Collier Girl Scouts House Rededication Celebrates Resilience, Leadership, and Community Support

Girls Scouts from Naples area troops, along with board and staff members, local alums, and supporters, came together on Saturday, October 21, 2023, for a heartwarming and impactful event – the Collier Girl Scouts House Rededication ceremony. Held at the Collier Girl Scouts House, the occasion marked a significant milestone in the organization’s journey of resilience and community support.

The event featured a passionate address by Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann, highlighting the need for and importance of girl leadership in civic duty. Mayor Heitmann emphasized the vital role Girl Scouts play in shaping the future leaders of our community. Joined by Richard Cyphers, GSGCF board president, and Bethany Sawyer from the Greater Naples Chamber, Mayor Heitmann and the Girl Scouts officially cut the ribbon, symbolizing the reopening of the Collier Girl Scouts House.

The rededication ceremony held special meaning as it signified the strength and resiliency of Girl Scouts and volunteers in the face of adversity. Following significant damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the reopening of the Collier Girl Scouts House was a testament to the unwavering spirit of the organization and the community that supports it.

Throughout the day, girls and guests enjoyed engaging in Girl Scout traditions that have been a cornerstone of the organization for generations. The event also featured an open house, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among attendees.

“We are thrilled to witness the Collier Girl Scouts House coming back to life after the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian. This rededication ceremony not only marks the physical restoration of the building but also celebrates the resilience, leadership, and support that define the Girl Scouts community,” said Mary Anne Servian, GSGCF CEO.

The Collier Girl Scouts House Rededication ceremony serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and community, showcasing the unwavering commitment of Girl Scouts and their supporters to empower the next generation of leaders.

Honoring the Legacy of Juliette Gordon Low: Celebrating Founder’s Day with the Girl Scouts

Introduction

Founder’s Day, celebrated on October 31st, holds a special significance for Girl Scouts worldwide as it commemorates the birth of the organization’s visionary founder, Juliette Gordon Low. Born in 1860 in Savannah, Georgia, Juliette’s dedication to empowering girls and young women has left an indelible mark on generations of Girl Scouts. On this auspicious day, Girl Scouts have a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to Juliette Gordon Low’s extraordinary legacy and continue her mission of building confident, courageous, and compassionate leaders. Here are some suggestions for how Girl Scouts can celebrate Founder’s Day and honor their inspiring leader.

  1. Juliette Gordon Low Biography Sessions: Organize interactive sessions where girls can learn about the life and accomplishments of Juliette Gordon Low. Utilize multimedia resources, including pictures and videos, to bring her journey to life. These sessions can help inspire and motivate girls to embrace the same spirit of determination, creativity, and resilience that Juliette exemplified.
  2. Leadership Workshops: Juliette Gordon Low was a trailblazer who believed in the potential of every girl. Conduct a leadership workshop for your troop that focus on empowering young girls to become confident and capable leaders in their communities. Encourage discussions about leadership qualities, team-building, and problem-solving skills, fostering an environment where each girl’s voice is heard and valued.
  3. Community Service Projects: In the spirit of Juliette’s commitment to community service, organize local projects that make a positive impact on the community. These could include environmental initiatives, supporting local shelters, or creating care packages for essential workers. Engaging in such projects reinforces the Girl Scouts’ values and the importance of giving back.
  4. Juliette Gordon Low Heritage Walk: Plan a heritage walk or visit historical sites in your community that are connected to Juliette Gordon Low’s life or the early days of the Girl Scouts. This can help girls understand the organization’s roots and the remarkable journey it has undertaken since its founding. The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council boasts a rich history in our ten-county footprint, including Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. Why not plan a visit to one of our camps or Girl Scout Houses to learn more about our council’s history?
  5. Founder’s Day Awards Ceremony: Host an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding contributions made by Girl Scouts or troop leaders in their communities. Acknowledge girls who have displayed remarkable courage, empathy, and dedication in helping others, just as Juliette did.

Conclusion

Founder’s Day is a momentous occasion for every Girl Scout to celebrate the vision and legacy of Juliette Gordon Low. By participating in activities that honor her life’s work, girls can gain a deeper understanding of her determination and spirit, drawing inspiration to become the best versions of themselves. As they embrace the values and lessons from Founder’s Day celebrations, they will carry forward the torch of empowerment, making a difference in their communities and beyond, just as Juliette envisioned over a century ago.

Girl Scouts Show Appreciation to School Bus Drivers During National School Bus Safety Week

In celebration of National School Bus Driver Safety Week, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida hosted a heartwarming initiative to honor the unsung heroes of our daily commute – school bus drivers. From October 16 to 20, Girl Scouts encouraged students across the Gulfcoast to express their gratitude to their bus drivers for their dedication to keeping them safe.

The initiative encouraged students who rely on school buses for their daily commute to participate by printing out a specially designed appreciation card or creating their own personalized message. These tokens of appreciation were then delivered to bus drivers during National School Bus Driver Safety Week. As a reward for their heartfelt gestures, participating students earned a new fun patch, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among young Girl Scouts.

On October 17, at 9:00 a.m., Girl Scouts from various troops across Collier County came together to express their gratitude in a tangible way. These young scouts delivered delightful goodies to the four different Bus Depots located around Collier County, showing their appreciation for the vital role bus drivers play in ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

“It was a great honor to be part of appreciating the bus drivers and personnel that get our girls to-and-from school safely,” said Rachel Staigerwald, GSGCF Communications and Marketing Associate. “I am grateful to every girl, volunteer, and team member that participated in this initiative to help make it successful, and touched to see the positive impact it had in the community.”

This initiative not only encouraged the students to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their bus drivers but also allowed them to actively participate in fostering a culture of gratitude and respect. By expressing their thanks through heartfelt notes and sweet treats, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida aimed to bring smiles to the faces of the dedicated professionals who transport students safely to and from school every day.

By acknowledging the tireless efforts of these drivers, we can collectively create a positive and appreciative environment for those who contribute significantly to the well-being of our children.

Unveiling the Benefits of Being an Adult Volunteer for Girl Scouts

Introduction

Volunteering has always been a transformative experience, not only for the recipients but also for the givers. For those who choose to devote their time and energy to the Girl Scouts organization, the rewards are immeasurable. At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we are so thankful for the amazing work that our volunteers do. They change the lives of girls every day.

In this article, we’ll explore the significant benefits of being an adult volunteer for Girl Scouts, highlighting the impact it has on personal growth, community engagement, and the empowerment of young girls.

  1. Nurturing Leadership and Mentorship Skills

As an adult volunteer for Girl Scouts, individuals have the unique opportunity to cultivate their leadership and mentorship abilities. Guiding young girls through their scouting journey requires strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. Volunteers act as role models, empowering girls to discover their potential and take on leadership roles themselves. Witnessing the growth of these girls instills a sense of fulfillment and purpose for the volunteers, fostering their own personal development along the way.

  1. Building Lasting Friendships and Networks

Volunteering for the Girl Scouts provides a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share a common passion for empowering girls. Being part of this network enables volunteers to form lasting friendships and expand their social circles. These connections often extend beyond local communities, creating a vast network of people committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young girls.

  1. Strengthening Community Engagement

Girl Scouts fosters a strong sense of community involvement among its volunteers. By engaging with local communities and participating in various service projects, adult volunteers develop a deeper connection to the areas they serve. This heightened civic awareness leads to a greater appreciation for the impact of community engagement, inspiring volunteers to become active participants in creating positive change in their neighborhoods.

  1. Learning and Growing Together

Girl Scouts offers a wide array of training and development opportunities for its adult volunteers. From workshops on leadership and communication to specialized training in outdoor skills, volunteers are continually encouraged to expand their knowledge and capabilities. This commitment to continuous learning not only enhances the volunteers’ ability to support and mentor the girls effectively but also enriches their own lives through new experiences and expertise.

  1. Contributing to Empowerment and Equality

One of the most significant benefits of being an adult volunteer for Girl Scouts is the role volunteers play in promoting empowerment and equality. The organization’s core values are centered around encouraging girls to be confident, courageous, and capable individuals, breaking down gender barriers in the process. By helping girls gain skills in areas traditionally dominated by men, volunteers actively contribute to creating a more equitable society.

  1. Personal Fulfillment and Satisfaction

Volunteering for Girl Scouts can bring a deep sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Seeing the positive impact of their efforts on young girls’ lives, volunteers experience a unique sense of purpose and joy. The knowledge that they are helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow brings a profound sense of fulfillment that transcends other pursuits.

Help Girl Scouts be their best selves this year.

Being an adult volunteer for Girl Scouts is a transformative experience that offers a plethora of benefits. It is an opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young girls. By nurturing leadership skills, building friendships, and contributing to the empowerment of girls, volunteers find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that enriches their lives and their communities. The journey of being a Girl Scout volunteer is a remarkable one, creating positive ripples that extend far beyond the present, shaping a brighter and more empowered future for generations to come.

Come join us at GSGCF as a volunteer! It’s always the right time to make a difference—and now is the perfect time to do that as a Girl Scout volunteer. Discover how good it feels to help Girl Scouts find their voice.

5 Spooktacular Halloween Costume Ideas for Girl Scouts

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for some frightful fun! If you’re a Girl Scout looking for the perfect Halloween costume that’s both creative and unique, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re heading out for trick-or-treating or attending a spooktacular event, these five costume ideas are sure to make you the star of the night.

  1. Nature Enthusiast: Show off your love for the great outdoors with a nature-inspired costume. Dress up as a friendly woodland fairy, complete with wings made from colorful leaves and a flower crown. Alternatively, you can become a majestic tree, adorned with branches and leaves. This costume celebrates nature’s beauty and your Girl Scout connection to the environment.
  2. Historical Heroine: Pay homage to the brave women who paved the way before us. Dress up as a historical heroine, such as Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, or Sacagawea. Not only will you look fantastic, but you’ll also inspire others with stories of courage and determination.
  3. Cookie Crusader: Embrace your Girl Scout spirit by transforming into a Cookie Crusader! Dress up as a box of your favorite Girl Scout cookies or wear a sash adorned with cookie badges. It’s a sweet way to showcase your dedication to community service and entrepreneurship.
  4. Astronaut Adventurer: Reach for the stars this Halloween by becoming an astronaut! Craft a DIY spacesuit with silver fabric and add NASA patches for authenticity. As a Girl Scout, you can tie in themes of leadership and exploration, inspiring others to dream big and aim high.
  5. Mythical Maven: Unleash your imagination and dive into the world of mythology. Whether it’s a mystical mermaid, a daring dragon rider, or a captivating unicorn, let your creativity run wild with a mythical creature costume. This idea celebrates the magic of storytelling and your Girl Scout journey of building friendships and fostering creativity.

Remember, the key to a fantastic Halloween costume is to have fun and let your personality shine. Use these ideas as a starting point, but feel free to add your unique twists and touches. Happy Halloween, Girl Scouts – may your night be filled with adventure and plenty of treats!

Girl Scouts Restore Hurricane-Impacted Mangroves

Girls from five troops in Collier County planted dozens of mangroves along the Sanibel coastline, earning the Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch.

A year after the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian on the local mangrove population, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Service Unit Collier 13 have come together to make a significant difference in the restoration of Sanibel’s coastline. Following the hurricane’s destruction, dedicated Girl Scouts from Troops 791, 255, 440, 426, and 502 enthusiastically hosted mangrove seedlings, nurturing them back to health.

The success of this project is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Girl Scouts involved and highlights the impact of community engagement in environmental conservation. “Together, these girls have made a difference [and] earned the Girl Scout Tree Promise patch,” said GSGCF volunteer Patricia Nye-Schmitz.

In October, the Girl Scouts had the opportunity to return these mangroves to Sanibel, contributing to the restoration efforts and earning the prestigious Girl Scout Tree Promise patch in the process. Through taking the Girl Scout Tree Promise, girls all over the world have pledged to take 5 million actions to address climate change by planting, protecting, and honoring trees to support wildlife conservation and ease the negative effects of climate change. 

In response to the urgent need for mangrove restoration, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) issued a call for help in January. The initiative, known as “Mangrove Mama’s,” allowed community members to host mangrove seedlings, nurturing them until they were strong enough to be planted along the coastline. SCCF provided the seedlings for this noble cause.

On October 7, a planting event was specifically arranged for the Girl Scouts to plant the mangroves they had nurtured through SCCF’s Adopt-A-Mangrove program. Kealy McNeal, the Conservation Initiative Coordinator at SCCF, mentioned that the girls planted these young mangroves along the Woodring Rd. shoreline on the bayside of Sanibel.

The enthusiastic response from Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Service Unit Collier 13 has highlighted the power of community action in the face of environmental challenges. The Troops, through their diligent care and dedication, have not only helped the mangroves recover but have also earned the Girl Scout Tree Promise patch, a testament to their commitment to environmental conservation.

The girls’ efforts not only contribute to the restoration of Sanibel’s coastline, but also serve as an inspiration for others to join the cause.

Embrace the Melting Pot: Celebrating Global Diversity Awareness Month with Girl Scouts

As we traverse the global landscape, we encounter a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Global Diversity Awareness Month, celebrated each October, serves as a timely reminder of the beauty and strength in our differences. For organizations like the Girl Scouts, embracing this month presents a valuable opportunity to foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of unity among its members.

Global Diversity Awareness Month aims to highlight the significance of cultural diversity in shaping our world. It is an ideal occasion for Girl Scouts to champion the values of unity, acceptance, and understanding. By encouraging girls to appreciate the richness of cultural diversity, the Girl Scouts can cultivate a generation of young leaders who will embrace differences, break down barriers, and work towards building a more inclusive and compassionate world. Let us celebrate this month with open hearts and minds, embracing the beautiful tapestry of humanity that surrounds us. It encourages communities to learn from one another, promote inclusivity, and break down barriers. As an organization, Girl Scouts is dedicated to empowering girls and young women, and we’re stronger together.

By acknowledging the diversity, heritage, and contributions of our multicultural communities, Girl Scouts can find new ways to make the world a better place for everyone.

  1. Empowering Future Leaders: By celebrating Global Diversity Awareness Month, Girl Scouts can instill vital values like tolerance, respect, and open-mindedness. Encouraging girls to appreciate and embrace different cultures will help nurture compassionate and empathetic future leaders.
  2. Cultivating Inclusivity: By participating in diverse activities and learning about various cultural practices, Girl Scouts can foster an inclusive environment where every member feels welcomed and valued.
  3. A Global Perspective: Celebrating global diversity can broaden Girl Scouts’ horizons, helping them understand that the world is interconnected, and every individual plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious global society.

Now, Girl Scouts of all levels, your friends, and your leaders have plenty of activities to choose from to earn each segment of this fun patch. Whether they choose to do one or all of them, you’ll discover interesting new things about your neighbors—and yourself.

Learn more about the Girl Scouts of the USA’s Multicultural Community Celebrations, and the patches you can earn by completing various activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How Your Troop Can Celebrate the International Day of the Girl

Every year on October 11th, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, an important occasion dedicated to promoting girls’ rights, highlighting their challenges, and celebrating their achievements. Since its inception in 2012 by the United Nations, this day has become a global platform for advocating gender equality and empowering girls to reach their full potential. In 2023, the International Day of the Girl takes on even greater significance as we continue to work towards a world where every girl can thrive and succeed without barriers or discrimination.

Understanding the International Day of the Girl:

The International Day of the Girl aims to raise awareness about the unique challenges and issues that girls face worldwide. It provides an opportunity to address the various forms of discrimination and violence that affect girls, from access to education and healthcare to child marriage and gender-based violence. The day also celebrates the resilience, achievements, and potential of girls, reminding us of the incredible contributions they make to their communities and the world at large.

Girl Scouts and the International Day of the Girl:

Girl Scouts, an organization renowned for its commitment to empowering girls, plays a crucial role in commemorating the International Day of the Girl. Through their dedication to building girls of courage, confidence, and character, the Girl Scouts help shape future leaders and advocates for gender equality.

Here are some meaningful ways Girl Scouts can celebrate the International Day of the Girl in 2023:

1. Awareness Campaigns: Organize awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of the International Day of the Girl and the challenges girls face globally. Utilize social media platforms, local events, and community outreach programs to spread the message and encourage people to take action.

2. Advocacy for Girls’ Rights: Empower Girl Scouts to become advocates for girls’ rights by engaging in discussions about gender equality, education, healthcare, and child protection. Encourage them to write letters to policymakers, participate in community forums, and engage with local leaders to influence positive change.

3. Girls’ Leadership Summit: Host a Girls’ Leadership Summit where Girl Scouts from different troops can come together to share experiences, ideas, and aspirations. Provide them with opportunities to learn from inspiring female leaders in various fields and gain insights into leadership and personal development. You can also invite friends who aren’t yet Girl Scouts to join your event and learn more about female empowerment.

4. Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions: Arrange workshops and skill-building sessions that focus on areas like coding, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and self-defense. These activities will equip girls with practical skills, boost their self-confidence, and break down gender stereotypes.

5. Global Girl Scouting: Did you know that Girl Scouts of the USA is a member of the World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the largest voluntary movement dedicated to empowering girls and young women in the world? Through WAGGGS, Girl Scouts facilitates a global exchange program where Girl Scouts from different countries can connect and learn about each other’s cultures, challenges, and accomplishments. This fosters a sense of global sisterhood and helps girls develop empathy and cross-cultural understanding. Learn more about Global Girl Scouting and how you can connect with an international Girl Scout pen-pal on the GSUSA website.

6. Community Service Projects: Gather your troopmates and engage in community service projects that address local issues affecting girls. Whether it’s supporting girls’ education, organizing hygiene drives, or raising awareness about the harms of child marriage, community service helps girls make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

7. Film Screenings and Discussions: Screen films and documentaries that shed light on the challenges faced by girls worldwide, and follow them up with guided discussions to encourage empathy, critical thinking, and a broader perspective on global issues.

8. Celebratory Event: End the day with a celebratory event that honors the accomplishments of girls in the Girl Scouts community and beyond. Recognize their achievements and encourage them to continue making a positive impact in the world.

As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl 2023, let us remember that empowering girls is not just a one-day event but an ongoing commitment. By supporting organizations like Girl Scouts and advocating for gender equality, we can work towards creating a world where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, make her voice heard, and be an active participant in shaping her own future and that of the world. Together, we can build a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.

Celebrating Constitution Day: Empowering Girl Scouts with Their Own Troop Constitution

Introduction

Constitution Day is a significant occasion that commemorates the formation and adoption of a nation’s constitution. This day serves as a reminder of the values, principles, and rights upon which a country is built. However, Constitution Day can hold a deeper meaning when extended to organizations like the Girl Scouts. By empowering young girls to understand the essence of constitutions, they can develop a sense of responsibility and leadership. In this blog, we explore the significance of Constitution Day for Girl Scouts and suggest how they can craft their own troop constitution.

Understanding Constitution Day

Constitution Day, celebrated annually on [insert date], marks the day when the founding fathers of our nation signed the constitution, laying the foundation for the United States of America. It serves as an occasion for citizens to reflect on the significance of this vital document, which outlines the framework for governance and upholds individual rights and freedoms.

Why Girl Scouts Should Celebrate

Girl Scouts should celebrate Constitution Day because it presents a unique opportunity to instill democratic values and foster civic engagement in young minds. Understanding the importance of a constitution can empower Girl Scouts to become informed and responsible citizens, capable of creating positive change in their communities.

This national observance also creates a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to earn various badges relating to democracy, including:

A Fun Group Activity: Crafting a Troop Constitution

  1. Reflect on Values: Gather the troop members and encourage them to discuss the core values they want to uphold. This could include principles such as teamwork, respect, kindness, and inclusivity.
  2. Define Troop Objectives: The troop should collectively determine its goals and aspirations. Whether it’s environmental conservation, community service, or personal development, setting clear objectives will guide the troop’s activities and initiatives.
  3. Roles and Responsibilities: Assigning roles and responsibilities within the troop helps develop leadership skills and a sense of accountability. These roles could include a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and other positions relevant to the troop’s activities.
  4. Decision-Making Process: Teach the girls about democratic decision-making and the importance of considering everyone’s opinions. Discuss voting procedures to reach a consensus when making important decisions.
  5. Conflict Resolution: Address the significance of resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively. Encourage open communication and empathy among troop members to foster a supportive environment.
  6. Rules and Bylaws: Develop a set of rules and bylaws that align with the troop’s values and objectives. These guidelines should outline the expectations for behavior during meetings, events, and activities.
  7. Ratification: Once the constitution is drafted, hold a special ceremony on Constitution Day where all troop members sign and agree to abide by the established constitution.

Conclusion

Constitution Day provides Girl Scouts with a valuable opportunity to learn about democracy, governance, and civic engagement. By encouraging them to craft their own troop constitution, we empower young girls to take ownership of their troop and develop essential leadership and teamwork skills. Embracing the principles of Constitution Day equips Girl Scouts to become responsible and active citizens who can positively impact their communities and shape a brighter future.

Sizzling Success: Hosting a Memorable Girl Scout Cook-out!

Photographs of Girl Scouts in various scenarios: Binoculars, classroom, climate protest, energy (engineering), graduation, hiking, indoor camp, jumping, photography, portraits, running, sisterhood, and student government.

Cook-outs are the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while bonding with friends and fellow Girl Scouts. Whether it’s a summer celebration or a weekend camping trip, a well-organized cook-out can create lasting memories for everyone involved. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fantastic ideas to help Girl Scouts host a successful and unforgettable cook-out experience!

  1. Plan Ahead: A successful cook-out starts with meticulous planning. Gather a team of enthusiastic Girl Scouts to help with organizing the event. Decide on the date, location, and the number of participants to expect. Create a checklist of all the necessary items, including food, cooking equipment, seating, and any special activities you plan to have during the cook-out.
  2. Girl Scout-Friendly Recipes: When it comes to cook-outs, the menu is everything! Opt for simple, yet delicious, recipes that are easy to prepare and cater to various dietary preferences. Consider classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie skewers, as they are always crowd-pleasers. You could also have a “Cook-Off” challenge where girls can get creative and cook up their own unique dishes!
  3. Embrace the Outdoors: The beauty of a cook-out lies in its natural setting. Choose a picturesque outdoor location, such as a local park, campsite, or even your own backyard. Make the most of nature by setting up cozy seating areas, and don’t forget to have some blankets or hammocks for those who prefer lounging.
  4. Campfire Cooking: If possible, incorporate campfire cooking into your cook-out. Girls can learn valuable survival skills and create a unique experience by roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, or cooking foil packet meals over the campfire. Ensure everyone is educated on fire safety and have adult supervision when dealing with open flames.
  5. Games and Activities: To keep the atmosphere lively and engaging, organize a range of fun activities for all age groups. Classic lawn games like tug-of-war, frisbee, or sack races are perfect icebreakers. You could also arrange a scavenger hunt or nature walk to explore the surroundings.
  6. Eco-Friendly Approach: Encourage the girls to follow eco-friendly practices during the cook-out. Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils, and consider serving locally sourced and organic foods. Ensure proper waste disposal with clearly marked recycling and composting bins. Emphasize Leave No Trace principles and the importance of preserving the environment.
  7. Girl Scout Traditions: Incorporate some Girl Scout traditions into the cook-out to make it truly special. Have a group sing-along with traditional campfire songs or recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law together. If you have any Girl Scouts working towards badges or awards, consider tying in the cook-out activities with their goals.
  8. Engage the Community: Invite friends and family to join the cook-out, turning it into a community event. Encourage Girl Scouts to share their experiences and projects, showcasing the positive impact they make on their community. Consider organizing a small fundraiser during the cook-out to support a local charity or a cause close to the Girl Scouts’ hearts.

A successful Girl Scout cook-out is a perfect blend of great food, outdoor adventures, and the spirit of camaraderie. By planning ahead, embracing the outdoors, and incorporating Girl Scout values, you’ll create an event that leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved. Remember, it’s not just about cooking food; it’s about creating cherished memories and building bonds that will last a lifetime. So, gather your troop, ignite the fire, and get ready for an amazing cook-out experience!

If you can’t get enough of outdoor cooking, we have the perfect event for you! Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is hosting an Outdoor Cooking Challenge: Troop Cook-Off at Camp Honi Hanta in Bradenton on Oct. 10. Teams of Girl Scouts will take over camp to cook a three-course meal using traditional camp style cooking techniques. Upon completion of the challenge, surprise judges will taste each teams three-course meal to determine the first, second, and third place medal winners. The three teams with the highest scores will receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold medal to showcase their victory! For more details on this event and to register your cooking team, click here.