Go-ToJulietteGuide
Welcome to Scouts of
Girl
GreatNorthwesterntheLakes!
We’re so glad you’re here. It’s going to be a great year—one that’s sure to be filled with big fun, excitement, and tons of learning and growing. This guide explains the Girl Scout program and how it works to serve girls across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Let’s champion your girl’s ambition. Together.
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If a girl is not part of a troop, she can be an individually registered girl (IRG). These independent girls are nicknamed “Juliettes,” after our founder, Juliette Gordon Low. Juliettes do everything in Girl Scouting! They earn badges, give service to others, go to camp, and attend council programs and events. They can even log in for eTroop!
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We get it—sometimes there’s a conflict between, say, dance lessons and the Girl Scout troop meeting, or you can’t find a Girl Scout troop in your community.
How does it work?
What is a Juliette?
Girl Scouts is “girl-led,” so Juliettes work with their caregivers or their Juliette Mentor to choose badges to earn and activities to attend. It’s Girl Scouts customized for one—together, you set the schedule, the pace, and the skills to grow. You’ve got the freedom to follow her lead when she wants to know more—even after the badge is done!
No troop? No problem. You can still say “yes” to Girl Scouts!
Juliette Mentors meet regularly with the Juliette Girl Scout to discuss, plan, and do activities together. The Juliette Mentor role can be filled by the girl’s caregiver or another caring adult like an aunt or uncle, grandparent, or close family friend. This role has access to online planning tools and volunteer training. How do I start?
Flip through this go-to guide and explore our key resources for families and volunteers. Contact us to answer any questions you have. Decide who will be your girl’s Juliette Mentor. And then, participation begins with membership! Visit gsnwgl.org to join as an individually registered Girl Scout—a Juliette! Girl Scouts is for every girl.
What is a Juliette Mentor?
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“Juliettes”nicknamed If a girl is not part of a troop, she is an individually registered girl, or Juliette. Juliettes can participate in all Girl Scout camps, events, and activities—virtual or in-person! They work on earned awards with their caregivers and staff members’ guidance. Did you know? Juliettes are named for the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low!
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MostTroopsGirlScouts gather in groups called troops and each troop has an identifying number. The most common troop structure is a group of girls from the same school, in the same grade, who typically meet twice a month. Troops with girls in various grades are known as multi-level troops.
GirlTravelScoutslove to travel— from the field trips they take as Brownies to the national and global adventures they pursue as teens. Girl Scouts love exploring different places and cultures.
4 | Juliette Go-To Guide Girl OpportunitiesScout
Every&Activities,Badges,EventsGirlScouthas their own curiosity, dreams, and talents—so when they come together to decide which of the thousands of Girl Scout activities to try, the sky’s the limit. Whether visiting an animal shelter, camping, hosting a dance-off, or filming a movie—they’re learning to take risks, trust their gut, and team up with others for good. Looking for virtual options? Join eTroop, a virtual troop experience, and other virtual programming events. WhetherCampthey’re swimming in a lake for the first time, discovering the wildlife in the woods and water, or hiking through an incredible vista, every outdoor adventure grows a Girl Scout’s “I’ve got this” attitude.
Daisies Grades K–1 Everything you’ll do as a Daisy sparkles with that “first time ever” newness. Along the way, you’ll use your energy and spirit to help others and take pride in making the world a better place.
Girl Scout Ambassadors don’t just follow in others’ footsteps—they carve their own paths. Your innovative thinking, optimism, and ability to bring people together inspires everyone around you. And when you combine your passions with a plan, you can be a real world-changer. Your vision, experience, and dedication are all you need to get on the path toward becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout.
Cadettes Grades 6–8 Girl Scout Cadettes have got this. From road trips with your best friends to organizing and livestreaming an ecofriendly fashion show, you’re sure of your abilities and use your growing independence to realize your dreams. When you research a problem in your community and take action to solve it, you can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award.
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Juniors Grades 4–5
Brownies Grades 2–3
If there’s one thing Junior Girl Scouts have, it’s confidence. Whether you’re making posters for a canned food drive, designing a website for your cookie business, or just raising your hand in class, you’ve got something to say. You can put your skills to use improving your community—and earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award in the process.
Grades 11–12
Brownies are excitement personified. You can’t wait to explore your world and share your interests—from bugs to ballet—with friends. Trying new things broadens your horizons and teaches you skills you can share with others. Learning to lead has never been so fun.
Ambassadors
Seniors Grades 9–10
Who’s ready to spread their wings? Girl Scout Seniors. Whether you’re learning how to change a tire or discovering how to get your dream job someday you’re on your way. You’re also making your mark on the world. When you create a plan and put it into action to make sustainable improvements in your community, you can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.
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Uniforms are an important part of the Girl Scout experience to display the girls’ accomplishments and foster a sense of belonging. Girls choose one required element (tunic, sash, or vest) to display official pins and earned awards, then mix and match optional pieces from the official Girl Scout collection to complete their uniform.
arePatchesemblems signifying participation in a Girl Scout activity. Patches are placed on the back of the sash or vest. Like a photo album, they are fun reminders of Girl Scout adventures.
areBadgesofficial, earned recognitions that indicate an increase in knowledge or skill in a particular subject. Badges can be earned in every grade level. They are placed on the front of the sash or vest.
Uniforms aren’t just for girls! Girl Scout volunteers and adult members can proudly wear adult uniforms to troop, service area, council and community events. Wear the adult uniform vest, or any Girl Scout t-shirt, fleece, hat, or tote bag. b b Girl Scout Brownie vest
Adult Volunteer vest Tunic (for Daisies), Vest, or Sash Juliette Patch American Flag Patch Council ID Set Insignia Tab World Trefoil Pin Membership Pin 1. Daisy (only worn on Daisy uniform) 2. Brownie (only worn on Brownie uniform) 3. Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, and Adult levels may choose either the official trefoil or the traditional trefoil pin The includes:uniformbasic21 3 6 | Juliette Go-To Guide
The Girl Scout Uniform & Badges
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Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Girl Scouts love it when their family is involved. Many Girl Scout events include fun for the whole Participatefamily. in world-famousthecookie program. It’s more than just selling cookies—girls learn to set goals, practice money management, and develop skills to run their own business! Explore a STEM activity. From making slime to building robots, our Girl Scouts love to try out STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) activities. Learn about a Girl Scout tradition. Simple traditions such as flag ceremonies or Girl Scout holidays help girls understand that they are part of a worldwide sisterhood.
From visiting the elderly to making dog biscuits for an animal shelter, Girl Scouts love to make the world a better place. Enjoy an outdoor outing. Snowshoeing, horseback riding, hiking—we want every girl to get outdoors and explore nature. Attend a family event!
What Do Girl Scouts Do?
Girl Scouts is all about cooperation, learning by doing, and trying new things! Every Girl Scout’s experience is unique, but these are the activities that we encourage everyone to include in their Girl Scout year. Earn four badges or other awards. From cooking to cybersecurity, we have a badge that will interest every girl! Go on a field trip. Visit museums, planetariums, organic farms, and Participatemore! in an overnight. (Brownie Girl Scouts & older, grades 2–12) Whether it’s a night at camp or an overnight at the Mall of America, these are the events girls request most! Take part in a community service project.
By participating in fun activities through the Girl Scout Experience,Leadership
Girl Scouts: Take Action Do something to make the world a better Discoverplace.Find out who she is, what she cares about, and what her talents are. Connect Collaborate with other people, both locally and globally, to learn from others and expand her horizons.
Cooperative Learning
Learning by Doing Hands-on activities are fun for Girl Scouts of any age, but they also help them feel empowered to shape their own experiences. It’s all part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and it’s what makes Girl Scouting a unique experience for girls.
Girl Scouts look at our world and take action to change it for the better. They make friends, challenge themselves with new experiences, write their own stories, and develop the skills and confidence to say, “I know I can do this!”
With the help of supportive adults who help bring these three unique processes to life, girls try new things, share their full selves, and see how good it feels to lead from the heart.
Why Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts prepare for fun, friendship, and new adventures while making the world a better place.
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There’s power in having a group of friends who will learn with you, grow with you, and always cheer you on. Girl Scouts see firsthand that teamwork, respect, and collaboration can fuel them through any challenge that comes their way. Girl-Led Girl Scouts have the chance to follow their dreams and grow their skills—and the confidence that comes with that.
As a Girl Scout, girls have plenty of opportunities to create their own outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the Lifeout-of-doors.Skills
The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls learn five fundamental skills that are essential to leadership, success, and life.
People Skills Girl Scouts learn how to talk (and listen!) to their customers, as well as learning how to work as a team with other Girl Scouts. Business Ethics Girl Scouts act honestly and responsibly during every step of the cookie sale. Goal Setting Girl Scouts set cookie sales goals and, with their team, create a plan to them.reach Decision Making
Girl Scouts decide where and when to sell cookies, how to market their sale, and what to do with their earnings.
GirlManagementMoneyScoutsdevelopabudget,takecookieorders,andhandlecustomers’money. Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Outdoors
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Girl Scouts learn about developing financially stable futures and using their skills to make a big impact on the world.
Girl Scout programs focus on four pillars: STEM A brighter future for us all can be a reality, thanks to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
GirlsPositiveValuesactethically,honestly,andresponsibly,andshowconcernforothers.
Girl
When girls participate in Girl Scouts, they benefit in five important ways:
Girl Scout badges covering topics like civic engagement, healthy living, and communication skills help Girl Scouts grow in confidence as they develop the skills to lead their best lives! Entrepreneurship Girl Scouts gain the skills and the inspiration to accept challenges, overcome obstacles, and take the lead.
andGirlRelationshipsHealthyScoutsdevelopmaintainhealthyrelationshipsbycommunicatingtheirfeelingsdirectlyandresolvingconflictsconstructively. andProblemCommunitySolvingGirlScoutsdesiretocontributetotheworldinpurposefulmeaningfulways.Strong Sense of theirthemselvesconfidenceGirlsSelfhaveinandabilitiesandformpositiveidentities.
The Girl LeadershipScoutExperience Who Does It GetGirlsWhat What We Do Variety of Girl Scout Activities TakeDiscoverConnectAction How We Do It Three Girl ProcessesScout CooperativeLearnGirl-LedbyDoingLearning SupportiveAdults StaffVolunteersFamilies&Helpers Leadership Outcomes Strong Sense of Self Positive Values Challenge Seeking Healthy CommunityRelationshipsProblemSolving Achieve Our Mission Girls lead with courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. 10 | Juliette Go-To Guide
Our StructureOrganizational Girls & Volunteers Girls and volunteers are the core of our organization! They work and play together to achieve their goals.
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Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
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A national organization supporting the work of more than 100 councils across the U.S. for more than 100 years. Headquartered in New York, NewGirlYork.Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
How
Volunteer-supervised members who participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Service Area A community or regional area, managed by volunteers, which supports the day-to-day work of troops within a defined geographic area. The work of service areas includes event planning, volunteer networking, troop collaboration, and raising the profile of Girl Scouts in their communities.
Girl Scouts of the United States of America
Our council hosts two product program opportunities for girls to earn funds for their selected activities. Juliettes may participate in product program Theopportunities.FallProduct Sale combines educational activities with selling magazine subscriptions, nuts, and candy. It happens in early fall and profits are available to use in late fall. The Girl Scout Cookie Program ensures girls are earning while they’re learning entrepreneurial skills. It happens in late winter and profits are available to use in spring. Girls decide how to spend the proceeds, from travel goals to community service project supplies. After participating in both product program opportunities, Juliettes may request permission to pursue other info@gsnwgl.org.888.747.6945TroopAskservicegiftsprovideDoesguidelines.opportunities,money-earningfollowingspecificyouremployermatchingforvolunteerhours?CustomerCarefortheDonationsForm,or
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
Service Area Troops & RegisteredIndividuallyGirls“Juliettes”Girls&Volunteers
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Council Independent(GSNWGL)501(c)3nonprofit chartered by GSUSA operating under the direction of a local board of directors that oversees all service areas and troops within its territory. Our council covers 58 counties in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Troops & Individually Registered Girls “Juliettes”
Council Calendar October October 1—First day of the Girl Scout membership year October 31—Founder’s Day, the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scout Founder • Fall Product for annual start-up funds November•Submitnominations for Adult Awards recognition • Join in service area-hosted events like parades or service projects December•CookieDoughexpires•GSNWGLofficesandshopsareclosedbetweenChristmasEveandNewYear’sDay January•Attendcookie rallies, and engage girls in entrepreneurial goal setting to fund their chosen activities • Girl Scout Cookie Program begins February February 1—Adult Awards nominations due February 22World Thinking Day • Summer camp registration opens (troop camp, day camp, resident camp) March March 1—Highest Awards final project forms due March 12—Girl Scout Birthday in the USA, and part of Girl Scout Week. April April 1—Early Bird Renewal begins April 22—Girl Scout Leader’s Day • Volunteer Appreciation Week • GSNWGL Annual Meeting • Volunteers, girls, and parents complete online surveys May•GirlScouts of Distinction award recognition events • Host year-end celebrations and ceremonies June June 30—Early Bird Renewal •endsSummer camp begins • Join in service area-hosted events like parades or service projects July/August August 31—Fall Bucks expire September September 30—is the last day of the membership year; renew membership before this date • Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend For a complete listing of specific dates for council events, programs, activities, and trainings, visit: gsnwgl.org Search out independent activity ideas in the “Field Trip & Travel Partners” section and ask for girl input to build your calendar year. 12 | Juliette Go-To Guide
Full Circle Cycle The seasonal cycle of every Girl Scout year. Fall product • fundsStart-upoption Making it happen • Volunteer Toolkit • Calendar planning • Girl input on activities Falleventscouncil • Volunteer Trainings • Service Area support • Council Programs Girl Scout Cookie Program • Cookie Rallies for girls • Budgeting and goal-setting Spring council events • Volunteer Trainings • Service Area support • Council Programs &Celebrationsceremonies • Bridge to next grade level • Girl Scouts of Distinction • Service Area banquets • Adult Awards reportingSpring • Finance report • Membership renewal • Volunteer, parent, girl surveys Summer camp • Day camp • Resident camp • AdventureWildernesscamp Start Here Volunteer Orientation Once you complete your orientation, you can hop into the Girl Scout Full Circle Cycle FallgnirpSSummer retniWGirlScouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 13
Our primary, national resource for Girl Scout volunteers.
Key Resources for Juliette Mentors
Service Area Leader Meetings
TheWebsitesnational and council websites help you find what you need when you need it. Pssst! Juliette Mentors will especially like the Girl Scout Activity Zone.
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Access the VTK from MyGS on the council website. The VTK works best with the Chrome browser. Watch the VTK tutorials in gsLearn to learn how to use it.
The first place to look when planning for adventure. Review lists of preparation advice and safety requirements for selected activities.
Connect to Girl Scout volunteers in your community. Service Areas organize events for girls—and your Juliette can join the fun!
Volunteer Essentials
The Girl Scout Handbook and dozens of badge pamphlets (print or digital versions) give guidance on leading girls and earning badges.
GirlgsLearnScoutonline learning is available 24/7.
The place to register for council-hosted events, badge-earning workshops, and volunteer Counciltrainings.FieldTrip & Travel Partners
A tool to access digital program curriculum and quickly organize Girl Scout activities so volunteers can focus on the important part— having fun!
• Download activity guides
Safety Activity Checkpoints and Standard Safety Guidelines
We’re proud to stand with parents and caregivers as they raise up the next generation of girls and young women. girlscouts.org
Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)
Program Curriculum
Council Activities Calendar
Our list of community organizations who support Girl Scout programming. Contact them to schedule field trips.
Raising Awesome Girls
• Explore and customize plans for earning Journeys, petals, badges, and awards
Cooperative Learning: Girls share knowledge and skills, and learn to work together on goals that can only be accomplished with the help of others.
Learn by Doing: Girls engage in hands-on learning through an ongoing cycle of action and reflection.
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Manage finances related to the Fall Product Program and/or the Girl Scout family.deliveringthecustomerscollecteddepositsyourDough!”Bucks”atcampcoverTheentrepreneurialoptionsinJuliettesProgram.Cookiemayparticipatetwoproductprogramtolearngreatskills.proceedscanhelpthecostsoffutureorprogrameventsGSNWGL—with“Falland“CookieCoordinatewithServiceAreatomakeofthefundsfromyourgirls’andpickupproductsshe’llenjoytofriendsand Guide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Model the Girl Scout Law to help your girl learn Girl Scout values. Follow the program materials to help them Discover, Connect, and Take Action. Use the three Girl Scout Processes to guide activities. See more on page 10.
Juliette Mentor Responsibilities
Creating wonderful memories with your girl is definitely the best. The most important thing you’ll do as a Juliette Mentor is simply show your Juliette you care about them. When they’re having fun, there’s no limit to what a Girl Scout can do!
b b b Prepare for girl andyouHealthplans.GuidelinesCheckpoints,Essentials,Refersafety.toVolunteerSafetyActivityandSafetywhenmakingBringyourJuliette’sHistoryformwithtocouncilprogramsserviceareaevents.
Stay in touch with council staff and service area volunteers. Read and respond to email and phone calls and read council newsletters to learn about local events for you and your Juliette.
Girl-Led: Girls at every age take an active role in deciding the what, where, when, why, and how of what they do.
Be JulietteA Mentor
Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Girl GirlMissionScoutScoutingbuilds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl PromiseScout
See for yourself how empowering it is to be a role model. The best part? There’s no one “type” of volunteer. If you believe that Girl Scouts can change the world, you belong here.
888.747.6945info@gsnwgl.orggsnwgl.orggsnw.gl/instagramfacebook.com/gsnwglpinterest.com/gsnwgltwitter.com/gsnwglgsnw.gl/linkedin
On my honor, I will try: To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. *Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
Scoutwhoaboutwe’reofaboutWe’reExplorers.Trailblazers.Change-makers.talkingGirlScouts,course,butalsotalkingthepeoplebecomeGirlvolunteers.