Girl Scout News


Celebrating Some of the Best Moments from Phenom By Girl Scouts!


2023 National Convention Recap


In Lake Buena Vista, nearly ten thousand Girl Scouts, volunteers, and supporters converged for an unforgettable experience this past July at the 2023 Girl Scout Convention. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, inspiration, and innovation as we came together to celebrate the phenomenal power of our Movement.

   

56th National Council Session

The week kicked off with inspiring speakers and lively discussions at the 56th National Council Session (NCS). This triennial business meeting gives delegates from every Girl Scout council across the nation and USA Girl Scouts Overseas a chance to discuss, debate, and, most importantly, vote on issues that are key to the Girl Scout Movement. The delegates also elect national leaders for the next triennium.

NCS was marked by pivotal moments that set the stage for growth and transformation within the Girl Scout Movement. We expressed gratitude to Karen P. Layng for her lifelong dedication and service as she concluded her tenure as National Board President of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). Then, we welcomed Noorain F. Khan as the newly elected National Board President. Khan will lead a diverse 30-member National Board of Directors, which will manage governance, legal, and fiduciary responsibilities while working with the Movement to continue building girls of confidence, courage and character.


The National Council took decisive action on important topics, including codifying anti-racism into our Constitution, reaffirming support for the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and making important governance decisions that will help move our organization forward, together. Thank you to all the incredible girls who stepped up as presiding officers. Your exceptional preparation and passionate delivery of insights were nothing short of inspiring. We are immensely proud of every one of you for embracing the Girl Scout Promise and Law, showcasing leadership at its finest. Your dedication and excellence set a shining example for us all!


PHENOMenal Speakers and Performers

Throughout the convention, we immersed ourselves in thought-provoking talks from Girl Scout alums, experts, and champions of girls and women everywhere. Their words of wisdom, personal stories, and experiences inspired us to show up more, speak out louder, and take action on issues we believe in—in our communities and the world.

Phenom By Girl Scouts officially kicked off with an epic start—the unforgettable opening ceremony rocked the house with a performance by Alaya High AKA That Girl Lay Lay. This 16-year-old multi-talented singer, rapper, producer, and actress lit up the stage with electrifying energy and our favorite songs. Lay Lay absolutely crushed it while Girl Scouts danced and had a blast. Her powerful message of confidence and big dreams reminded us that if we've got lofty goals, “we gotta be bold and believe!” If you missed Lay Lay’s Instagram shout-out for the 2023 Gold Award Class, check it out and share with others.



Attendees were treated to many inspiring keynote talks. Here are a few highlights:
  • Best-selling author, award-winning mental fitness speaker and Gold Award Girl Scout, Erika Kendrick, shared how Girl Scouts shaped her life through establishing essential values and emotional intelligence, leading her to achieve her dreams. Erika highlighted the transformative impact of the Gold Award on her personal and professional life and encouraged others to share their success stories while advocating for mental wellness and suicide prevention—so important!
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert Speaker & Consultant, Deanna Singh, talked about the importance of being seen and seeing others and how being a Girl Scout built her confidence. Deanna's words stirred in us a deep appreciation for the guiding principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging girls to unlock their unique potential.
  • Soon-to-be two-time basketball Hall of Famer and Fiserv ambassador, Nancy Lieberman’s wise words on overcoming obstacles in male-dominated fields resonated deeply. “Obstacles are only obstacles if you make them obstacles,” said Nancy, sparking nods of agreement and reaffirming our belief in the limitless potential of girls.
  • Telva McGruder, executive director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering at General Motors and newly elected GSUSA National Board member, sparked an energizing conversation with Gold Award Girl Scouts about fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) everywhere, leaving us inspired to create positive change. Be sure to check out Telva’s behind-the-scenes video where she answered what steps Girl Scouts can take to promote DEI.
  • Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEM entrepreneur who is confirmed to be the first African American woman to fly with Jeff Bezos' private spaceflight company, Blue Origin, on the New Shepard rocket shared her journey to pursuing her passion in aerospace engineering. She proved to be an example of what girls can achieve when they dream big and reach for the stars. Her words resonated deeply with all of us, reinforcing the importance of nurturing ambitious dreams and courageously going after them.
A heartfelt “thank you” goes out to all the incredible convention speakers, whose wisdom and inspiration left a lasting mark and will continue to fuel our commitment to the Girl Scout Movement for years to come.


All the Experiences

The week was packed with dazzling performances, enriching and fun activities, and uplifting experiences. As troops, girls, families, volunteers, visitors, and staff explored tons of fun and educational booths and experiences, there were non-stop moments of bonding over our shared love of Girl Scouts.

We couldn’t have done it all without the support of our incredible partners who made the biggest gathering of Girl Scouts a smash hit! We send our deepest thanks to: Fiserv, General Motors, AT&T, Charles Schwab Foundation, Disney Imagination Campus, CFP Board, PayPal, Meta, ABC Bakers, JOANN, Palmer & Cay, SOLV Energy, Johnson & Johnson Foundation, Little Brownie Bakers, NEWMARK, and United Airlines.

The convention united thousands of Girl Scouts, volunteers, and supporters with a shared goal of supporting young women to be bold, brave, and unapologetically themselves. We were reminded of the incredible potential within every one of us. As we bid farewell to this unforgettable event, we carry with us the momentum of positivity, growth, and a resolute commitment to shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for girls and women everywhere.



2026 Convention

Wondering about the 2026 Girl Scout Convention? Stay tuned for the grand reveal by the end of 2023 as we thoughtfully determine the location for our next national gathering! It's sure to be a convention like no other, and we can't wait to share the fun-filled journey with all of you.

P.S.
There's quite a buzz surrounding the Phenom By Girl Scouts products in the Girl Scout Shop and it's no fairy tale! From stylish clothes to must-have accessories, these items are disappearing like magic. Check them out before they’re gone! 🛍️

Get the Ultimate Girl Scout Charm Jewelry Experience with CHARM IT!

Get the Ultimate Girl Scout Charm Jewelry Experience with CHARM IT! Calling all Girl Scouts! The CHARM IT!® Girl Scouts® Jewelry Collection is here!  Two brands, one empowered collection. CHARM IT! encourages girls to express themselves through their wide range of timeless yet ever-evolving charm accessories. They've [...]

The post Get the Ultimate Girl Scout Charm Jewelry Experience with CHARM IT! appeared first on Troop Leader Central.

10 Adorable Crafts to Create With Your Girl Scout Troop

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Arts and crafts are one of the best parts…

The post 10 Adorable Crafts to Create With Your Girl Scout Troop appeared first on Leader Connecting Leaders.

“Gold Pumpkins for the Cure” is Making a Difference with Troop Pumpkin Painting Activities

“Gold Pumpkins for the Cure” is Making a Difference with Troop Pumpkin Painting Activities Help Fight Childhood Cancer with This Free Program “Gold Pumpkins for the Cure” is a fun way to make a difference with a troop pumpkin painting activities this Fall. Scouts can [...]

The post “Gold Pumpkins for the Cure” is Making a Difference with Troop Pumpkin Painting Activities appeared first on Troop Leader Central.

Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting

If you want to take a break from regular badge work, here is a once every four years Girl Scout Leap Year meeting.

*This post contains affiliate links.

For many leaders who are in the cookie zone, the end of February may seem like a long way off. Booth sales, cookie meetings, and cookie cupboard pickups are front and center right now. Even though it is a few weeks away, it isn’t too soon to start planning your upcoming meetings.

This year, in 2024, leaders have the once every four years opportunity to celebrate Leap Year with their troop. Daisies don’t remember what a Leap Year is, as they were toddlers the last time one occurred in 2020. 

Leaders, here is an opportunity for your troop to celebrate February 29th, 2024 with this Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting resource.

Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting


 
Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting



Included in this resource:

  • Leap Year trivia game
  • Movement activities
  • Thinking games
  • Recipes and other food activities
  • Future Me page
  • Coloring pages
  • All printables

What are you planning to do for your Girl Scout Leap Year meeting?

Make a Girl Scout Daisy Time Capsule for Thirds Day 3.3.33

*This post contains affiliate links.

Did you know that on 3/3/33 your Daisy troop will be 11th or 12th grade Ambassador Scouts? 

I have a fun way for your troop to celebrate now and then again later!

This Girl Scout Daisy Time Capsule Meeting for Thirds Day 3.3.33 is one where your troop will create a special box of memories to be opened when they are teenagers. March 3, 2033 takes place on a Thursday, so it will be Thirds Day! It is another special numerical palindrome that your scouts will get to celebrate.

Make a Girl Scout Daisy Time Capsule for Thirds Day 3.3.33


Included in this resource are:

  • A list of activities you can do with your troop to prepare your time capsule
  • Ideas to make your time capsule
  • Two "All About me" pages
  • A Troop Signature page
  • A letter to their Future Ambassador Scout page

This is fun to do now and something to look forward to later!

Girl Scout Daisy Craft and Tinker Meeting Plans

*This post contains affiliate links. 

The Girls Scouts of the USA have issued some new badges for Daisies, Brownie and Juniors. One of the newest badges is the Girl Scout Daisy Craft and Tinker Badge.

What is the Girl Scout Daisy Craft and Tinker Badge?

The Girl Scout Daisy Craft and Tinker Badge badge will have your troop  creating something new, but thinking about who they are making it for and what they need to make it work. They will get to use different craft tools to make a gift for someone special.


Girl Scout Daisy Craft and Tinker Badge


Available on TpT


What's included in this resource:

  • All three steps
  • Hands on stations activity for Step 1
  • Choice of three different age appropriate crafts for Step 2
  • Easy discussion for Step 3


Turning Waste to Wonder

Find out how a group of Girl Scouts took restaurant food waste to a new level! Reimaging Kitchen Waste  Early in the fall, Girl Scouts worked with local muralist Amanda Koss to...