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


Available on TpT

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?

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Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting

An Important Update for Our Members and Supporters


For over 100 years, Girl Scouts of the USA has been dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. An important part of this mission is the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program, which is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. The cookie program teaches valuable life skills like goal setting, decision making, people skills, money management, and business ethics ensuring that girls can become leaders in their communities.

The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority. Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume.

A recent report claimed that our Girl Scout Cookies contain certain levels of glyphosate and heavy metals. We want to address these allegations and share the facts:

Girl Scout Cookies are made with ingredients that adhere to food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities.
  • Our trusted bakers remain committed to compliance with all food safety standards and regulations set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant health authorities.
  • These standards ensure that food products are safe for consumption.
  • As a result, Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume and are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations.
To further put the coverage in proper context:
  • Environmental contaminants—which can include heavy metals— can occur naturally in soil. This means that nearly all foods using plant-based ingredients, including organic foods, may contain trace amounts. This does not mean that these foods are harmful to consume.
  • Glyphosate is widely used in agriculture in accordance with established EPA standards and is found nearly everywhere in the food chain. Trace amounts of glyphosate can be found in fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, baked goods, and other food and beverage commodities.
  • Similarly, small amounts of heavy metals can be found naturally in the environment, including in food products, due to air, water, and soil exposure.
  • These metals are not added to our Girl Scout Cookies.
  • While such occurrences are not unique to Girl Scout Cookies, our trusted baking partners continue to ensure the integrity of our recipes and the safety of all Girl Scout Cookie products in accordance with federal regulations and Global Food Safety initiative standards.
  • Our bakers have confirmed that the levels reported do not pose a food safety concern to our customers.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is about more than a sweet treat. It teaches Girl Scouts to think critically, build confidence, and use the skills of entrepreneurship, leadership, and business ethics in the real world. And remember: every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies powers life-changing experiences for Girl Scouts right in your local community. Visit girlscoutcookies.org to support a troop in your area.
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An Important Update for Our Members and Supporters

Meet the 2026-2029 GSUSA National Board President and Board of Directors



Since 1915, the National Council Session, our triennial business meeting, has been held in many cities across the nation to discuss, debate and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement. This year, the 58th National Council Session returns to Washington, DC, where nearly 1,000 Girl Scout delegates gathered to make history together.

A key event of the National Council Session is electing the National Board of Directors for the 2026-2029 term, including the National Board President. We are proud to announce Telva McGruder, executive director of global body manufacturing engineering for General Motors, former National Board member and council board chair and a lifetime member of GSUSA, was elected National Board President by the National Council.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as National Board President,” said McGruder. “As a proud Girl Scout alum, former troop leader and board member, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable opportunities this Movement offers girls to tap into their power, pursue their ambitions, and transform their communities. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to accelerate Girl Scouting’s impact and shape a bold and inspiring future for Girl Scouts everywhere.”



McGruder will lead GSUSA’s 31-member National Board of Directors as it guides the Movement to meet the needs of today’s girls and families. Board members bring a range of skills, expertise and perspectives to help advance Girl Scouts’ vision for the future. Thirty percent of the 2026–2029 term board members have served as board chair of a Girl Scout council and 70% are Girl Scout alums or have experienced Girl Scouting through a friend or family member.

As we welcome Telva to her new position, we thank Noorain Khan, 2023-2026 National Board President, for her contributions to the Girl Scout Movement. We are grateful to Noorain for her dedication and enthusiasm, especially regarding her work on advancing Vision 2030 and building a bold roadmap focused on making Girl Scouting more accessible, flexible, and impactful for girls and families nationwide. Her notable efforts to support governance modernization, financial stewardship initiatives, and a growing culture of philanthropy also supported the advancement of the organization.

We are also thankful for her work to deepen collaboration across the Girl Scout Movement and beyond, strengthening partnerships with local councils and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to expand opportunities for girls both nationally and globally. As she exits her role, Noorain leaves behind an impactful leadership legacy that will continue to support the future of Girl Scouting for years to come.

“I am deeply grateful to our outgoing board members for their service and commitment to Girl Scouts,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. “Their leadership has strengthened our Movement and positioned us for the future. Looking ahead, I could not be more excited to partner with National Board President Telva McGruder and our new and returning board members as we embark on the next triennium. Their collective experience, passion and commitment to girls will help propel Girl Scouts into an exciting new chapter; one that expands our reach, deepens our impact and advances our mission for generations to come.”


GSUSA’s National Board oversees the organization’s governance, legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Three non-board members of the National Board Development Committee were also elected to support the board and to identify candidates for future board vacancies. The complete list follows (*designates new members; + designates National Board Development Committee members):

Telva McGruder, President 
Executive Director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering
General Motors

Ileana Musa, First Vice President
Managing Director, Head of Sales, Private Banking Group
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association

Mary Ann Altergott, Second Vice President
Founder, The Clemont Group
Retired Principal, Edward Jones

Diane Tipton, Treasurer
Chief Executive Officer and President
Self Storage Zone

Maryann Waryjas, Secretary
President and Director
Coalition for Competition in Credit Ratings, Inc.;
Past Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer,
and Corporate Secretary
Herc Holdings Inc.

National Board Members-at-Large 2026–2029 

Diane Boettcher*
Retired
United States Navy

Beth Bovis
Senior Partner, Global Sustainability and Social Impact Lead
Kearney

Neil R. Brown*
Managing Director
KKR Global Institute and Infrastructure and Climate

Rebecca Chavez-Houck +
Community Engagement Consultant
Aspira Public Affairs, LLC
Former Member, Utah House of Representatives

Cami Gibertini*
Senior Vice President/Business Solutions
INB, A National Association

Erin Morgan Gore*+
Managing Director & Partner
Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Performance Improvement

Kira Rosoff Heller*
Principal and Senior Wealth Advisor
Bessemer Trust

Kerrie A. Hoffman*
Chief Executive Officer
Hoffman Digital

Cameron Jones*
Chief Financial Officer
National Basketball Players Association

Betsy Kamin*
Partner and Member-In-Charge, Houston Office
Clark Hill PLC

Jessie Kornberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
Skirball Cultural Center

Vidya Krishnan
Chief Learning and Belonging Officer
TD SYNNEX

Ana Tavares Lattibeaudiere
Principal and Co-Founder
MTL Management

Allison Lawrence*+
Vice President, Commercial Development, Americas
Stanley Black & Decker

Robyn Ratcliffe Manzini
President
Ridge Blossom Properties, LLC

Zara Mirza*
Chief of Staff to the President and CEO
TIAA

Stephanie Neuvirth, SPHR*
Global Vice President, People and Organization (CHRO)
Mars Veterinary Health

Jake Perlman
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Information
Officer
Charter Communications

Carolyn Pittman*
Independent Director
Minerals Technologies, Inc.

April Cadiente Schneider+
Vice President IT, Intellectual Property Management
and General Counsel
Sony Pictures Entertainment

Joanne Sebby*
Chief Risk Officer
Fiserv

Nabiha Syed*
Executive Director
Mozilla Foundation

Nithya Thadani*
Former CEO
RAIN Stella Technologies

Mary J. Thomas*
Associate Vice President, U.S. Consumer Services and
LillyDirect Business Operations
Eli Lilly and Company

Teresa C. Younger*
Former CEO and President Ms. Foundation for Women
Founder and Principal
Msty Consulting, LLC


Non-Board, National Board Development Committee, 2026–2029

Lupe Camargo
Certified Financial Planner ™
Perspective Financial Services, LLC

Debbie Hassan +
Retired, Partner
Deloitte and Touche, LLP

Sharon H. Matthews* +
Retired, Head of Employee Relations Consulting
Wells Fargo

Congratulations to the 2026-2029 National Board Officers and the 58th National Council Session delegates for their commitment to the future of Girl Scouting and a special thank you to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital for your hospitality as the host council for this important work. Stay tuned for more excitement out of Washington, DC as the Girl Scouts Unite event celebrates our Movement with 10,000 Girl Scouts and supporters this week.






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Meet the 2026-2029 GSUSA National Board President and Board of Directors

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

Available on Teachers Pay Teachers


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!
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Make a Girl Scout Daisy Time Capsule for Thirds Day 3.3.33

11 Easy Halloween Snacks and Desserts for Girl Scout Parties

11 Fun and Easy Halloween Snacks and Desserts for Girl Scout Parties Planning a Halloween party or troop meeting and need a few festive treats? These Halloween snacks and desserts bring plenty of spooky cute fun to the table, from monster eyed cookies to chocolate pretzel webs and pumpkin [...]

The post 11 Easy Halloween Snacks and Desserts for Girl Scout Parties appeared first on Troop Leader Central.

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11 Easy Halloween Snacks and Desserts for Girl Scout Parties

5 Young Trailblazers to Know This Black History Month

 


Black History Month is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future. Across the country, young people are shaping that future right now using creativity, courage, and compassion to challenge norms, open doors, and make space for others to thrive. We’re highlighting several young trailblazers whose stories reflect the power of ideas, leadership, and believing in what’s possible at any age.


Haili Smith and Brooke Smith


In 2020, siblings Haili Smith and Brooke Smith turned a personal challenge into a powerful solution. With different reading preferences but a shared realization, they noticed that stories became more engaging when young readers could see themselves reflected on the page. That led them to launch an organization dedicated to increasing access to culturally diverse children’s books in classrooms. What began as a simple idea has grown into a nationwide effort, with thousands of books placed into the hands of students. Their work highlights the importance of representation, empathy, and using lived experiences to spark positive change.


Genesis Butler


Genesis Butler has been advocating for the planet since early childhood. Inspired by family history and a concern for the environment, she began speaking out about the connection between everyday choices and environmental impact at a remarkably young age. Her voice quickly gained attention, opening doors for her to share her message on global stages. Over the years, Genesis has founded and led youth-driven initiatives focused on sustainability and climate awareness. Her leadership shows what’s possible when passion meets persistence, and how young people can influence conversations about the future of our world.


Bellen Woodard


Bellen Woodard noticed the language used in everyday creative spaces didn’t reflect everyone. Instead of accepting the norm, she imagined something better. Her idea helped shift how children think about identity, inclusion, and self-expression through art. By choosing curiosity and compassion, Bellen sparked conversations that reached far beyond her classroom. Her work reminds us that leadership often starts with asking thoughtful questions and having the courage to offer a more inclusive solution.


Kamora Freeland


Kamora Freeland looked to the sky and saw possibility. Introduced to aviation as a teenager, she balanced rigorous academics with flight training, earning her pilot’s license before many teens earn a driver’s license! In 2024, she made history as one of the youngest African American female pilots in her state. Kamora’s achievements extend beyond aviation. Graduating early and continuing her education with a focus on leadership and innovation, she is committed to opening doors for others who may not see themselves represented in the field. Her story is a powerful reminder that preparation, persistence, and confidence can help girls break barriers and soar beyond expectations.



Nia Thompson


From an early age, Nia Thompson knew she belonged on stage. A bold declaration in early childhood became a journey shaped by dedication, discipline, and self-advocacy. By the time she was a teenager, Nia had achieved a major performance milestone, turning years of preparation into a defining moment. Beyond performing, Nia has used her platform to celebrate culture, confidence, and creativity. She has explored storytelling through multiple formats and continues to build opportunities that uplift young voices. Her path reflects the power of setting goals early, believing in yourself, and showing up fully.

These young trailblazers remind us that leadership doesn’t wait for permission or perfection. It begins with noticing what’s missing, imagining something better, and taking that first brave step forward. During Black History Month, and all year long, we celebrate the next generation of changemakers who are shaping a more inclusive and hopeful future.
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5 Young Trailblazers to Know This Black History Month

Girl Scout Cookies: Unboxing the Girl Powered Future

The sweetest time of year is here! Girl Scout Cookies® are more than delicious treats—they’re building blocks for Girl Scouts to create a more equitable future for themselves and the world. Did you know the proceeds from each purchase stay local and fund Girl Scouts’ ambitions? Whether it's embarking on cross-country trips or supporting local communities, there's no limit to Unboxing the Future.

We asked our community on social how they’ve used past cookie funds, and their answers showed the impactful power of the Girl Scout Cookie Program®! Let’s take a look at how REAL Girl Scout troops have used their cookie money!

Giving Back

Girl Scouts are always looking for ways to make a positive impact in their communities. Many troops use their cookie funds to give back and help others. From donating toys and food to animal shelters to providing household products and food to local families, and bringing holiday cheer to fellow kids, cookie packages are a powerful tool for helping those in need! Moreover, cookie proceeds play a role in supporting Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects, which inspiring Girl Scouts use to make a difference by identifying and addressing challenges in their communities.



Badges and Activities

Girl Scouts are the champions our communities crave! Beyond selling cookies and mastering incredible skills, they channel their profits into further learning and adventure. They're shaping the future as leaders, problem-solvers, innovators, and their authentic selves, embodying the spirit of courage, confidence, and character. With each badge earned and every community project undertaken, they're building a brighter tomorrow—one step—and one cookie—at a time. Over the years, cookies have fueled pottery projects, STEM experiments, and even overnight adventures at the zoo and the aquarium!


 

Trailblazing Adventures

Have cookies, will travel! Every year, Girl Scouts across the country turn their cookie money into unforgettable trips, where they forge strong friendships and create lasting memories. Some Girl Scouts have gone on adventures in nature by embarking on weekend camping trips or traveling all the way to Yosemite National Park. Talk about taking a hike! Other Girl Scouts have explored our Movement’s history in Savannah, Georgia. More into thrill-seeking? We’ve had troops take their money to sunny California and Florida to enjoy fun-filled theme parks, and some have even traveled abroad to Europe.




Troop 70643 took two years to save and plan a week-long trip abroad, visiting London and Paris! These Girl Scouts got to see things such as the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and the Eiffel Tower.

These journeys truly give Girl Scouts new perspectives of the world they contribute to!

Entrepreneurship Endeavors



From humble beginnings to remarkable success, the journey of Girl Scout alums Taylor and Sydney Davis traces its roots back to the invaluable lessons learned during their cookie-selling days. Crediting their start-up skills to those early entrepreneurial experiences, they have nurtured the growth of their size-inclusive boutique from the ground up. When you buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies, you are directly investing in the world’s largest girl-run business. Girl Scouts everywhere are developing valuable entrepreneurial talents, just like Taylor and Sydney.

Embrace the sweetness of empowerment this cookie season by supporting local troops. Head over to girlscoutcookies.org to discover your nearest cookie booth and play a part in helping Girl Scouts in your area 'Unbox the Future.' And remember! You can always text "Cookies" to 59618 to stay up to date on all things Girl Scout Cookie.

We can’t wait to see how Girl Scouts will unbox their future this year! Make sure to tag @GirlScouts and use #GirlScoutCookieSeason in all your amazing stories on social media.
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Girl Scout Cookies: Unboxing the Girl Powered Future