The heart of Girl Scouting is our indispensable volunteers who make it all possible! A volunteer serves as a partner and role model for girls. Whether you volunteer at meetings, go on field trips, or become a troop leader, the time you devote will help inspire today’s girls to become tomorrow’s leaders. Get inspired by our volunteer stories! Check out all the different ways to have fun at Girl Scouts. Because volunteers contribute their time and skills in many ways, there are several Adult Awards that are available to recognize their efforts. Each year, Girl Scout ..read more

Issues of the world, meet your match. Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and the doers who take “make the world a better place” to the next level. Meet our Girl Scout Gold Awards who “Bring Your Best“. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable—proof that not only can she make a difference, but that she already has. 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 a ..read more

Let’s get ready for another year of Girl Scouting by renewing your Girl Scout membership early. Early renewal takes place from May 1 – 22, 2020. All re-registering girls will receive a T-shirt and patch. All re-registering adults will receive a T-shirt. Renew your membership by May 22, 2020 to receive these incentives. Inspire her with comforting experiences in challenging times!In challenging times, our Girl Scout grit shines the brightest. That’s why we’re prepared to be a source of consistency for you and your girl when you need it most. As we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic together ..read more

Whether your troop has shifted to virtual meetings, or everyone’s decided to postpone all activities for the time being, your Girl Scout still has the option to earn badges on her own at home. Parents who’ve relied on their troop leaders as their go-to for badge work—did I just hear a sharp intake of breath from you all? Not to worry! Badges aren’t as complicated as they might seem. We’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to help your girl earn a badge, from the very basics (What’s a badge anyway?) to how to customize activities to suit your girl. You can do this—we’ll show you how ..read more

Stay connected to Girl Scouts across the nation and around the world. Bring the exploration, fun and learning of Girl Scouts to your family even when circumstances are keeping Girl Scouts from meeting up in person. After all, Girl Scouts isn’t somewhere girls go or something they do—it’s who they are day in, day out. Join the Girl Scout community through virtual learning opportunities – and even earn badges! Below is a list of virtual events, badges, and resources to help you through this time. Virtual Programs and Events Virtual Badges Monthly Patch Programs Community Service Patch Programs ..read more

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 193 countries. 2020 marks 50 years of Earth Day. The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems t ..read more

You bring the power of Girl Scouting to girls—thank you, volunteers! Things may look and feel very different right now, but what hasn’t changed is the out-sized impact you continue to have on girls’ lives. When you take the lead as a volunteer, girls discover that they too can take on leadership roles and change the world. That’s why National Volunteer Month is so near and dear to our hearts. Every April, we celebrate the powerful, life-changing contributions our volunteers make to Girl Scouts all year long. No matter what the world throws at us, you are the ones who keep the Girl Scout spirit ..read more

To protect girls and communities in the wake of COVID-19, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois have suspended door-to-door sales and cookie booths. But you can still support your local Girl Scouts by purchasing your favorite cookies online today and have them shipped to your door—or donate cookies and we’ll distribute them safely to provide comfort to first responders, volunteers, and local causes in need. 3 Ways to Support Your Local Girl Scout Girl Scouts nationwide continue to sell cookies through the Digital Cookie® platform—including the Digital Order Card and Smart Cookies. If you know a G ..read more

Did you know that the average American child spends about 44 hours each week in front of electronic media? And with school just about out and long summer days ahead, it’s all too easy to turn to screens for entertainment. But there’s no show on earth as fun, challenging, or immersive as the great outdoors. The Proof Is in the Research! Did You Know? Camp builds problem-solvers! Girls with more frequent outdoor experiences are more likely to seek challenges and are better at solving problems—qualities that will help them embark on a lifetime of leadership, both academically and personally. Cam ..read more

Experience exciting outdoor adventures that will challenge you and your group to a new level. Studies show that girls today are not spending nearly enough time outdoors. Technology and structured activities leave less time for girls to get outside and enjoy nature. But as a Girl Scout, she’ll have plenty of opportunities to create her own outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors—whether with her troop, at camp, or with friends and family. It is important to give our girls opportunities to develop or improve their outdoor skills in different areas ..read more