Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc (GSGCF) is proud to announce that it has received a generous grant of $5,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. This grant will support the organization’s operating expenses and efforts to expand membership among girls throughout the 10-county council in 2024.

“Our recent donation to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is an investment in the future leaders, innovators and change-makers of our communities,” said Kourtney Berry, Executive Director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “Empowering young females with the skills and tools they need to be successful builds confidence and fuels them to follow their dreams.”

GSGCF is committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), girls are empowered to lead their own adventures, collaborate with others, and engage in hands-on activities of their choice. The organization focuses on fostering personal and academic success in girls, preparing them for their chosen careers or life paths, all within a girl-led, girl-focused environment.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for their generous support,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of GSGCF. “This grant will enable us to continue our mission of empowering girls throughout Southwest Florida and ensuring that all girls have access to the invaluable experiences and opportunities that Girl Scouts provides.”

With over 5,000 Girl Scouts and Volunteer Leaders, GSGCF serves the communities of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

The support from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation will help GSGCF reach more girls and provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Through this partnership, GSGCF will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of girls and in the communities it serves.

For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and how to get involved, please visit http://www.gsgcf.org.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.

About Suncoast Credit Union

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 11th largest in the United States based on its $17.7 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $44 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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The Estate of Sandi Stewart has generously provided a $10K match for donations made Noon to Noon April 9-10 as part of the 2024 Giving Challenge.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is thrilled to announce a significant $10,000 match generously provided by the Estate of Sandi Stewart for the upcoming 2024 Giving Challenge. Sandi Stewart, whose profound dedication to empowering young girls spans over three decades, has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.

Sandi’s journey with Girl Scouts began as a dedicated volunteer, driven by her passion for empowering young girls to become confident leaders. Over the years, she climbed the ladder within the organization, serving as the finance director and ultimately becoming the CEO in 1998. For a remarkable 23 years, she devoted herself to shaping the future of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. During her tenure as CEO, Sandi accomplished incredible milestones, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and on the lives of countless young women.

“Sandi believed in the philanthropic nature of our community to support our wonderful local, non-profit organizations, and we are honored to be able to provide the match to support the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida,” said Allison Stewart.

A true visionary, Sandi Stewart instilled in young girls the belief in their ability to dream big and realize their full potential as leaders of courage, confidence, and character. Her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those she inspired, fueling the mission to create a brighter future for generations of young women.

“We are deeply honored to receive this generous match in memory of Sandi Stewart,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “Her passion for empowering girls has had a profound impact on our organization, and this match will enable us to continue her legacy of fostering courage, confidence, and character in young women.”

As the 2024 Giving Challenge approaches, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida invites supporters to join in honoring Sandi Stewart’s remarkable legacy and contributing to the mission of empowering young women. Donations made during the Giving Challenge will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift.

Prior to the Giving Challenge, supporters are encouraged to mark their calendars for April 9th and 10th to #BeTheOne to #SupportGirlLeadership. For more information and to participate in the Giving Challenge, please visit https://www.gsgcf.org/en/support-us/2024givingchallenge.html.

During the Giving Challenge, individuals are invited to #BeTheOne to #SupportGirlLeadership by making a matching donation to honor Sandi Stewart’s legacy. Additionally, gifts up to $100 will receive a 1:1 match from The Patterson Foundation, amplifying the impact of every contribution.

Join Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida in honoring Sandi Stewart’s extraordinary legacy and supporting the next generation of female leaders during the 2024 Giving Challenge.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers. This generous contribution will support our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Since our organization expanded to Fort Myers 62 years ago, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc has been a cornerstone of the community, serving girls across 10 counties and nearly 10,000 square miles in Southwest Florida. Our comprehensive programs, rooted in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), offer a wide array of age-appropriate, girl-led activities that prepare girls to tackle challenges in their lives while fostering personal and academic success.

“We are immensely grateful for the support of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc. “This grant will ensure that any girl residing in Fort Myers and surrounding communities in Lee County who is interested in participating in Girl Scouts can do so, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”

The funding will be utilized to cover fees such as uniforms, activity fees, and other essentials, enabling girls from diverse backgrounds to access the enriching experiences Girl Scouts offers. Our programs are offered at various locations throughout Lee County, including schools, churches, community centers, and public housing facilities, ensuring accessibility for all girls.

The impact of Girl Scouts extends far beyond the organization itself. Our programs are designed to instill a sense of self, positive values, challenge-seeking attitudes, healthy relationships, and community problem-solving skills in girls, contributing to their overall well-being and long-term success. Girl Scouts offers a comprehensive enrichment program that encompasses various activities, including STEM, outdoor adventures, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

The grant from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers marks another milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower girls and create positive change in our communities. We look forward to continuing our partnership with organizations like Rotary Club of Fort Myers to make a difference in the lives of girls across Southwest Florida.

“Through our partnership with the school system and our presence at community events, we strive to reach every girl in grades K-12, offering them opportunities to develop confidence, values, and essential life skills,” added Mary Anne Servian. “The support from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers will significantly enhance our ability to serve the girls of Lee County and surrounding areas.”

Envision a young girl battling anxiety, a teenager navigating life after a traumatic brain injury, a police officer coping with PTSD, or a mom facing the weight of depression. What binds them together? The potential for healing, thanks to the dedicated individuals committed to bettering our world and nurturing the growth of courage, confidence, and character.

Through the 2022 Giving Challenge, donors to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida made a difference by enabling the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all girls, including those facing unique mental and physical challenges.

Two years ago, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida embarked on a quest to find a nonprofit partner that shared our passion for making a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of others. Enter the transformative collaboration between the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and Prospect Riding Center during the 2022 Giving Challenge – a partnership poised to make a difference in the lives of those facing unique challenges.

Our partnership with the Prospect Riding Center developed organically, and quickly grew into a collaborative and prosperous relationship that we are still bragging about to this day.

Prospect Riding Center, nestled on 10 acres of farmland in the picturesque Myakka City, offered therapeutic and recreational horseback riding but also championed a mission to assist individuals with special needs through equine-assisted therapy. Their dedication to overcoming physical, developmental, and psychological challenges aligned seamlessly with the Girl Scouts’ commitment to making the world a better place, guided by the core value of courage.

The highlight of our partnership was undoubtedly the “Hootenanny at Honi,” a spectacular community event that unfolded at the Girl Scout Camp Honi Hanta on April 26, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This event wasn’t just a gathering; it was a celebration of unity, compassion, and the collective strength that arises when individuals come together for a shared cause.

Our ambitious goal for the evening was to “stuff the boot” with supplies and gift cards for Prospect Riding Center’s therapeutic riding program. And let me tell you, the community responded with overwhelming generosity. The event transformed the camp into a vibrant haven of live music, delectable bites, yard games, stick horse races, and a donation station buzzing with the spirit of giving.

The atmosphere was electric, drawing in not only our steadfast supporters but also new donors eager to contribute to the cause. Laughter echoed through the air as children engaged in stick horse races, families enjoyed the live music by the 301 Travelers, and everyone reveled in the joy of giving back.

The impact of the “Hootenanny at Honi” extended far beyond the bounds of the event itself. On that remarkable day, the Prospect Riding Center described the collaboration with Girl Scouts as extremely successful. With funding from the 2022 Giving Challenge, both organizations could hardly wait to start dreaming up plans for future collaborations.

Our relationship didn’t fade away after the Giving Challenge; instead, it flourished into a lasting commitment. Prospect Riding Center became an integral part of the Girl Scout Cadette Leadership Program, bringing horses to teach girls about the role of large animals in therapeutic care and leadership.

Troops eagerly scheduled days to travel to the farm, gaining hands-on experience in animal care and exploring their interests with horses.

With educational sessions and recreational riding days, the impact of our partnership extended beyond just helping those with disabilities – also educating the public about the role of large animals in therapeutic care.

Additionally, Girl Scouts performed acts of service at the farm. The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast sent troops to Prospect Riding Center to revamp their sensory riding trail, ensuring it remains in top shape for therapeutic riding.

This collaborative spirit not only embodied the #BeTheOne theme but also reflected the Girl Scouts’ commitment to giving back to the community. Our mission to #BeTheOne to uplift those struggling did not end with the 2022 Giving Challenge; it evolved into a way of life.  The dollars raised that weekend continued to enable educational programming for girls throughout our council, well beyond the Hootenanny and into the next Membership Year. Our participation in the Giving Challenge enabled us to connect with new donors and community partners, some of whom we are partnering with for the 2024 Giving Challenge.

As we fast-forward to 2024, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is staying true to our mission of empowering girls to make the world a better place. This time, we are collaborating with the non-profit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota Manatee Counties and our for-profit business partner, Children’s World, for the 2024 Giving Challenge.

Our collaboration with NAMI has already commenced. Through this partnership, girls will have the chance to earn GSUSA’s new Mental Health Badges at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital in March. Licensed facilitators will guide the girls through activities designed to help them earn the Junior Knowing My Emotions Badge, Cadette Finding My Voice Badge, and Senior and Ambassador Showing Up For Me and You Badge. The badge curriculum, developed by GSUSA in collaboration with NAMI, aims to foster mental health awareness and increased well-being.

A Self Care Fair, sponsored by the GSGCF Board of Directors, is planned at Camp Honi Hanta on April 6, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free family event promises an afternoon filled with arts & crafts, games, yoga, and other mental wellness activities. Attendees will learn to identify and journal their feelings, relax with yoga and meditation, and gain insights into valuable community resources. The event will be open to youth throughout community, and Girl Scouts will receive a 2024 Giving Challenge Patch for attending.

In June, a third collaborative event is planned with NAMI. At our annual Volunteer Celebration at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice for their volunteer leaders. During the event, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties will facilitate a 30-minute wellness-based training activity that the Girl Scout leaders can then present to their troops.

You too can join the movement to #BeTheOne to #KnowYourWorth, as the Girl Scouts continue to support girls’ mental health and empower them be unique, united, and unstoppable.

“Through our partnership with NAMI Sarasota Manatee Counties, we are not just fostering mental health; we are igniting a flame of resilience, courage, and strength. At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we believe in being the one to make a difference,” said Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO. “By standing shoulder to shoulder with NAMI, we are amplifying our commitment to inspire courage, build confidence, and shape the character of the young girls we serve. Together, we are not only breaking down stigmas but also creating a community where each individual can recognize their worth and celebrate their uniqueness. This partnership is a testament to the enduring power of unity, compassion, and the belief that, collectively, we can #BeTheOne to uplift and empower every girl, fostering a world where mental wellness is a shared journey towards strength and resilience.”

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register soon, as attendance is limited. Let’s come together and #BeTheOne to make a difference! Register for the Self Care Fair today on Eventbrite.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida would like to share a successful career exploration event recently hosted by Girl Scouts from Collier County. The event, held on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at 14700 Immokalee Road in Naples, brought together girls of all ages to interact with accomplished women across various professions, inspiring them to dream big and explore diverse career paths.

Troop 392 Ambassador Girl Scouts Kaitlyn and Marissa successfully organized the event, creating a platform for information-sharing, networking, and showcasing the endless possibilities available to young girls as they navigate their future career paths. Several Collier troops enthusiastically participated in the “You Can Be Anything” Event, where an inspiring array of accomplished professionals shared their experiences with the eager attendees.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, also attended the event as a guest speaker. She spoke enthusiastically about the impact of the event: “At Girl Scouts, we believe in providing girls with opportunities to discover their potential and pursue their passions. The career exploring event was aligned perfectly with our mission to empower girls to become leaders in their chosen fields. The fact that it was led by girls, for girls, is also inspiring. It was truly amazing to see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the girls as they engaged with successful women from different careers.”

The event featured over a dozen guest speakers, including law enforcement officers, physicians, animal shelter workers, a judge, and Mary Anne Servian herself. These accomplished women shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving their goals. Attendees had the unique opportunity to meet and interact with women from various career fields, including a judge, a CEO, a CAO, a doctor, an author, an engineer, an animal rescuer, an animal biologist, a social media specialist, a public relations director, a retired Army helicopter pilot/current Medflight Chief Pilot, and Collier County Sheriff’s Officers. The girls not only gained valuable insights into different professions but also had the chance to connect with these role models, fostering a sense of empowerment and expanding their horizons.

Girls of all ages were treated to hands-on activities suitable for diverse interests. High school girls, in particular, gained access to valuable information about potential career paths and job opportunities. The event also fostered a sense of inclusivity by encouraging girls to bring friends along.

The event was open to Girl Scouts as well as the general public, with a nominal registration fee of $2. Attendees also received an exclusive event patch.

Let’s all take a moment to reflect on a Black woman trailblazer and change-maker whose story has impacted you. It could be someone you know personally or someone you learned about at school. Can you picture her yet?

Now, share her story with one or more people and inspire them to celebrate the strength, originality, beauty, and resilience of Black girls and women everywhere.

In this Black History Month (and every month!), let’s acknowledge, celebrate, and commemorate the achievements of Black Americans. History is not only about the past; girls everywhere are molding the future as we speak! From phenomenal Gold Award Girl Scouts making a lasting impact on their communities to bold Black women breaking records and shattering glass ceilings—Black history is happening all around us.

In 2024, the Girl Scouts continue to uphold their commitment to diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism. At the 2023 Convention, the DEIRJ Language Amendment was adopted, amending the Preamble to the Girl Scouts Constitution. The new preamble emphasizes the dedication to advancing diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism in the Girl Scout Movement and the communities in which they live.

You and your Girl Scout can start by downloading the free activity guide for the Black History Month Celebration “I’m A Girl Scout!” Fun patch.

Here are a few ideas your Girl Scout is sure to love:

1. Watch a movie or documentary about Black history in the United States, then share it with your friends. Kick off your list with a silver screen activity. Learn about Black stories through the eyes of notable Black storytellers, including directors, actors, and historians. Share what you learned with your friends or host a screening!
2. Identify five books written by Black authors that you would like to read—and start reading one of them! Throughout history, Black authors and poets have shaped the ideals and imaginations of their readers. Explore your favorite genres and find those stories that you won’t want to put down. Here are some of our favorite books by Black authors:
   • Black in Time by Alison Hammond & E. L. Norry (2022): Get ready to take a trip back in time with TV presenter Alison Hammond as she takes a look at some of the great Black people who have helped shape the world.
   • Look Up! By Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola (2019): Rocket loves to look up at the stars. She wants to be an astronaut after all, just like her hero Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space. Packed with fun facts about meteors and space to satisfy those curious minds, this charming picture book is laden with gorgeous illustrations that will convince the most phone-mad kids to get excited about the natural world, just like Rocket.
   • Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers by Michelle Obama (2021): Michelle Obama released her bestselling memoir Becoming back in 2018, and it’s now been adapted for younger readers to enjoy.
   • Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (2018): From singer Ella Fitzgerald to abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman to poet Maya Angelou and so many more, this educational and inspirational book features biographies of forty trailblazing black women in history. 
   • Change Sings by Amanda Gorman & Loren Long (2021): Poet and activist Amanda Gorman wowed the world when she delivered an inspiring poetry reading at the inauguration of US President Joe Biden in January 2021. And now Gorman, alongside illustrator Loren Long, has written a picture book that reiterates the hope and progress she spoke about that day. Change Sings tells the story of a young girl as she leads a cast of characters on a musical journey and teaches them that they all have the power to make changes. This is a must-have for everyone’s bookshelves.
3. List five Black woman scientists, along with a sentence (or more!) about each woman’s work. Get to know the trailblazers responsible for some of the most impactful contributions to science and beyond. Uplift and share the story of their legacy with those around you!
4. List five major events of the Civil Rights Movement, noting the dates and two or three details about each one. We are not that far removed from the movement that shaped the world we know today. This activity proves that it is never too late to discover new information or get a refresher on the old.
5. How did Black History Month get started? Learn more about National Freedom Day and Negro History Week. Last but not least, discover how it all came to be! Learn how the initial celebration, started by Carter G. Woodson, evolved into a month of worldwide commemoration and pride for the history, works, and achievements of the Black community.

For a full list of ideas and activities to earn your Black History Month Fun patch, download the GSUSA Black History Month Fun Patch Activity Guide.

This Black History Month, let’s fill our social media feeds with a showcase of Black women who changed our world in decades past, as well as those who continue to do so today.

Are you ready to be inspired? Welcome to a journey through the remarkable legacy of Black women who, as proud members of the Girl Scouts, have left an indelible mark on history.

From the early struggles against racial segregation to the present day, the Girl Scout Movement has been a catalyst for empowerment and leadership among Black and African American girls.

Though initially racially segregated, the first troop for Black girls was established in 1917. By the 1950s, GSUSA initiated a national effort to desegregate all Girl Scout troops, with Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledging the Girl Scouts as “a force for desegregation” in 1956. Over its 100-year history, GSUSA has fostered noble leadership among Black women, with the first African American GSUSA President, Dr. Gloria D. Scott, serving from 1975 to 1978.

In recent times, GSUSA has forged partnerships with historically black colleges and universities, Essence magazine, and organizations like the National Urban League, United Negro College Fund, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. These collaborations have enriched the Girl Scout Movement, attracting new volunteers and Girl Scouts. Presently, nearly 300,000 Black and African American girls are actively involved in Girl Scouting, contributing to the organization’s beauty and strength.

The theme for Black History Month in 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” Numerous Black Girl Scout alum have made groundbreaking contributions to arts, fashion, television, and music over the years, exemplifying the potential for every Girl Scout to be influential in their communities and the world, making it a better place.

Highlighted among these accomplished individuals are notable Black Girl Scout alumnae:

Queen Latifah

Occupation: Actress, Singer

Background: Born Dana Elaine Owens in Newark, New Jersey, Queen Latifah earned acclaim as a rap artist with her debut album “All Hail to the Queen.” Her single “U.N.I.T.Y.” won a Grammy Award. In addition to her successful music career, she made her movie debut in Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever” in 1991 and was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in “Chicago” in 2002. As a former Girl Scout, she recently lent her voice to “Lifetime of Leadership,” a documentary celebrating famous Girl Scouts.

Robin Roberts

Occupation: Television Anchor

Robin Roberts, a Black woman and Girl Scout alum, anchors Good Morning America. Over the course of her career, she has received numerous accolades, including the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism and induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Dionne Warwick

Occupation: Singer, Actress, Television Host

Background: Born in East Orange, NJ, Dionne Warwick ranks among the top U.S. hit makers from 1955 to 1999. Warwick is a legendary American singer known for her soulful and sophisticated vocal style. She has recorded numerous hits across several decades. Some of Dionne Warwick’s most well-known songs include “Walk On By” (1964) and “I Say a Little Prayer” (1967). She served as the United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization. Her commitment to empowering others is inspirational.

Star Jones

Occupation: Television Host, Fashion Designer, Lawyer, Writer

Star Jones, a former Girl Scout, co-hosted The View for nine years. In addition to her prominent role in television, she is a fashion designer, lawyer, and writer. She was the first African-American woman to host a courtroom reality-drama in the subcategory of arbitrations.

Mariah Carey

Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actress

Background: Mariah Carey, a former Girl Scout, is renowned for her exceptional vocal range and melismatic singing style. Known as the “Songbird Supreme,” she has produced chart-topping hits, including the best-selling Christmas song by a female artist of all time, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Carey comes from a mixed racial background of Irish, African-American, and Venezuelan descent.

Meghan Markle

Occupation: Former actress, former fashion designer, Duchess of Sussex

Background: Born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, Meghan Markle has a mixed-race heritage. Before her marriage to Prince Harry, she pursued acting, gaining recognition for her role as Rachel Zane in the legal drama series Suits. An outspoken feminist, Markle addressed issues of gender inequality and showcased influential women on her lifestyle website, The Tig. Her contributions to the arts through her acting career and fashion design are significant.

These women exemplify the diverse and impactful journeys that Girl Scouts can undertake, highlighting how we foster leadership, empowerment, and success across various fields for all women.

Want to learn more? Make this Black History Month even better and earn the Black History Month Fun Patch with your troop!

Download and complete the free Fun Patch Activities here. Then, go get your patch at the Girl Scout Shop!