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Service Unit: Sunny Peaks
Troop 529 (Seniors – Ambassadors)
Years as a troop leader: 9
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop loves to socialize so we either have our regular meetings or meet at a local pizza shop. Some of our favorite activities include crafting and camping! Together, we’ve gone kayaking on the Verde River, and also enjoy going trick-or-treating in Uptown Sedona on Halloween.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It’s hard to choose just one, but recently, while we were on a camping trip I watched the girls work together to set up their bunks, gather wood for the fire, and help with cooking and cleaning duties. It was satisfying and inspiring!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I want others to know that volunteering as a Girl Scout leader is a real gift. The girls are inspirational and I’ve learned a lot from them about myself and about my relationship with my daughter. It’s a wonderful feeling to watch a group of girls evolve into wonderful young women. It’s truly special knowing that other volunteers and I played a small part in their growth.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
There have been so many inspiring moments – small and large. What I find most inspiring is watching the girls go from little kids to pre-teens to young adults, knowing they have learned a lot of valuable things in Girl Scouts and seeing them put those things into action. Their kindness to one another, the way they maintain respect despite their differences and then celebrate their achievements together is always inspiring and empowering.
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Ceremonies help Girl Scouts mark special events throughout the year, such as bridging to another level, earning a National Leadership Journey award, or getting a Girl Scout pin.
Ceremonies can commemorate accomplishments or add something special to the beginning or end of a group’s meeting. Girls can plan a ceremony around a theme, such as friendship or nature, and express themselves in words or songs. Whatever its purpose, every Girl Scout ceremony helps girls share in Girl Scout history and traditions—and create special memories.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, we put together this guide of Girl Scout Ceremonies to help you plan and get familiar with the traditions.
Let’s start with a quick guide on important Girl Scout Ceremonies:
- Bridging Ceremonies mark a girl’s advancement from one level of Girl Scouting to another.
- Hosting a Bridging Ceremony? Check out this guide to planning your first Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony! It covers the basics and outlines some tips and key program pieces to make it traditional and unique. This ceremony is typically hosted in May or June.
- Flag Ceremonies can be part of any activity that honors the American flag. These are typically hosted at major Council or Girl Scouting events.
- A Fly-Up is a bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies bridging to Girl Scout Juniors. Girls receive the Girl Scout pin along with their Brownie wings.
- Founder’s Day or Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday, October 31, is a time to remember the vital role Juliette Low played in the founding and growth of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States.
- Girl Scout Birthday Ceremonies can be held on or near March 12, the date Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouting in the United States.
- A Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award Ceremony honors Girl Scouts who have earned these special awards and is usually held at the troop/group level or combined with the annual Council event.
- Girl Scouts’ Own is a girl-planned program that lets girls explore their feelings around a topic, such as friendship or the Girl Scout Promise and Law, using spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other forms of expression. It is never a religious ceremony.
- Investiture welcomes new members—girls and adults—into the Girl Scout family for the first time. Girls receive their Girl Scout, Girl Scout Brownie, or Girl Scout Daisy pin at this time.
- Journey Ceremonies honor Girl Scouts who have earned the final award along a Journey. The ceremonies are usually held at the troop/group level and invite girls to develop a themed celebration of their Journey, often including friends and family.
- Court of Awards is a special ceremony recognizing girls’ accomplishments. Girls are presented with their badges, year pins, and other recognitions earned during the year. Volunteers may also be recognized during the ceremony. The Court of Awards can be held anytime during the year, at any location, and as often as the troop wants.
- Opening Ceremonies start a Girl Scout meeting.
- Pinning Ceremonies help celebrate when girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins.
- Rededication Ceremonies are an opportunity for girls and adults to renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
You might find yourself asking, “How do I plan this Ceremony?” As a Troop Leader, your job is to guide the girls in an age-appropriate way as THEY plan their celebration. Walk your Girl Scouts through the ceremony one step at a time. Listen to your girls’ ideas and be open to help them create the ceremony in a meaningful way. With younger Girl Scouts, you might consider giving them simple choices to make, such as choosing a theme for the event or having them pick the songs they want to sing. If your girls want to make bracelets or hold a daisy flower, for example, honor their decision-making skills and include their ideas in the ceremony.
Offer the opportunity for girls to express how important this ceremony is to them by allowing them to create invitations, ceremony programs, and decorations. When it comes time for preparation, call on your troop parents for support to help make this celebration come to life. As your girls get older, you’ll be able to turn over additional responsibilities in the planning and execution of the ceremony – keeping in mind that their ideas will change over time. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting back and watching the girl-led, learning-by-doing process unfold, leaving you with a feeling of honor and pride.
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Cactus Patch
Troop 620, Cadettes
Years as a Troop Leader: 8
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
My daughter’s school did not have a troop initially, and when she looked up with her big eyes and asked if I would start a troop and be a Troop Leader, I could not say no. Just like that, the journey began. Now I continue because these girls are amazing and really all feel like my own children and their families are extensions of mine. They have grown so much over the years, and I can’t wait to see how much more they continue to grow.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
The troop has stayed together since kindergarten and has grown an interest in all sorts of activities. Some of the things they enjoy most are making food and exploring new badges and programs. We also enjoy spending time outdoors, going camping and hiking, and traveling out of state. My troop’s philosophy is to always try new things at least once before deciding whether we like it, leading us to many fun adventures!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We have routinely done park cleanups and collected food to donate to our local food banks.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A moment I remember fondly occurred as we were walking into our local roller skating rink, Great Skate, and one of the girls stopped, had one of those light bulb moments, and said, “this is why we sell cookies.”
She was able to see her hard work pay off, which is a huge life lesson moment. It made me feel really proud to see her and the girls see their goals come to life, feel rewarded, and celebrate together. It has also been rewarding for me, watching the girls support each other when one is scared about trying something new and how they encourage and support each other. It makes me smile and reminds me why I do what I do.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Give yourself grace as you learn about the Girl Scout program and once you’ve embarked on your journey of becoming a Troop Leader. Something to remember is as long as your girls are having fun, you are doing a good job.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
You will get just as much out of it as the girls do. I also recommend attending or reviewing all of the trainings that the Council has to offer.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
I want to share the many ways to volunteer, like being a Troop Leader and/or parent volunteer. Without the support and help of my troop parents, I would not have been able to do as much for our girls as we have.
Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
During the cookie program, my girls have learned to interact with customers, count and manage money, manage inventory, and so much more. I have jokingly told the girls they should put these things on their resumes.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Some tips I would share is to bling your booth – this helps even the shyest girls feel more confident and is something to talk about and break the ice with potential customers. The customers always love unique decorations.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
There are many inspiring moments, and one that I recall took place at an amusement park. One of the girls had not yet ridden one of the rides and was scared to do so. The rest of the girls rallied around her, gave her encouragement, and helped her develop some ideas to deal with her fear. They showed support, care and offered the idea to ride in the cart with me next to her. She felt so supported and ended up riding it with me! Now she jumps to the front of the lines when we go anywhere with the rides!
What this moment showed me is how through Girl Scouting, my girls have built such great qualities, courage, confidence, and its shows up over and over in moments like this, all the time. They may not see it yet, but I see how much they continue to grow each day.
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Written by Rocky – Shadow Rim Ranch Camp Director/Manager
Oh, hello there! Thinking about working at one of our four Arizona camp properties? We want to share a few reasons why being a camp staff member could fulfill many of your personal and professional goals.
Working at camp as a Counselor in Training (CIT) or as camp staff will give you more experience than you realize. Regardless of what career you have ahead, a role at one of our camps offers you an opportunity to develop skills that are sure to make you stand out on all future job applications.
Who you are:
- A young adult over 18 years of age
- An outdoor enthusiast who loves nature and spending time outdoors
- A leader and team player who communicates well with others
- Excited to lead campers through weeks of fun, skill-building, and learning
Does this sound like you? Then keep scrolling!
If you’re considering working at camp, you might be at a pivotal moment in your life. You might have just finished high school or are three years into college. Decisions about how to spend your time are getting harder. You want to make sure you’re investing time in a place that will help you learn different skills and prepare for your career, and other goals – a job at summer camp can support precisely this!
Just imagine your answers to these interview questions after a summer at camp:
- Are you a leader? Yeah, you’ve managed and been a role model for 20 campers at once.
- Can you be flexible? Oh yeah, you should have seen when a monsoon came rolling in, and we came up with a Rube Goldberg challenge utilizing only cabin items.
- How organized are you? Well, you’ve planned eight weeks of session schedules, multiple activities and mapped out the programs themselves. So, very organized!
If that wasn’t convincing enough….here are some other skills and benefits you can experience by joining our team!
Communication
A huge part of camp is realizing how vital communication skills are! Camp roles will teach you the many ways to communicate. You’ll be communicating with campers, learning to communicate well with the camp leadership team, and engaging with parents. Other counselors, parents, campers, your camp director…everyone will be asking you questions and expecting answers. Your communication skills will flourish during your summer at camp.
Live and work in the great outdoors
You have a whole life ahead of you to choose a career path. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take a job where you work and live in the great outdoors. The sunsets, the connection to nature, the shooting stars, the storms…. oh, and did we mention the summer tan? Spend the summer not tied to a desk.
Camp friends
You’ll be housed with your colleagues for over two months and will bond with them in a way that is different from anywhere else. These friendships will last you a lifetime. The end of summer will be the hardest goodbye you’ve had in a long time.
Work attire? How does tie-dye sound?
Camp is outdoors! So, don’t expect to wear slacks! Instead, how about jeans and a camp t-shirt? Or maybe a tie-dyed camp t-shirt? Best. Dress. Code. Ever.
New experiences
Camp counselors are trained to do multiple things during the summer. You’ll get First Aid/CPR certification. Next, you could be in archery instructor training or learning to run the zipline! Whatever it is, we can guarantee you’ll get to experience what campers sign up for.
You will carry a tradition
The Girl Scout Camp experience is bigger than all of us. Some camp traditions predate all of us. Each camp is unique in its traditions, and you can be someone who shepherds them forward, preserving history for the next round of campers.
The campers are the best
Working with kids will be the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. You’ll become an older sibling to your campers. You’ll lead them in activities and be a role model. They’ll ask you for advice, tell you funny stories, and sing their hearts out when you start camp songs like “Little Red Wagon.” Best of all, you’ll find it rewarding knowing you’re creating memorable experiences for Girl Scouts.
New Mindset
Camp has a profound effect on everyone who emerges after their first summer. You’ll be more confident in your abilities, open with communication, and perhaps have a new sense of purpose that follows you out of the gates. Camp opens us up to who we are as people, and you’ll be surprised at how happy that can make you.
Living and Commuting to Camp
Camp staff working at one of our three Northern Arizona camps (Camp Maripai, Willow Springs, and Shadow Rim Ranch) will reside on-site for the entire camp season, late May through early August. Staff will receive a two-hour daily break, a 24-hour weekly break, and will be provided lodging and meals.
Camp staff working at our Phoenix day-camp (Parsons Leadership Center) have the option to reside at camp or commute daily to the property, providing a flexible opportunity for metro Phoenix candidates. Commuting staff will receive breakfast and lunch, and resident staff will receive lodging and meals. When applying, please specify which option interests you.
Learn more and apply for our current summer camp positions at one of our four beautiful Girl Scout camp properties located in Phoenix, Prescott, and Payson.
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Rising Phoenix
Troop 290
Years as a Troop Leader: 8
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
I enjoyed spending quality time with my daughter, and what better way to spend some additional time with her than through Girl Scouts?! I’ve enjoyed watching her interact with the other girls, have fun, and make memories. It’s special to share these experiences with the girls– teaching them and learning from them as well.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop has a great balance and likes to participate in different activities. Our favorite types are crafts, giving back to the community whenever possible, and going out to camp!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
In the past, our troop has volunteered at different community events. For example, we have placed flags on Veterans’ graves for Veterans Day and sang Christmas carols for our friends at Phoenix Manor Senior Community.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
During our last “in-person” Christmas carol event in December 2019, we had planned crafts that our older girls taught and then served cookies and cocoa to the senior residents at Phoenix Manor. Each troop in our neighborhood sang two songs, and our whole neighborhood closed the show together with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
What made this event special is that it was completely girl-led. They planned and executed it, and it made me so proud to see them confident in their abilities and manage it almost all on their own! They have learned so much, and it makes me feel good to know that I was a part of their journey.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
I would advise leaders to try their best to manage their time; even being a Troop Leader a few hours a week makes an impact. As you grow as a leader, you’ll learn where to invest your time, and it will be enriching.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are oodles upon oodles of resources for badge work and meeting ideas from our Council. A few resources are GSACPC’s Leaders Facebook Group page and the council website, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Help is just a click or phone call away, and someone is always willing to offer help.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
We need more adults to become leaders so we can make more impact in the lives of girls. They’re the future!
Why is it important to your troop to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
Because it helps girls learn so many life skills. One of the main and important skills they learn is setting a goal and finding the way to achieve it.
Selling cookies also helps our entire organization succeed. From the camp properties to the girl programs, and down to the individual troops – all Girl Scouts benefit from the program as proceeds stay local.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Our troop loves colorful and creative posters. We’ll get creative and add puns, create themes, or make them funny to call attention. We also make posters with photos of the cookies to make it easier for customers to shop. While out boothing we also encourage the girls to keep it professional and polite, and people respond positively to that.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
There are honestly a few moments I remember often. One that stands out is when our girls made a seven-course meal at an outdoor overnight camp trip. Every leader, troop, and girl had a job to do, and we executed it and had fun at the same time! I was so impressed. The girls have learned many skills that show in everything they do, leadership, being independent, confident, and being a team player.
Girls can do anything!!
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This blog is written by The Authentic Leadership Community (“ALC”). ALC is centered around the principles of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership, formerly known as Leadership from the Inside Out. “We are committed to helping you discover, unlock and develop your leadership superpowers so that you can guide and empower your girls as they grow into leaders themselves.”
You did it! You completed the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season! Whether this was your first or your twentieth, this year was just…different. Cookie season can be exciting, stressful, and challenging in a typical year, but a pandemic? You deserve extra kudos.
There is so much that gets put to the side while you focus on making sure your girls have enough Thin Mints on hand that you may not take time to recharge once it’s over. Before you shift your focus onto all the other stuff calling for your attention, we invite (and gently remind) you to take time to practice some post-cookie season self-care.
“Ha! Who has time for that? Life is too busy!”
Well, grab a glass of milk (or other favorite beverage) and a Do-Si-Do or two that you stashed away, and we’ll share why it’s essential for you and your girls.
First, self-care is a form of self-respect, which is an essential part of the Girl Scout Law (”I will do my best to be…considerate and caring….and to respect myself”).
Second, according to a survey done by the American Psychological Association in 2020, Americans reported significantly increased stress levels during the pandemic. Stress can have a significant impact on our mind and body, contributing to sleep problems, brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety, weakened immune system, heart disease, and even stubborn weight gain (and this is just a shortlist). This means that self-care is critical to surmounting these stressors and maintaining your health.
Well, I still don’t have time for “self-care,” so how can I fit it in?
Self -care is more than bubble baths and spa days (although that would be amazing too!). It can be as simple as allowing yourself to pause and breathe deeply for a minute or two. Here are five ways you can practice post-cookie self-care that will benefit yourself and your troop:
- Deep breathing.
- Get outside. Walk, hike, garden, or simply sit and enjoy the sun.
- Put on some of your favorite tunes and dance.
- Journal. Reflect on what went well this cookie season, what lessons were learned, how did you feel this year compared to prior years.
- Celebrate. Celebration is contagious! When we celebrate our wins – no matter how big or small – it creates a positive momentum that motivates and energizes.
And so you know, everyone here at GSACPC and ALC celebrates YOU. Let us know how you de-stress by sending us a message.
Please note this content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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(PHOENIX – March 8, 2020) – Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is pleased to award its most prestigious honor, the Gold Award, to 18 local girls this year. This distinguished award, considered the most difficult to earn, challenges Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 to take action in their communities by tackling an issue they are passionate about and developing sustainable solutions to local, national, and global challenges.
“Recipients of Girl Scouts’ highest honor are part of an elite group of Girl Scouts who have distinguished themselves as prominent leaders in their communities and as true change-makers,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO for GSACPC.
Gold Award Girl Scouts are visionary leaders, and this year’s awardees have tackled prominent issues by sharing the importance of bees to our ecosystem, educating the community about climate changes and sustainability, helping eliminate the stigma around mental health, teaching self-defense to individuals with and without Autism, creating libraries and activity stations for seniors in assisted living, creating a space to properly retire American Flags, and so much more.
The Gold Award calls Girl Scouts to develop their collaboration and problem-solving skills, while gaining confidence and lifelong leadership capabilities as well as leaving a positive impact.
“In addition, Gold Award Girl Scouts are proven to show significantly higher success in life reaching their goals in education, career, and volunteer work, compared to non-alums,” says Woodbury.
With the Gold Award, girls can take advantage of unique scholarship opportunities, be entitled to enlist at a higher pay grade when they join the military, and distinguish themselves among the competition in the college admissions process and when entering the workforce.
To protect the health and safety of this year’s recipients, their families, and GSACPC volunteers and staff, the 2021 Gold Award ceremony will be held virtually on Saturday, March 27.
This year’s recipients, who have been working hard to become Gold Award Girl Scouts for the better part of two years, and their impactful projects are:
Hannah Barsema, Mesa
Peanut Butter and Jelly Back to School Drive
Having donated to her local community food bank, Extended Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills, Hannah was familiar with the types of food donations they received. She realized how some foods might not be kid-oriented, so she decided to lead an annual donation drive to collect foods that kids enjoy eating, like peanut butter and jelly. She held two successful drives in 2019 and 2020 that brought in many jars of peanut butter, jelly, and other food items. She also created a video to explain the purpose and impact of the food drives and worked with a school club that will help continue this effort in the future. Through this process, Hannah learned how to be more confident in herself and advocate for causes she is passionate about. Hannah has been a Girl Scout for ten years and currently attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is majoring in global security and intelligence studies.Emily Blink, Flagstaff
Just Bee
Understanding the importance bees play in our ecosystem, Emily wanted to educate others and set up some safe spaces for bees around her community. She built four bee houses and installed them at Riordan Mansion, The Pioneer Museum, and GSACPC’s Shadow Rim Ranch. To raise awareness, Emily successfully led an in-person presentation for nearly 1,000 kids before the pandemic and hosted a presentation for her troop. Her presentation covered the importance of pollinating bees, the different species, and how to help protect them. She used all this information plus other resources and learning activity ideas and created a website. Emily said the pandemic caused her to canceled a couple of her events but it taught her patience. She also grew in confidence, learned leadership skills, and how to stand up for herself. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study biology.Alina Boorse, Phoenix
Ecolytical
Alina was inspired by the recent efforts of climate change, wildfires, and pollution. She was compelled to educate others about sustainability and urge the next generation to think and act sustainably. She developed a curriculum around recycling, water conservation, climate change and led virtual presentations to youth and adults. In total, she hosted 20 workshops and uploaded videos to YouTube and Instagram. Before the pandemic, Alina hosted a few in-person workshops where she asked kids to make a commitment to the earth on a paper leaf and add it to a tree to be displayed. Alina said this activity would remind kids of their commitments and be more conscious of environmental issues. She hopes the next generation is aware of how they can help restore or protect our planet. Through Girl Scouts, she learned to be strong and that there is power in her voice. Alina has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and plans to major in kinesiology and minor in environmental science.Robin Bozik, Chandler
Stigma Ends Here
The stigma around mental health has almost always been visible to Robin, as she has close friends with mental illnesses or disabilities. This is why she created a website to address and educate others about mental health, mental illnesses, locating resources, getting help, or helping others. Her goal was to raise awareness that mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and something every person should monitor closely. Her message and website were shared in an email forum at MIT, reaching students and alumni. Robin shares that the pandemic placed restrictions on meeting others and added stress to the planning. Despite that, she learned how to dig deep and find the motivation within herself and a new love for doing research. She has been a Girl Scout for nine years and is currently attending Clark University. She is studying English and biology with plans to become a genetic counselor ultimately.Cara Curran, Scottsdale
Self-Defense for Those on the Autism Spectrum
An experienced martial artist, practicing for 13 years and teaching for six, Cara wanted to introduce a new audience to self-defense. Having many friends and family members on the autism spectrum, she wanted to use her self-defense knowledge to prepare for uncertain situations. Due to the pandemic, Cara couldn’t host in-person classes, so she created a series of easily digestible YouTube videos that taught mental and physical self-defense for people with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her 12 years of being a Girl Scout, she said this project made her realize her love for teaching and helped her grow in her confidence and compassion. She credits Girl Scouting with helping her figure out who she wants to be and what she’d like to pursue in the future. She is pursuing business marketing with a focus in international business at Paradise Valley Community College, with plans to transfer to Loyola Marymount University.Cayton Hale, Chandler
Beat the Heat Project
Riding horses since she was a kindergartener, Cayton has long been involved in the local equestrian community. Having spent many summers training in the Arizona heat, she wanted to create awareness of the dangers that the high summer temperatures present to riders and horses. She developed a heat safety poster to be shared at her barn and other locations in the Valley. She shared them on social media and with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. In addition, Cayton transformed an empty casita space on the property into a cool-down area where horses and riders can safely escape the heat while training. Since then, she’s noticed the space utilized daily during the summer and as a community space throughout the year. “I learned that I really have the ability to be a leader,” says Cayton. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans to attend college this year.Jade Knight, Woodruff Navajo County
The Dying Art of Sewing
Having observed a decline in the ability or interest in sewing among her peers, Jade’s long family history and knowledge on this topic inspired her to pass this skill onto others. When COVID-19 hit, her plans changed; instead of teaching an in-person class on sewing and preparing quilts, she quickly transitioned to hosting online classes that taught girls how to sew masks for essential workers. In addition to helping 15 girls build competency in using sewing machines, she donated over 400 masks to doctor’s offices, schools, grocery stores, and other businesses in her community. She bolstered her people skills and learned a lot about patience while teaching others and doing so in a virtual space. Jade credits Girl Scouts for giving her a safe environment to explore her passions and how to do the right thing even when it’s hard. Jade has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and plans to study medical laboratory sciences at the University of New Mexico.Kathryn Neumann, Phoenix
Students for Sustainability
Kathryn’s passion for the environment inspired her Gold Award, which involved founding the Sustainability for Students club at her high school to educate and mobilize her peers as well as reduce the waste output by the school. She made significant gains in driving awareness and a deeper understanding of recycling. She noticed a drastic change in attitudes over the five years working with the club, shown by an increase in volunteer support, as well as the school administration’s moves to support awareness efforts and a formal recycling program. Kathryn says her Gold Award taught her about effective communication, compromise, and learning to assess and listen to advice objectively. She says the Girl Scouts community fosters love and growth, and has imparted a call to service. She was a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans to attend university to major in environmental engineering to pursue a cleaner, greener world.Nia Richardson, Scottsdale
Angel Adult Day Center Little Library
Originally Nia planned to install and organize a “free little library” at a local youth center but after spending some time with her grandmother who suffers from dementia, she was inspired to change the her location to Angel Adult Day Center. It was especially meaningful for Nia since her grandmother had been a school librarian. To collect books, Nia hosted an in-person drop off and virtual book donation drive accepting books appropriate for dementia patients. After receiving donations, she installed a library space at the center, introducing a new activity and shared responsibility for the seniors. “I gained first-hand skills in project planning and I also realized the importance of having a sense of purpose is essential to our mental well-being,” says Nia. She also said that her 10 years of Girl Scouting provided a constant source of friendships and opportunities for growth. In the future, she plans to attend college and major in environmental science.Rhiannon Ridley, Gilbert
Giving Care to Memory
While visiting her grandmother at a memory care facility, she learned that center had been missing some hands-on activity stations. This has impacted the residents’ daily routines, and Rhiannon wanted to ensure the residents and her grandmother stayed engaged. Using some of her cookie proceeds and donations, she installed several activity stations and painted a few pictures to hang up around the facility. The stations included a baby station where residents can take care of baby dolls, a pet care station, and a dress up station complete with dresses and ties and hats. The residents have expressed how much joy this brought them and its positive impact on their mental health. A lesson Rhiannon learned during this process was being patient and that anything can achieved with hard work and time. And a lesson she had learned in her 12 years of being a Girl Scout is “to be kind and respectful to everyone no matter who they are, how they are, or how they act.” After graduating from Mesquite High School, she plans to attend an in-state college or the Air Force Academy.Gabrielle Roman, Scottsdale
Be the Change Club
Through volunteering and becoming aware of inequalities in society, Gabrielle decided to mobilize her peers with consistent and accessible volunteer opportunities through her Gold Award. She created the nonprofit Be the Change club at her school, which takes the initiative to help people and address issues they see around them. The club began by engaging low-income students in STEM and the arts and providing funding for Title I schools. Gabrielle then linked the club with YMCA to continue directing members to weekly volunteer opportunities. What started as 60 people in the first meeting has now become a massive presence at her school and online through the website she set up. Gabrielle has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and says she learned that with her confidence and abilities, nothing can stop her. After she graduates, she plans to attend university and major in Biomedical Engineering.Megan Rziha, Chandler
Camp Field Improvement
When Megan saw the field at GSACPC’s Willow Springs –her summer home away from home– had trip hazards, insufficient grass, and an anthill, she wanted to give back to the camp and future campers by improving the field through her Gold Award. After analyzing the drainage and conducting hours of research, she mobilized a group of volunteers around her corrective action plan. Megan replaced the anthill with a garden play space, cleared the field of major rocks, spread mulch from camp across the field (to serve as a play-friendly surface and a source of nutrients for the soil), and started a test plot for a drought-resistant, non-allergenic grass seed that would be better suited for the camp field’s uses. Megan realized her strengths of organization and planning could bring about positive change, and this project improved her communication and people skills. Camp helped her grow as a person over the 13 years she was a Girl Scout. She is currently studying landscape architecture at Arizona State University.Ainsley Snyder, Gilbert
Rainwater Recycling Garden
Inspired by her love for her school community, Ainsley’s Gold Award provided the Gilbert Classical Academy’s Special Education Department sustainable garden boxes and curriculum for students to develop fine motor skills through gardening. She created a gutter system to collect rainwater, designed and built the boxes, and developed the program guide to make the project sustainable. The program focuses on helping students exercise their hand-eye coordination and small muscle movements by caring for the garden. The installation of the garden has provided the opportunity for many students to develop their skills for years to come. It was very rewarding for Ainsley to provide skill-building opportunities for others for years to come. She said being a Girl Scout for 12 years gave her many opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise, and helped her become a well-rounded adult. Ainsley is now attending Idaho State University on a golf scholarship, studying Chemistry and Mathematics for Secondary Education.Eileen Spahle, Scottsdale
Outdoor Barbecue
When she learned about a project needing some artistic and hands-on support at a local center that offers service to people with disabilities, Eileen knew this project was perfect for her. It incorporated two of her biggest passions: art and being of service to people with disabilities. In partnership with The Adaptive Recreation Center of Scottsdale, Eileen helped bring an outdoor kitchen space to life. She help remodel the area and added hand painted tiles to the space. She also wanted to bring more awareness about this center, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, she was limited on ways to do this. Despite this challenge, she learned skills like managing obstacles, project management, and communicating with a team. She has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and plans to study occupational therapy with a minor in art at the Dominican University of California.Jane Spellman, Tempe
American Flag Retirement
Jane’s grandfather was a veteran and very active in the American Legion, which bolstered her love of country and inspired her Gold Award. She learned the American Legion in Ahwatukee didn’t have an American Flag Retirement dropbox, which resulted in a surplus of flags that couldn’t be retired. Many were left in garbage bags at the front desk of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. She decided to provide a drop box for worn and tattered flags and increase awareness of how to retire flags properly. She partnered with the American Legion, organized fundraising, secured boxes to repurpose, and painted and installed them. Jane also organized neighborhood events about properly retiring natural and synthetic fiber American flags, resulting in the retirement of over 200 flags. She then created a website and posted training on YouTube to educate the community for years to come. She has been a Girl Scout for ten years and plans to become a doctor after graduating high school and completing an undergraduate degree.Chloe Stoops, Gilbert
Women in STEM
Fascinated by science since a young age, as she was getting ready for college Chloe realized the lack of female representation and role models in this field. As she learned of all the challenges women face and the shocking low numbers of women in STEM, she wanted to make sure future generations of women didn’t face these. For the next few months, Chloe researched and interviewed several female STEM professionals and shared their stories on a website she built called womeninstemgoldaward.com. In addition, she shared resources for girls to help stimulate interest in these fields or to get started in one! To spread awareness, Chloe distributed business cards with her website at schools and secured a place in the ASU Chapter of Society of Women Engineers newsletter and website. “I hope this will encourage other girls, like myself. Over the course of my project I have learned that I have the ability to make a lasting impact on others,” says Chloe. She’s been a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans major in aerospace engineering and minor in astrophysics.Victoria Thurman, Tempe
Healing Art
Victoria’s great-grandfather Carl was a World War II veteran, a resident of Westchester Senior Living, and the inspiration for her Gold Award. He once told her it would be nice to have pictures and memories around his residential facility to foster nostalgia and warm, calm feelings. Understanding that photography could help seniors with anxiety, depression, and mental health, Victoria decided to introduce photos to the center for residents to enjoy. She took over 1,000 photos and created photo books for three nursing homes, had 15 photo canvases made for the dementia unit, and created a website and YouTube channel that hosted videos of photography to be played as an activity for the residents. She received so much praise from the residents that they requested more! And Carl was so very proud. In her 10 years of Girl Scouting, Victoria has learned to be a leader, built her communication skills and the confidence to take on new challenges. She looks forward to attending an in-state university in the future.Charlie Unsworth, Peoria
Hope for a Future
Charlie has gardened and grown produce since she was five, which has created a passion for understanding the countless benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. She wanted to share this knowledge and cutting-edge skills for cultivating produce with the next generation through her Gold Award and set up hydroponic gardening systems at Lookout Mountain and Roadrunner Elementary schools. As a component of their STEM studies, the students enjoyed watching the plants grow and eagerly anticipated eating the produce. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 school closures halted the use and harvest of the gardens, but the teachers reported they intend to resume the gardens when school attendance normalizes. This experience helped Charlie develop time management skills, and she realized she wants to pursue a career in education. A Girl Scout for 13 years, Charlie says she learned how to advocate and stand up for herself. She is currently applying to colleges and hopes to attend her top choice Northern Arizona University to double major in History and English.Becoming a Gold Award Girl Scouts
Seniors and Ambassadors who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are dear to them and drive lasting change in their communities and beyond. Think of the Gold Award as a key that can open doors to scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, and amazing career opportunities. Becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout means being distinguished as a leaders, change maker and allows girls to:
Higher education and career
- Distinguish themselves in the college admissions process
- Earn college scholarships
- Enter the military one rank higher
Life skills
- Be seen as a role model and distinguished leader
- Master time management skills
- Make the world a better place
Community
- Use their vision for change
- Tackle an issue, locally or globally
- Establish a lifetime network
- Create your community legacy with a sustainable solution to a problem
Get Started
We know you have what it takes to make an impact. Learn more about becoming a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award Girl Scouts.
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Have you ever heard the term “nosebag lunch” when going to Girl Scout camp or an outdoor program? That’s probably because the nickname dates to 1927. Here is the definition:
nosebag lunch (nōz′băg′ lŭnch)
n. A bag lunch. The term comes from when a bag of oats was placed over a horse’s muzzle to eat. Commonly carried on hikes or outings.
With that in mind, Girl Scouts took the term and applied it to bagged lunches. They applied the name to when girls packed their own personal “nose bag” in a bandana, a paper or plastic bag, etc. The term grew and was even included in the 1963 Girl Scout Brownie Handbook. The handbook stated for girls to “carry something munchy, something crunchy, something juicy, something sweet, nothing squishy, nothing squashy, nothing sticky, nothing soggy.”
The term now is used loosely across different Councils.
Want to pack your own 1963-inspired nosebag lunch? Here’s how:
Try to include a balanced meal – a protein sandwich, vegetable munchies, thirst quencher (fruit), and something sweet for a dessert. Pack heavy things on the bottom, light ones on top, and avoid “squishy” things that will ooze and/or leak. If you are traveling far or hiking for a long time, note that fragile fruits such as peaches and pears will not survive. Be aware of the weather and things that will melt. Tip: potato chips tend to have a low survival rate!
Once you have that sorted, here are some no-cook recipe and snack ideas:
(Ants) Bugs on a Log
Fill ribs of celery with peanut butter or cream cheese and top with raisins or nuts
Cereal Necklace
Using a piece of string or yarn, pipe the string with bits of cereal rings
GORP
An acronym for “good old raisins and peanuts” or trail mix, GORP is an easy and fun snack to put together. Customize it with things like salted peanuts, dried cranberries, dried fruits, granola, and different seeds or nuts!
The information above is brought to you by the GSACPC History Committee and the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum. If you would like to learn more about Girl Scout history or schedule a visit to the museum, please visit girlscoutsaz.org/museum
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On the Path to Gold
We look forward every year to honor our Silver and Bronze Award Girl Scouts.
Did you know that for member year 2020-21 there are over 160 Silver Award Girl Scouts and about 200 Bronze Award Girl Scouts being recognized this year? Wow. We are so proud.
To ensure that each girl feels special and recognized, we’d like to share some ideas that you can do as a troop, for the troop, or for girls to mark this special achievement.
Ways to Celebrate Before Ceremony
- Yard Signs – Download a printable Silver or Bronze Award sign and craft it into a yard sign to post at her house for her neighbors to see her accomplishment.
- Troop Activity DIY – Create a troop poster or picture frame celebrating the achievement, highlighting the project, and how girls made an impact in the world. Have girls take turns displaying it at home!
- Be part of our ceremony collage – Submit a photo and brief project description using the Story Submission Form to be featured in a mini-collage on the day of the virtual ceremony! Deadline is March 1.
- Council Shop – Share with parents and browse the Council Shop’s Highest Awards gifts. From notebooks, jewelry, key chains and accessories there are all types of gifts for awardees.
Ways to Celebrate Day of Ceremony
- Drop off small gift with a note to congratulate girls. Here are some ideas:
- Small flower bunch with a note
- Donut or snack with note
- Troop photo and frame with a note
- Host a pre-event troop mini-celebration! Share breakfast “together” virtually, discuss plans to make an impact and earn the next award!
- Plan a color theme – Bronze and Silver Award recipients can attend the virtual meeting by coordinating a unique colored blouse or virtual background.
- Have a virtual post-event troop celebration – celebrate together, dance to songs, and enjoy an after-ceremony snack!
Share Your Achievement on Social Media
Download the Silver or Bronze social media graphic and share with girls and parents so they can post on their social media pages! Be sure to use #gsacpc and tag @GSACPC in your posts!
Be Featured in Our Magazine and on GSACPC Social Media
What else has your troop been up to? Highlight your troop in the upcoming GS Connections magazines and on social by letting us know of the service projects, outdoor adventures, activities, and badges your earning by submitting a story using the Share my Story form. We want to see you in action and feature you!
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Desert Sunset
Troop 210
Years as a Troop Leader: 6
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
The previous leader was stepping down, and someone needed to take over the troop; otherwise, it would have disbanded. I felt like it would be an excellent opportunity for me, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been a great experience.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop does all kinds of things! We try to do as many hands-on activities as possible. We try to get outside a lot; the girls and their families all like to hike and be outdoors. A memorable troop activity was going scorpion hunting with a park ranger on the White Tank Mountains. It was really neat, and the girls loved it! We also enjoy participating in STEM activities, have recently tried computer coding, and enjoy arts and crafts, especially painting.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We enjoy spending our time giving back to the community. We have volunteered at a food pantry, collected all sorts of donations for different organizations. We visited a senior living facility most recently (before the pandemic) and made Christmas ornaments with the residents.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It’s the little things for me. I appreciate EVERY time one of the girls run to me, calling my name (Miss Kristine!), arms wide open, to hug me whenever we see each other. It never gets old and makes me feel loved.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Do what works for you! I make adjustments all of the time to suit the needs of our troop. Also, delegate tasks, assign roles and ask for help whenever possible.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone could remind me at times to go at my own pace. Don’t try to do it all. It’s okay if you don’t finish every single badge and if your girls would rather paint than learn STEM (or vice versa). Don’t compare your troop to other troops or what they are doing. We are all unique and have different passions, and different is good.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
There is never NOT a need for more leaders! And also, it’s not as hard or time-consuming as you might think. You got this, and it’s always a great time to join or become a leader.
Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
The cookie program is multi-faceted. There is the obvious fundraising benefit (we all want more money in the troop account!), but girls get a lot from it. The program itself teaches girls skills like goal setting and how to exchange money, but I have also seen the quietest, reserved girls emerge from their shells to tell a customer which flavor is “best.” They grow in confidence and become independent.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Do not underestimate the power of selling in your own neighborhood! Door to door is underrated, and it’s a classic selling strategy.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
With the pandemic, many troops had to switch over to virtual meetings. Although girls are learning on a computer all day for school, they’re still excited to show up online for our meetings! I keep expecting them to say they’ve had enough, but it’s been nearly a year, and they’re still smiling! We have learned to adapt and make sure our troop stays connected and engaged without Girl Scout goals and community.
girlscoutsaz.blog 