies 5K.

Hosted at Westgate Entertainment District, Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council teamed up with State Forty Eight Foundation and State Forty to produce this annual event for its third year!

With over 1,000 people in attendance, the venue was full of music and cheer as runners made their way around the course and claimed their medals at the nish line. The Runner’s Village was a vibrant space decorated with goods and services from local vendors including three Girl Scouts from our council!

Daphne, IGM | Dragon y’s Bazaar Courtney, Troop 9606 | Toasty Cottage Creations Aurora, Troop 2356 | Aurora’s Borealis

New this year was the Girl Scout Cookie Eating Contest featuring local celebrities. With 60 seconds on the clock, contestants had to eat as many Girl Scout Cookies as they could manage to earn the title of Cookie Champion. With a strong line of competitors including, former Arizona Diamondbacks player Luis Gonzales, Legacy Player for the Arizona Cardinals

Ben Patrick, professional wrestler Danielle Kamela, Arizona Midday Host on 12 News

Vanessa Ramirez, Eat Drink AZ In uencer Melissa Anaya, and Host of The Morning Mess with LIVE 101.5 Joey Boy Rodriguez. The champion title went to Ben Patrick who celebrated on stage with event MC and State Forty Eight Host, Lisa Matthews and GO the Gorilla from the Phoenix Suns!

We’d like to thank everyone who attended and supported this year’s event. The Bring Home the Cookies 5K is an experience rooted in community and uplifting local professionals – your contributions have assured that entrepreneurial programs in Arizona continue to thrive and create leaders within our communities.

Past Adventures
Thank you to our sponsors: Arizona Cardinals Dick’s Sporting Goods Clear Channel Massage Envy Cartel Roasting Co. Phoenix Suns Phoenix Mercury Access ASU Dircks Logistics Ra Law Group, PLLC Westgate Entertainment District Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona Bashas’ Danzeisen Dairy Kappa Delta Sorority 5K 2024 Spring 2024 24 Connections Girl Scout

Cookie Fast Pitch

On Jan. 21, 2024, local executive leaders and Girl Scouts traveled to State FortyEight headquarters in Chandler, where they spent their morning learning from one another at the Cookie Fast Pitch.

Designed with entrepreneurial success in mind, the program focused on communication skills – allowing Girl Scout Juniors – Ambassadors to work collaboratively with established professionals on their cookie sales pitches.

“There is nothing more powerful for girls to feel that they get to be witnessed in their learning and in their journey; knowing that we have their back during this incredible cookie season” shared Christina Spicer, Co-CEO of GSACPC.

Surrounded by seasoned professionals, Girl Scouts were able to step out of their comfort zones and receive constructive feedback to strengthen their sales strategies to boost their revenue this season. A Girl Scout from Troop 2265 had this to share about her experience: “I think it is a great opportunity because you’re learning from people who have already done this and are learning tips and tricks from executives who have experience in this area.” It’s rewarding to see Girl Scouts grow professionally and challenge themselves for the better.

Thank you to our 2024 executive leaders:

Zach Hall, AvAir

JoAnn Holland, East Valley Women

Emmi Kellogg, American Express

“It is a great opportunity ... learning tips and tricks from executives who have experience in this area.”

Deanna Salazar, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Ashley Shick, Bashas’

Mike Spangenberg, State Forty Eight & State Forty Eight Foundation

Christina Spicer, GSACPC

Nancy Stephens, Associate Emeritus Professor at Arizona State University

Susan Trujillo, GSACPC Board Chair

Bethany Mok, State Forty Eight Foundation

Marina Sandoval, State Forty Eight Foundation

Past Adventures
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 25 Connections Girl Scout

2024 Cookie Spirit Contest Winners

The 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Season was full of iconic moments! From colorful booth decorations, to personalized signs and classic walkabouts, our Girl Scouts delivered and sold cookies in style.

This year, we had almost 400 entries for our Cookie Spirit Contest and 24 winners! Girl Scouts celebrated their favorite season with creative photos and videos with cookie costumes, colorful signage, eye-catching booths and backdrops. Congratulations to this years’ Cookie Spirit Contest winners!

Past Adventures
Mila, Phoenix Amori, Tempe Atalia, Phoenix Addilyn, Tempe Carson, Peoria Trinity, Surprise Anastasia, Chandler Coraline, Phoenix Payton, Prescott Valley Elizabeth, Mesa Sienna, Phoenix Imara, Gilbert Lilian, Phoenix Avery, Queen Creek Knirin, Glendale Ava, Peoria Kira L., Tempe Arrae, Tempe Abbey, Chandler Meghan, Chandler Madison, Mesa Kennedy, Maricopa Kira S., Glendale
WEEK 1 WEEK 3 WEEK 5 WEEK 2 WEEK 4 WEEK 6 Spring 2024 26 Connections Girl Scout
Olivia, Prescott Valley

Mahogany in Motion Celebrates Black History, Culture and

Sisterhood

Girls and their families gathered at The Bob & Renee Parsons

Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain to learn from established community leaders and engage in uplifting activities in celebration of Black History Month.

A staple in GSACPC’s cultural celebration event series, Mahogany in Motion is rooted in connection – nding power in sisterhood and cultural identity.

Girls Scouts from Troop 1141 opened the annual celebration with songs ranging from traditional Girl Scout sing-a-longs to the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. Then, through a guided painting experience with local storytelling visual artist Tiesha

Harrison, girls explored art as a form of self-care and a means of embracing resiliency. Girls also discovered the importance of developing a skincare routine tailored to their skin with a session from Girl Scout Alum Alex Bradberry, founder and owner of The Sparkle Bar, a Scottsdale-based luxury makeup studio. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Lindsay Love led re ective sessions with girls focused on the power of journaling and what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.

In addition, the event hosted a handson Historical Figure Scavenger Hunt in which attendees explored camp property as they learned more about notable historical gures and events in Black history. This included civil rights leader Rosa Parks, who visited GSACPC’s very own camp back in 1992 to address Girl Scouts on the importance of literacy and the freedom to learn.

Mahogany in Motion provided a safe space for girls to freely express themselves, explore the beauty in identity and deepen their understanding of Black history.

Past Adventures
Members of the Troop 1411 Choir take the stage to share beautiful melodies with attendees. Girl Scouts feel refreshed after learning proper skincare techniques from Alex Bradberry. GSACPC Co-CEO Mary Mitchell joins Girl Scout Keiachi Thomas from Troop 9565 in singing “This Little Light of Mine”.
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 27 Connections Girl Scout

Adventure is Calling! Girl Scout Summer Camp 2024

Unplug and create a summer to remember at Girl Scout Summer Camp! As screens take prominence in everyday life, time outdoors is essential for positive mental health and self-re ection. With high adventure activities and countless opportunities to sprout new friendships, girls will step into experiences they will hold in their hearts for years.

At Girl Scout Summer Camp, girls can explore interests, gain new experiences, and develop leadership skills. Girls leave camp feeling con dent and empowered regardless of which session or camp property they attend. We offer a variety of popular outdoor adventures including:

• Archery, Slingshots, Hatchets

• Canoeing

• Equine Experiences

• Zipline

• Climbing Tower

• Aquatics

• Trip and Travel Camp

Camp Key:

Parsons Leadership Center

Shadow Rim Ranch

Maripai

Shadow Rim Ranch

GSACPC is excited to offer troop, resident, mini-resident, and combo camp options that are built to accommodate girls’ comfort levels regardless of whether it is your rst year at camp or if you’re a camp expert. Registration is open to all; claim your spot by visiting girlscoutsaz.org/camp.

Important Notes

• Registration is still open! Visit girlscoutsaz.org/camp to reserve your slot.

• The rst week of camp begins June 2 | The last week of camp begins July 21

Around the Bend
Spring 2024 28 Connections Girl Scout

Fall In Love with Our Summer Camp Properties

With over 330 acres in some of the most beautiful forests, mountains, and deserts, our properties are a tremendous resource, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and fun.

Each property has a special and unique personality that comes to life during camp sessions.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain in Phoenix

An urban summer oasis that includes modern cabins inspired by powerful women, an olympic size swimming pool, and a climbing tower!

Offers day and mini-residential camp.

Camp Maripai in Prescott

Tucked away in Prescott, Camp Maripai holds the opportunity for attendees to connect with horses, tend to a garden or relax near the creek that runs through the property.

Offers residential camp.

Shadow Rim Ranch in Payson

With a pake (pond + lake) on the property, attendees can cruise on a canoe while enjoying the serenity of nature.

Offers residential camp.

Camperships

We believe every girl interested in attending camp should have the opportunity.

Camperships (scholarships for camp) provide nancial assistance for girls to experience the summer of a lifetime. To learn more and apply for a campership, visit girlscoutsaz.org/campership.

Around the Bend
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 29 Connections Girl Scout

Which Summer Camp is Right for You?

Finding the right camp for you is just as important as coming up with a camp name! Whether you like to paint pottery, learn about agriculture, go horseback riding or soar through the forest in a zip line, every camp property has unique activities to provide you with the best Girl Scout Summer Camp experience!

If you’re a returning or rst-time camper, answer the questions below to nd where your next summer adventure will take place.

Do you like new challenges?

Yes No

Do you enjoy painting and crafting?

Yes No

Would you like to stay closer to the city of Phoenix?

Yes No

Do you enjoy being in the middle of the forest?

Yes No

Interested in learning how to rock climb or zipline?

Yes No

Would you like to go horseback riding?

Yes No

Do you like to swim?

Yes No

Do you prefer “glamping” over cabin/tent camping?

Yes No

Do you like gardening or would like to learn more?

Yes No

Do you like to be near a creek?

Yes No

Do you enjoy sitting by the camp re?

Yes No

Are you open to riding mountain bikes?

Yes No

Do you like to hike?

Yes No

Are you interested in STEM Learning?

Yes No

Do you want to try high ropes?

Yes No

Are you ready to sing camp re songs before lunch time?

Yes No

ParsonsMaripaiWillow Springs Back in 2025 Shadow Rim Ranch
Around the Bend Start Here Spring 2024 30 Connections Girl Scout

Save The Date: Nov. 16, 2024

Something bigger and brighter is coming this fall! Open to the public and current Girl Scout members, our Believe In Girls (B.I.G.) Event is returning on Nov. 16 in Phoenix to provide girls and families with a glimpse of what the Girl Scouting experience entails. With hands-on activities and booths themed after the four pillars of Girl Scouting (STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship) attendees will have an opportunity to explore the possibilities and wonders that come from joining the Girl Scout Movement. Registration is coming soon to the Activities Calendar! Northern Arizona B.I.G. is slated for spring 2025.

Save the Date: Nov. 2, 2024

Enjoy an evening of joy, delicious food, drinks, and laughter with friends at Badge Bash 2024! Hosted at The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain, our annual fundraiser provides a taste of Girl Scouting summer camp. Attendees can relive the excitement that camp brought them in their youth or create new memories, all while contributing to a global movement.

Mark your calendar for Nov. 2, 2024 to join the fun! Visit girlscoutsaz.org/badge-bash to learn more. Tickets will be available soon.

Around the Bend
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 31 Connections Girl Scout

Explore the World with GSACPC’s Travel Tours

Immerse yourself in new cultural experiences with our council’s travel tours! Through carefully curated international excursions, Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can enhance their leadership skills, work on their personal development, and unlock con dence as they conquer new challenges and experiences.

Take a look at the council tours slated for 2025 – 2026, and if interested, contact reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org for more information.

2025 | South Africa to Zimbabwe with Global Citizens Program

Girl Scouts —Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is partnering with the Global Citizens Program (GCP) to travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe!

Experience a 15-day immersive tour in Johannesburg, discovering its cultural and political history, then depart to Karongwe Private Game Reserve for a 3-day safari adventure. Kayak with penguins in their natural habitat in Capetown, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and enjoy the most captivating views of Victoria Falls. To learn more, visit https://theglobalcitizenprogram.com/girl-scouts-south-africa-zimbabwe.

This is a council-sponsored program. If you would like to learn more about this tour, please contact the team traveling on this tour at 25SAGSTravel@girlscoutsaz.org

Please keep in mind that this 15-day tour is a physically active tour that will include extended amounts of walking, bike riding and some kayaking. This trip is for select Girl Scout classes that align with Girl Scout Travel Progressions.

2026 | Japan to South Korea with EF Tours

Travel with your Girl Scout Sisters to Japan and South Korea!

Visit Japan’s largest cities and learn about Japan’s legacy as a cultural and economic peaceful power post World War II. We’ll include a few traditional elements of Japanese culture and immerse ourselves in modern Japan while learning about its technological contributions to our world. Our last few days will be spent in Seoul, South Korea where we’ll see how this nation is thriving in the 21st century.

This tour is council-sponsored and for Girl Scouts only. During the summer of the tour, all Girl Scouts attending must be a member of the council and must be Seniors or Ambassadors by the summer of 2026.

Around the Bend
Spring 2024 32 Connections Girl Scout

Fund New Experiences

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an excellent method of fundraising that gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial, communication, and money management skills, among others.

From this experience, girls can use their hard-earned funds to fuel new experiences, including travel! Contact reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org to learn how your cookie earnings can be used towards your travel registration fees.

Upcoming Programs

Daisy and Brownie Launch: Summer Box Program | Multiple Dates

Is the girl in your life entering K-3rd grade in the fall of 2024? Explore what Girl Scouts has to offer through our Girl Scout Summer Activity Box Program! Receive three themed-boxes to start her Girl Scout adventure and earn the rst three patches.

*Not intended for current Girl Scouts. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Registration Fee | $40

STEAM Challenge | June 1 - Aug. 31

The STEAM Challenge is designed to support critical thinking and growth mindsets to help girls apply their school learning to real-world experiences and activities. Through this program, girls will challenge themselves to learn how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) exists within unexpected places. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/STEAM for more information.

Registration Fee | Free Visit girlscoutsaz.org/event-list to learn more about these and other upcoming events.

Around the Bend
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 33 Connections Girl Scout

Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023:

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 nd 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 107

Renae Brown

Abigail Cooper

Ruby Hilton

Troop 419

Morgan Wisniewski

Troop 2715

Clara Brackett

Adrianna Fontes

Leif Glithero

Troop 3133

Sabrina Aberilla

Troop 4202

Marissa Graham

Shawna Heather

Hazel Hutchison

Troop 6544

Madison Cupisz

Ella Stansel

Jessica Young

Troop 7489

Violet Kerr

Laurel Moore

Award Recognition Spring 2024 34 Connections Girl Scout
There were 10 different Silver Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 16 Silver Award recipients.

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 nd 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 con dence, meet new people, and discover the rewards of working cooperatively to make a difference in their community.

Troop 6091

Leela Arroyo

Emma Halverson

Juliana Ortiz

Troop 6513

Sabrina Budd

Isla Galando

Lila Kruse

Morgan Smith

Samantha Sweitzer

IGM Erin Doherty Consuelo Cardenas Brianna Gonzalez
Award Recognition Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council 35 Connections Girl Scout
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023: There were four different Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 11 Bronze Award Recipients.

119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004

602.452.7000 / 800.352.6133 girlscoutsaz.org @GSACPC

¿Pre ere esta información en español? ¡Contáctenos! preguntas@girlscoutsaz.org o 602-452-7011

Find Girl Scout Events Near You!

Whether you want to join your troop or attend solo, we’d love to see you at our upcoming events. Scan the QR code or visit girlscoutsaz.org/event-list to register for more Girl Scout fun.

Key Dates

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 6/29 LGBTQIA+ Pride Celebration

7/4 Independence Day

9/4 Labor Day

Scan the QR code to register and nd upcoming events!

9/15 - 10/15 Hispanic Heritage Month 10/12 Hispanic Heritage Month Event

10/1 2024-25 Membership Year Begins 10/1 - 30 2024 Fall Product Program 10/11 International Day of the Girl 11/9 Adult Awards and Recognition Ceremony 11/2 Badge Bash

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