Unlock a World of Possibilities: Your Guide to Troop Year Planning!

 

Back to troop season is HERE! Are you ready to take your troop on a journey filled with endless possibilities, growth, and unforgettable experiences? Look no further because we have an exciting announcement that will simplify the way you plan out your year: Troop Year Plans, now include plans for multi-level troops!

From Daisies to Ambassadors, our customizable, turnkey plans are designed to meet the needs of every troop, ensuring that each Girl Scout can explore, have fun, thrive, and lead the way.

So, what exactly are Troop Year Plans, and how can they benefit you and your troop? Let's dive in:

1. Comprehensive Planning Made Easy: Our Troop Year Plans offer a curated selection of our most popular activities, organized for two meetings per month. Whether your troop wants to explore the outdoors, dive into STEM, or engage in community service, these plans have everything you need to keep the girls excited and engaged all year long.

2. Badge-Earning Opportunities: With our Troop Year Plans, earning badges has never been simpler or more enjoyable! Each month, you'll find a variety of badge-earning activities that align with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, empowering girls to develop essential skills and knowledge while earning recognition for their achievements.

3. Customizable and Flexible: We understand that every troop is unique, which is why our Troop Year Plans are fully customizable to suit your troop's interests, schedule, and needs. Whether you're organizing a weekend camping trip or a virtual meeting, these plans offer a variety of activities that can be adapted to fit your troop’s needs. Plus, if the girls want to swap an activity for something they enjoy more, they can! It’s all about making the experience fun and tailored to them.

4. Print-Friendly and Online Versions: Whether you prefer to flip through pages or access resources digitally, our Troop Year Plans are available in both print-friendly and online formats, making them a convenient companion on all your Girl Scouting adventures.

What sets our Multi-Level Troop Year Plans apart is their inclusivity and flexibility. For troops with girls spanning multiple age levels, this tool is an absolute game-changer. No more struggling to find activities that cater to everyone's needs – our plan seamlessly integrates themes that are suitable for troops with Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors as well as troops with Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. This will help ensure that every girl in your troop feels valued and included.

With our Troop Year Plans and Multi-Level Troop Year Plans as your guide, you'll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it can be to make a difference in the lives of your Girl Scouts. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to Girl Scouting, our plans provide the support and guidance you need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your Girl Scouts.

Together, let's embark on a journey of exploration, growth, and friendship as we guide our Girl Scouts to become their best selves.

Are you actively using Troop Year Plans and want to share your experience with us and others? Let us know on social media by tagging @girlscouts.

Here's to a great year of adventures ahead!

¡Chicas al Poder! Celebrating the Impact of Hispanic Girl Scouts

 

Hispanic Heritage Month is all about recognizing the vibrant cultures and powerful contributions of Hispanic communities. To celebrate, we’re shining a spotlight on some amazing Hispanic Girl Scouts who are turning their passions into positive change. These stories are proof that when corazón (heart) meets action, incredible things happen.

Girl Scout Solana - Elevating Latinx Voices (Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles)

“As a Latina and first-generation American, I have always felt a disconnect when it comes to my culture and the lack of representation in South Pasadena,” shared Solana. Determined to change this, Solana dedicated her Gold Award project, “Gracias a la Vida: Latina Voices of South Pasadena,” to uplifting Latinx stories and voices. Through her project, she created a powerful gallery exhibit at the South Pasadena Library, featuring photographic and biographical portraits of twelve Latinas who have made significant contributions to the community. Solana’s work not only celebrated these women but also ensured their stories would continue to educate and inspire through a dedicated website.


Girl Scout Allison - Recycling for a Better Planet and a Brighter (Girl Scouts of San Jacinto)

Girl Scout Allison from Troop 136351 is making waves with her Girl Scout Bronze Award project, "Recycle and Help the Earth." In her local area, where green recycling bins are lacking, Allison organized a recycling drive and created flyers with recycling tips to educate her community, including the Hispanic community. Her dedication doesn't stop there; for the past three years, she and her family have cleaned a river in their Mexican hometown, collecting bottle caps to donate for free chemotherapy treatments. As Allison shares, "I am not just saving my planet but also saving someone’s life."

Girl Scout Sandra - Creating a Mobile Library (Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida)

Sandra’s journey from Spanish-speaking countries to the United States inspired her Gold Award project, which focused on the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Collaborating with the Mexican Consulate in Miami, Sandra created a mobile library filled with Spanish-language children’s books. This library is a beacon of learning and cultural connection, traveling to local immigrant communities during consulate visits and providing access to books that reflect the children’s heritage. Sandra also worked with a local Mexican Women's Book Club to keep the library stocked and engaged the community through the consulate’s bulletin board and newsletter.

These incredible stories from Solana, Allison, and Sandra highlight the strength and impact of our Hispanic Girl Scouts. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's continue to uplift and celebrate these amazing girls. Use #GirlScoutsRock and #HispanicHeritageMonth, tag us at @girlscouts, and let's shine a spotlight on these changemakers who are making the world a better place.

¡A celebrar!

Score Big: Earn Your Athlete Badges with Girl Scouts

We selected a few awesome badges for your Girl Scout to earn as the big games take place in Paris! These badges help girls learn how to be team MVPs by mastering the rules and ensuring everyone has a blast playing together. The best part? They get to embrace the Girl Scout Law values like being "Honest & Fair," "Friendly & Helpful," and "Courageous & Strong," just like the superstars in the big games.

With these badges, girls dive into health, leadership, learning, and teamwork through sports. While having a ton of fun, staying active, and living their best healthy lives, they earn age-appropriate badges that teach fair play, practicing with purpose, good sportsmanship, cross-training, and coaching. It's all about scoring big on and off the field!

Daisy Petals – Daisy

Connect the values of the Girl Scout Law with the spirit of the big games. By earning petals like "Honest & Fair," "Friendly & Helpful," and "Courageous & Strong," Daisies learn the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork, just like their favorite athletes.

Fair Play - Brownie

Playing fair means that everyone has the same chance to play because everyone follows the same rules. That’s what this badge is about. You’ll learn to work together to have the most fun possible. That’s fair play!

Practice with Purpose - Junior

Even the best athletes weren’t born great at sports. They had to practice with purpose. Have fun with these activities as you learn to improve a skill—no matter what track, court, rink, pool, slope, or field you like to play on. Game on!

Good Sportsmanship - Cadette

It’s good to be an athlete, but the greatest athletes agree it’s just as important to be a good sport. When you make good sportsmanship a habit in games and in life, others want to play with you, hang out with you, and generally live up to your example. So whether you’re a dedicated athlete with a chosen sport or you just like to enjoy an occasional game among friends, this badge will help you have more fun on the field—and off.

Cross-Training - Senior

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, new to exercise, or want to improve your skills in surfing, hiking, or even throwing a Frisbee, this badge will help you customize a cross-training fitness program that’s effective and, most important, fun! The idea of cross-training is to incorporate a variety of cardio, strength, and conditioning exercises into a routine that trains your whole body. Grab your sweatband, and create a plan that’s perfect for your body, mind, and goals.

 

Coaching - Ambassador

What does it take to motivate a team to accomplish its goals? The best coaches put their answers into action at every practice. In this badge, find your answers and share them! Coaching is an opportunity to share your love of a sport, demonstrate your athletic skills, and to inspire and empower athletes to realize their potential.

Ready to explore more badges? Try the award and badge explorer here. Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media, @GirlScouts.

Sing Your Way to Adventure: What Your Favorite Camp Song Reveals About Your Summer Girl Scout Patch

Summer is here, and there's no better way to kick it off than with some classic Girl Scout camp songs and with three new Girl Scouts outdoor patches! Whether you’re harmonizing around the campfire or belting out tunes with friends, your favorite camp song can say a lot about the perfect outdoor patch waiting for you.

Let's dive into three iconic songs to see what summer adventure is in store for you.

1. "Moon on the Meadow" - Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge

 

 If "Moon on the Meadow" is your go-to campfire jam, you're all about the serene beauty of nature, whether it’s the lush greenery of a park or the thrill of exploring urban trails and rooftop gardens. This song's calming melody and lyrics about the peaceful outdoors reflect your love for spending time in nature, no matter where you are. The Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge is perfect for you. With over 50+ fun activities you are sure to have an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Did you know: Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature can improve your mood, focus, and confidence. Whether you're becoming a rockstar at rock climbing or making a splash in neighborhood puddles, this challenge has something for everyone.

2. "Green Trees” - Girl Scout Tree Promise

 

Do you find yourself singing "Green Trees" at the top of your lungs? This classic camp song is all about the beauty and importance of trees in our world. If this song resonates with you, the Girl Scout Tree Promise is calling your name.

Did you know? All over the world, deforestation and climate change are damaging our planet. Trees help cool communities, provide habitat for wildlife, clean water, and remove air pollution. Learn more in the Tree Promise Activity Guide and join Girl Scouts to plant, protect, and honor trees, making the world a better place. Let’s sow seeds of change TOGETHER!

3. "I Love the Mountains" - Girl Scouts Love State Parks

 

If "I Love the Mountains" gets your heart pumping, you're all about the grand adventures and breathtaking vistas that state parks offer. This song's lyrics about hills, mountains, and the joys of nature hint at your love for exploring vast landscapes. The Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch is just for you.

Mark your calendar for September 14 and 15 and get ready to explore your local state parks during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend! Participate in self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing, and more. Whether you're joining in person or virtually, a free passport activity sheet will guide you toward adventure while fostering a clean environment for everyone to enjoy.

Did you know? Spending time in green spaces has been linked with many physical and mental health benefits.

So, What’s Your Favorite Girl Scout Camp Song?

Let your favorite camp song lead you to new experiences, friendships, and programs. Grab your gear, tune up those vocal cords, and let’s make this summer the best one yet with Girl Scouts. 🌟🌲🎶

Ready to share your adventure? Take to social media all summer long and use #gsOutdoors to join the fun!

Spring Bridging Ceremony Ideas We Can’t Stop Thinking About

For moms, dads, grads, and beyond, spring celebrations are starting to pop up everywhere this time of year, especially in the world of Girl Scouts. As the troop year ends and summer camp season is on the horizon, Girl Scouts of all ages look back on a great year of adventures and look forward to endless opportunities. For many troops, this means it’s time for a bridging ceremony!

Most popularly celebrated in the spring, bridging in the Girl Scout world is a fabulous reason to celebrate your Girl Scout troop’s achievements and look forward to the new adventures, discoveries, and, yes, badges that await at the next level. A bridging ceremony usually has an opening ceremony that includes reading the Girl Scout Promise and Law, a literal or figurative crossing of a bridge, and a friendship circle closing. But the experience is totally dependent on what is important to the bridging Girl Scouts.

Many troops choose to combine their bridging ceremonies with other exciting milestones like investiture (welcoming new Girl Scouts) or rededications (committing to another year of Girl Scouting at the same level) so everyone can celebrate together. It’s also a great time to recognize Girl Scouts who have earned one of the Highest Awards: the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

No matter what you’re celebrating this spring, the Girl Scout Shop has what you need to mark the occasion. Leveling up? Check out bridging kits, including certificates and all the new patches, badges, and membership pieces you’ll need for your new uniform.

Speaking of that new uniform, did you know you can order that fresh vest or sash already customized for your Girl Scout? One less thing to worry about before the big day!

Don’t forget your number one celebration accessory...your Girl Scout membership! Renew or join today to take part in the festivities near you and get ready for your next year of adventure.

Bridging Celebration Ideas

No one throws a party like a Girl Scout troop! As with most things in the Girl Scout world, being girl-led is key, and we are 100 percent here for self-expression. Here are a few party tricks developed by troops and volunteers that live in our minds rent free.

Girl Scout Glow Up

Opting for a nighttime ceremony, Troop 723 from Girl Scouts of Caribe in Puerto Rico celebrated their bridging and rededication in neon style to reflect their bright future as they continue their Girl Scout journey.

Haunted House Bridging...Wait, WHAT?

Really putting the ‘fearless’ in fearless leaders, Troop 4357 from Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri visited one of the oldest haunted houses in the country to conduct their bridging ceremony on the spookiest bridge they could find.

Flying Onward and Upward

Leveling up with a touch of whimsy, this troop’s matching wings have our hearts totally fluttering.

Iconic (Literal) Bridging

Some troops think BIG when it comes to bridging by incorporating major landmarks into their celebration, like these NYC Girl Scouts crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Many councils plan similar events this time of year; be sure to check out opportunities in your area.

Say It with Sweets

Fact: You don’t have to be a master baker to make a truly memorable bridging treat. Getting creative with candy, cakes, and (of course) brownies adds an especially sweet touch to your gathering.

Crossing the Ultimate Bridge: Becoming a Volunteer

For graduating Girl Scouts, the fun doesn’t have to stop! There are so many ways to stay involved. You can support your favorite camp in the summers, start a Campus Girl Scouts club at your college or level up to the navy blue vest and become a volunteer or troop leader!

 
Don’t forget, as a recent graduate, you can get a major discount on a Girl Scout lifetime membership so you can stay connected for life! (Pro tip for parents: it makes a great graduation gift!)