Former NICU Babies, Now Girl Scouts, Deliver Sweet Support to Sarasota Memorial’s NICU

May15 by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The girls wanted to help NICU families by donating Girl Scout Cookies to the hospital.What’s more special than NICU babies? Two Girl Scouts who were once NICU babies themselves, returning with arms full of cookies and hearts full of gratitude.

Isabella and Cheyenne, members of Girl Scout Troop 670 from Punta Gorda and students at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, recently delivered boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The donation was part of the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Gift of Caring program, which allows community members to purchase Girl Scout Cookies for donation to local heroes and those in need.

Isabella was born at Sarasota Memorial in 2018, weighing just 1 lb. 10 oz. at 27 weeks. Cheyenne was born at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers in 2017, at 35 weeks and weighing 3 lbs. 13 oz. Now sisters in scouting—a Daisy and a Brownie—the two girls are giving back to the same kind of medical staff and families who once cared for them.

“After much thought and consideration, we couldn’t think of a better donation for these two girls to make, than to a NICU,” said troop volunteer Chrystal Ortiz. “What a way to give back to those who continue to care and nurture these babies, like they were both cared for.”

“The life of NICU parents and their families, can be a long and rough journey filled with heartbreak and setbacks,” she added. “Maybe these cookies will bring comfort to parents sitting there day after day, hour after hour, listening to the beeps of machines.”

In 2025, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida donated 41,587 packages of cookies through Gift of Caring, bringing smiles and encouragement to frontline workers and deployed military members alike. Girl Scouts are hand-delivering donations across the council footprint in Sarasota, Manatee, and Lee counties, and beyond.

Before leaving Sarasota Memorial, Isabella and Cheyenne visited the hospital chapel to pray for the babies, families, and staff in the NICU. Their gesture served as a heartfelt thank-you to the medical professionals who provide critical care to the tiniest patients and hope to their families.

Troop 670 donated their Gift of Caring Cookies to Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s NICU.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida deliver Cookies to Ft. Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson

Apr24 by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

On Monday, April 22, Troop 655 had the honor of meeting with Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson at City Hall. The Girl Scouts delivered cases of Cookie donations to the city, and during a City Council workshop meeting, the girls had the unique opportunity to observe local governance in action and participate in a city council meeting.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, who attended the meeting, expressed her admiration for the troop’s dedication and community involvement, stating, “These Girl Scouts, through their community service and leadership, reflect the values of leadership, service, and empowerment that we strive to instill in every girl. Their participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and engagement with local leaders underscore the impact Girl Scouts can have on their communities and beyond.”

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to announce the outstanding achievements of the Girl Scouts through the 2024 Cookie program, with a remarkable participation of 2,202 girls and 1.1 million boxes distributed. Not only did these young entrepreneurs engage in valuable learning experiences, but they also demonstrated their commitment to serving their communities.

Through the annual Gift of Caring program, over 50,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies were donated to military personnel and hometown heroes, embodying the Girl Scout spirit of generosity and service. These heartfelt donations are being hand-delivered by dedicated Girl Scouts across the gulf coast, showcasing their dedication to making a lasting impact in their communities.

Mayor Anderson recognized the troop during the meeting and allowed them to make a short presentation, fostering civic engagement and leadership skills among the young scouts. Following the workshop, Mayor Anderson engaged with the girls, sharing insights into city government and presenting them with thoughtful gift bags containing sunglasses, pens, and his business card.

The troop then visited the City of Fort Myers Police Department, where they delivered Cookie donations and met with Chief of Police Jason Fields. Chief Fields generously spent time with the girls, discussing the responsibilities and rewards of serving as a police officer in the community. Each girl received a special gift from the Chief, including a keychain and a police uniform patch, further inspiring their appreciation for public service.

These experiences exemplify the Girl Scouts’ commitment to empowering young girls to become leaders and active contributors to society. By participating in the Cookie program and engaging with local leaders, Troop 655 and Girl Scouts across the gulf coast are creating change and leaving a positive legacy in their communities.

Girl Scouts donate over 50,000 packages of Cookies to hometown heroes; troops oversees

Mar22 by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Girls who participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program learn and practice five valuable skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly announces the conclusion of another successful Girl Scout Cookie Program, which ran from January 3 to March 3, spanning the vibrant communities along the Gulf Coast. The Girl Scout Cookie Program provides an important ingredient for leadership by helping girls develop five key skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

This year’s program showcased remarkable achievements, with over 2,200 girls participating in the Cookie Program this year, and 17 girls attaining Top Seller status by distributing over 5000 boxes each.

One of the highlights of the GSGCF’s Cookie Program is the emphasis on giving back to the community. Through the Gift of Caring Program, customers can donate cookies that will be gifted to local hometown heroes, active military personnel, and veterans, both locally and overseas. Girl Scouts who contribute over 20 packages towards this initiative earn the prestigious Gift of Caring patch, recognizing their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and abroad.

The Gift of Caring Program exemplifies the Girl Scouts’ dedication to serving those who serve our communities and country selflessly. At the conclusion of the program, GSGCF’s local Girl Scout troops personally deliver cookies to local military organizations. Additionally, the organization will partner with Soldier’s Angels, a renowned charity, to ensure that cookies reach deployed military personnel, bringing a taste of home to those serving far away from their loved ones.

In total, the Gift of Caring Program collected an impressive 50,007 boxes of Cookies, which will be distributed to support military personnel overseas, local police, firefighters, teachers, doctors and nurses, and to local senior centers and food pantries. Furthermore, the GSGCF’s Cookie Program achieved outstanding success, with a total of 1.1 million packages sold across the gulf coast, showcasing the enthusiasm and dedication of Girl Scouts and their supporters.

“We are immensely proud of the success of our 2024 Cookie Program and the meaningful impact it has had on our communities,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO at GSGCF. “Through the generosity of our customers and the hard work of our Girl Scouts, we have been able to express gratitude and support to our local heroes and military personnel, both near and far. This program truly embodies the spirit of giving that is at the heart of Girl Scouts.”

As the 2024 Cookie Program draws to a close, GSGCF extends its appreciation to everyone who contributed to its success, including the dedicated Girl Scouts, supportive families, and generous customers.

Reminders for Ensuring Safe and Successful Girl Scout Booth Participation

Feb2 by Jessica Miano

Girl Scout Cookie booths are not only a fantastic way for troops to fundraise but also an opportunity for young Girl Scouts to develop essential life skills. However, safety should always be a top priority to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. In this blog, we’ll explore key safety tips while participating at a Girl Scout Cookie booth to help troops create a secure and enjoyable environment.

Choose Safe Locations:

Select well-lit and high-traffic areas for your booth.
Ensure the location has proper permits and permissions for setting up a booth.
Be aware of local laws and ordinances before arriving to your booth sale location.

Buddy System:

Encourage Girl Scouts to use the buddy system when at the booth.
Emphasize the importance of staying together and looking out for one another.
Do not travel anywhere with an adult or child you do not know.

Adult Supervision:

Have responsible adults present at all times at cookie booths.
Adults should be familiar with emergency procedures and contact information for all girls present.

Emergency Preparedness:

Create an emergency plan outlining procedures for different situations.
Have a first aid kit on hand and ensure adults know how to use it.
Be sure to follow all Booth Rules as outlined in the GSGCF Family Guide.

Cash Handling Safety:

Minimize the amount of cash on hand by making frequent deposits.
Use secure cash boxes and avoid keeping large sums visible.
Always keep all cash in a lock box. Keep the lock box in a location that can not be easily access by passerby to discourage theft.

Internet Safety:

Remind Girl Scouts about the importance of not sharing personal information online.
Encourage responsible use of social media for promoting cookie booths.

Weather Preparedness:

Monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for changes in weather.
Have a plan for securing the booth in case of adverse conditions.

Hygiene Practices:

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, test as soon as possible and if positive, stay home.
Emphasize the importance of cleanliness, especially when handling food items.
Provide hand sanitizers and encourage girls to use them regularly.

Customer Interaction Guidelines:

Train Girl Scouts on polite and respectful customer interactions.
Have a code of conduct for Girl Scouts when dealing with the public. While girls should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own interactions with customers, remind them that adults are there to help if they feel uncomfortable.
Remind girls to not provide any personal information to strangers, such as their full name, address, school, or other sensitive information.

Proper Booth Setup:

Set up the booth in a way that allows clear visibility and easy access.
Ensure tables and displays are stable to prevent accidents.

Girl Scout Cookie booths are an excellent opportunity for girls to learn valuable skills and contribute to their troop’s success. By prioritizing safety and implementing these essential tips, troops can create a secure and positive environment for both Girl Scouts and the community. Through careful planning and supervision, participation in Girl Scout Cookie booths can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

How Your Troop Can: Spread the Love this Valentines Day

Feb1 by Jessica Miano

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and friendship, and what better way to spread joy than through creative and heartwarming activities? Girl Scouts can make this Valentine’s Day extra special by engaging in fun and meaningful activities that foster a sense of camaraderie and love. Here’s a guide on how Girl Scouts can celebrate Valentine’s Day with flair and friendship.

Handmade Valentine’s Cards:

Encourage the girls to unleash their creativity by making handmade Valentine’s cards. Provide a variety of art supplies such as colored paper, markers, stickers, and glitter. Girls can express their appreciation for each other by crafting unique and personalized cards, spreading love and positivity within the troop.

By sending handmade Valentine’s Day cards to military, first responders, the sick, or the elderly, girls can give back to their communities a meaningful way on this popular holiday.

Decorate your Cookie Booths:

Girl Scouts can turn their Cookie booths into charming Valentine’s Day-themed attractions by incorporating a variety of festive decorations. To create an inviting atmosphere, they could hang heart-shaped garlands and colorful streamers around the booth. Tables can be adorned with red and pink tablecloths, and small vases filled with fresh flowers or heart-shaped balloons can add a touch of romance.

Girl Scouts can also display handmade Valentine’s Day cards or posters showcasing the different cookie varieties with cute love-themed slogans. To engage customers, they might consider incorporating a Valentine’s Day-themed photo booth where customers can take pictures with their favorite cookies. Adding creative touches like heart-shaped cookie cutouts and fairy lights will enhance the overall ambiance and make the booth stand out, enticing customers to support the girls and indulge in some delightful Valentine’s Day treats.

Heartfelt Service Projects:

Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity for Girl Scouts to engage in service projects that promote kindness and compassion. Consider organizing a troop activity to create care packages for a local senior center or hospital. Girls can include handmade cards, sweet treats, and thoughtful notes to bring joy to those who may be feeling lonely.

Baking and Treats:

Host a baking session where girls can learn to make delicious Valentine’s Day treats. From heart-shaped cookies to cupcakes adorned with pink and red frosting, baking together can be a delightful way to bond while creating scrumptious treats. Encourage sharing and exchanging these goodies with friends and family.

Friendship Bracelet Workshop:

Nothing says friendship like a handmade bracelet. Organize a friendship bracelet workshop where girls can learn different knotting techniques and create beautiful bracelets for each other. These bracelets can serve as lasting tokens of friendship and unity within the troop.

Outdoor Adventure:

If weather permits, plan an outdoor adventure for the troop. Whether it’s a nature hike, a picnic in the park, or a camping trip, spending time outdoors can strengthen the bonds between Girl Scouts. Encourage the girls to bring Valentine’s-themed snacks and share stories around a campfire.

Valentine’s Day Sing-Along:

Host a sing-along session featuring love and friendship-themed songs. Girls can learn and perform their favorite tunes, fostering a sense of unity and joy through the power of music. Consider organizing a mini-concert for family and friends to showcase the girls’ musical talents.

Virtual Celebration:

For troops unable to meet in person, organize a virtual Valentine’s Day celebration. Host a video call where girls can share their handmade cards, play games, and express their love and appreciation for each other. You can also take this as an opportunity for the girls to reach out and connect with a nearby troop they don’t get to see often. This could be a good opportunity for making new friends! Virtual celebrations allow troops to connect and celebrate despite physical distances.

Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic love; it’s an opportunity to celebrate all forms of love and friendship. By engaging in these creative and heartwarming activities, Girl Scouts can make this Valentine’s Day memorable while strengthening the bonds of sisterhood within their troop. So, grab your crafting supplies, put on your baking hats, and get ready for a day filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. Happy Valentine’s Day, Girl Scouts!

Girl Scouts Embark on an Unforgettable European Adventure, Expanding Their Horizons with the Help of Cookie Rewards

Jul18 by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit the Olympic Stadium in Athens in July 2023.

A group of six determined and adventurous Girl Scouts from the Gulfcoast footprint recently returned from an extraordinary journey through Italy and Greece. Through their hard work and dedication to selling cookies, these young girls were able to embark on an educational and cultural experience that will shape their lives forever. The 10-day trip was offered as a Cookie Reward for Gulfcoast Girl Scouts during the 2022 and 2023 Cookie Seasons.

From the bustling streets of Rome to the iconic landmarks of Florence, and the breathtaking beauty of the Adriatic Coast, these six Girl Scouts explored the rich history, art, and culture of Italy. Their journey continued as they made their way to the enchanting Greek destinations of Igoumenitsa, Delphi, and Athens, immersing themselves in the wonders of ancient civilizations.

Thanks to their local communities’ generous support of their entrepreneurial endeavors, these Girl Scouts were able to witness firsthand the architectural marvels of Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City. They also toured Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Catacombs. In Florence, they marveled at the historical cityscape, attended a traditional leather demonstration and pasta-making class, and strolled along the charming Ponte Vecchio. The scenic Adriatic Coast offered them a much-needed respite, where they enjoyed a nighttime ferry ride through the crystal-clear waters.

The group attended a traditional leather demonstration and pasta making class while Florence.

Crossing over to Greece, the Girl Scouts experienced the magic of Igoumenitsa, a coastal town renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. In Delphi, they delved into the ancient ruins of the Oracle, gaining insights into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Greece. The journey culminated in Athens, where they walked in the footsteps of the great philosophers at the Acropolis and toured the Athens Museum at their own pace.

The entire group, including Girl Scouts from Florida, Pennsylvania, and Kansas, enjoyed a ferry ride along the Adriatic Coast.

The group traveled with fellow Girl Scouts from Pennsylvania and Kansas, who also earned the trip as a Cookie Reward. The girls expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to travel abroad through their participation in the Cookie Program. This incredible opportunity has not only broadened their understandings of the world but has also empowered them with a global perspective and a renewed sense of curiosity.

Once a year, Girl Scouts around the country venture into the entrepreneurial world to learn
business and financial skills and earn money to fund their Girl Scouting goals. Through “learning by earning,” Girl Scouting aims to empower girls through the development of five essential skills: goal setting, money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics. In addition to the five key skills girls learn from the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls whose troop chooses the base troop proceeds plan can earn individual girl rewards. Cookie Rewards vary each year and may include reward items, clubs, events, and trips. Direct, booth and online sales, as well as cookies sold for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Mints for the Military Program all count towards a girl’s end-of-sale totals.

Ashley Gill, GSGCF Product Program Manager, shared her thoughts on this life-changing experience, saying: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community, who made it possible for these Girl Scouts to embark on this incredible journey. The lessons we learned, the friendships we made, and the memories we created will stay with us forever. Selling cookies not only helped these girls achieve their goals but also taught them valuable skills, such as teamwork, communication, and entrepreneurship.”

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is immensely proud of these six exceptional Girl Scouts, who exemplify the spirit of determination, ambition, and resilience that the organization seeks to instill in its members.

The trip of a lifetime was made possible by the girls’ participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

611 Girls Honored at 2023 Young Women of Distinction Ceremony

May23 by Jessica Miano

A total of 611 Girl Scouts from across 10 Florida counties will be honored at the annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony on May 21, 2023 at the Charlotte Harbor Convention Center.

This annual celebration provides friends, family, troop leaders, volunteers, and council staff the opportunity to honor the outstanding achievements of Girl Scouts throughout the council.

Among those being honored are 40 Girl Scouts who earned the Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting, and the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. 78 Girl Scouts will receive the Bronze Award; the third highest honor in Girl Scouting, and the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn.

Awardees will be introduced by the Class of 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts, who recently received their Gold Award pins at the 3^rd annual GSGCF Gold Award Luncheon. The Gold Award is the highest award and most prestigious honor a Girl Scout can earn.

Other awards to be presented include the My Promise, My Faith Pin, which invites girls to experience a faith journey through exploration of the Girl Scout Law and teachings from their faith; the Journey Summit Award Pin, which is earned by girls who have completed three National Leadership Journeys at their grade level; and the 10 Year Membership Pin. Graduating Girl Scouts, Girl Scout College Scholarship recipients, and Cookie Entrepreneurs will also be recognized at the celebration.

The event is made possible by several generous sponsors: Publix Supermarket Charities, Florida Power & Light, the Swift Family Foundation, and The United Way.

Gulfcoast Girl Scouts Celebrate Cookie Entrepreneurs with a Day at the Water Park

May18 by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts and their families “flooded” the park on Saturday for a well-deserved day of fun and celebration. Sun Splash Water Park in Cape Coral welcomed Girl Scouts and their guests for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s annual Splash Bash event. Girl Scouts who sold 750+ packages of Cookies during the 2023 Cookie Program qualify to earn this reward. The reward is offered annually and has become a tradition for Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and their families.

The gathering took place after the park had closed for the day, making this a Girl Scout exclusive event. A total of 852 guests attended, including Girl Scouts and their guests. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian was in attendance, as well.

“It’s truly a rewarding experience to see so many familiar faces and Girl Scout minded individuals having a great time together!” said Ashley Gill, Product Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

Participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls learn skills they need to become successful adults who will contribute to their communities and strengthen the U.S. workforce. Long before they assume adult roles, the Girl Scout Cookie Program allows girls real-world opportunities to manage money, become ethical and reliable entrepreneurs, set goals, meet deadlines, work well with others, and understand customers. This learning occurs in an environment ideally suited to ensure the lessons are integrated into their everyday lives, for these girls are active, engaged learners who are having fun as they learn and earn.

Girl Scouts are always up for new experiences—spotting owls on a night hike, learning to cook with solar power, writing poetry, or even starting a business. Sound like you? We want you in our crew. At Girl Scouts, you’ll find a place to try new things, discover new talents, and most importantly, be fully yourself. Join the squad and get ready to make awesome memories with forever friends. Learn more about becoming a Girl Scout: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/get-involved/join.html.

Girl Scout Top Cookie Entrepreneurs Attend Sister Act at Broadway Palm Theatre

May11 by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida recently took a group of 64 members, including Girl Scouts and their families, to enjoy lunch and a show at the Broadway Palm Theater in Fort Myers on Saturday, May 6. The girls enjoyed lunch with Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian, followed by a performance of Sister Act.

Sister Act, the critically acclaimed, high-spirited musical comedy, is a shining tribute to the universal power of friendship – a suitable performance for the Girl Scouts’ day at the theatre.

The trip was a Cookie Reward for girls who sold 2,023+ boxes of cookies in the 2023 Cookie Program. One thing that all Girl Scouts gain, specifically from the Girl Scout Cookie Program, are solid money smarts that will last them a lifetime. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest entrepreneurial program for girls in the world, which offers real-world opportunities to apply lessons learned around goal setting, budgeting and planning, critical thinking, collaboration, and organization. The girls who received this reward, dubbed “CEO Luncheon,” showed extraordinary initiative, goal-setting, and decision-making skills by achieving the 2,023 Cookie package milestone.

The CEO Luncheon reward is offered annually as a chance for girls to spend a little time with the council’s CEO.

Sister Act, the critically acclaimed, high-spirited musical comedy, is a shining tribute to the universal power of friendship – a fitting performance for the Girl Scouts’ day at the theatre.

Sister Act, the critically acclaimed, high-spirited musical comedy, is a shining tribute to the universal power of friendship – a fitting performance for the Girl Scouts’ day at the theatre.

From left to right, GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian poses with Girl Scout Cadette Amanda and her mother at the 2023 CEO Luncheon.

From left to right, GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian poses with Girl Scout Cadette Grace and GSGCF Product Program Manager Ashley Gill at the 2023 CEO Luncheon.

Gulfcoast Girl Scouts Donate Over 40K Cookies to Soldiers and Hometown Heroes

Apr27 by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida donated 40,528 boxes of Cookies to soldiers, first responders, and other community heroes through their Hometown Heroes and Mints for Military programs.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to host its annual Hometown Heroes and Mints for Military Cookie donation programs once again. This year, 40,528 boxes of Cookies were donated through the programs to local first responders, public servants, and essential workers, as well as soldiers stationed locally and overseas.

Girl Scouts have been delivering Cookies donated through the Hometown Heroes program at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, St. David’s Jubilee Center of Englewood Florida, Englewood Helping Hand, Inc., Englewood Meals on Wheels, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton Fire Department, the Bradenton Police Department, NCH North Naples Hospital, Lee Memorial Hospital, Iona McGregor Fire District in South Fort Myers, and to many other local first responders, teachers, public servants, and essential workers throughout the Gulfcoast footprint.

GSGCF’s Mints for the Military program allows customers to purchase Cookies to be donated to support active military personnel and veterans. Cookies are donated locally and overseas.

GSGCF partners with Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops to deliver Cookie donations to military and veterans. Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops are non-profit organizations with the mission to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military and veteran community. A total of 25,000 boxes of Cookies were donated to Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops this year by Gulfcoast Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout troops throughout the Gulfcoast footprint have also been delivering Cookie donations locally through the GSGCF Hometown Heroes program. Over 15,000 boxes of Cookies were donated locally, and hand delivered by Girl Scouts to local first responders, schools, hospitals, and to other hometown heroes.

“Locally girls have been visiting fire stations, police stations, schools, hospitals, veterans’ facilities, and any other heroes that have helped us keep afloat over the last couple of years,” said Ashley Gill, GSGCF Product Program Manager. “The number of smiles we are causing with these donations is truly heartwarming.”