The Insider Spring 2023 by girlscoutsnationscapital

Letter from the Acting CEO

Dear Girl Scout Family,

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is thrilled to offer a diverse lineup of programs for Girl Scouts to choose from while learning key life skills, entrepreneurship, participating in hands-on STEM experiments, and exploring the outdoors.

As Girl Scouts, we are dedicated to protecting our environment and gaining life lessons from outdoor education and

adventure, which is why Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital created an Outdoor Legacy Fund. This Fund will play a pivotal role in enhancing outdoor programming and fostering innovation for the Council’s eight camps and ensure future generations of Girl Scouts can connect with nature, build leadership skills, confidence, and resilience, and develop a lifelong love for the outdoors.

As you read through our booklet, we encourage you to invite your Girl Scouts to try new programs and explore all Girl Scouting offers. Encourage Girl Scouts to step out of their comfort zones, discover new interests, and build lifelong skills. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, STEM activities, or community service projects, there’s a wealth of opportunities waiting to be explored.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Colleen Cibula, Acting Chief Executive Officer

Troop Leader Training

Have you completed your required training?

What is required for Troop Leaders?

The Learning Path for your troop’s program level. (For example, the Daisy Basics Learning Path, the Brownie Basics Learning Path, etc.) The learning path includes online modules followed by a live session with instructors. Troop Money Management – This annual course takes less than 30 minutes to complete and can be found online in gsLearn.

DEIA Commitment and Inclusive Language training – This one-time course takes less than 30 minutes to complete and can be found online in gsLearn.

How do you get started?

Go to our website gscnc.org, log into MY GS, then select gsLearn from the options. Go to the “Content Library” and locate the training you need. This works best from a computer!

See you in Washington, DC

Girl Scouts National Council Session

July 20-25, 2026

Mark your calendars for July 20 to July 25, 2026, when we'll welcome Girl Scouts from across the country to our backyard—Washington, D.C.

We invite you to share your preferred level of participation by completing this form to let us know how you'd like to engage. 2026 National Convention Participation Survey

Get Ready for Camp!

Registration Timeline

January 16: Lottery opens for May Flather, Potomac Woods, and Winona

January 31: Sleep-Away Camp Lottery Closes

February 14: General Registration Opens for any remaining Sleep-Away Camp Spaces

February 20: Registration Opens for Virginia Day and Evening Camps

February 21: Registration Opens for Camp Tag-A-Long

February 22: Registration Opens for Maryland Day and Evening Camps

Explore Summer Camp Programs

How to Register

Sleep Away Camp registration is done by lottery. In the lottery, you’ll be able to indicate what programs your camper is interested in and if placement with a buddy or sibling is preferred. Placement emails will include a link to register your camper for the program they have been placed in. After the lottery is done, the remaining spaces will be open for general registration.

Day and Evening Camp registration varies by camp. Some are first come first served, and others are by lottery.

Remember, campers must register for the program units based on the grade they are currently in for the 2023-2024 school year.

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance for Camp

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital strives to make camp available to all campers regardless of their family’s economic situation.

Sleep-Away Camp Assistance

There is no cost to entering the lottery. If placed, apply for financial assistance by first securing your camper’s space by registering using the link provided in the placement email and paying the $50 registration deposit. After registering, you will be provided with a link to apply for financial aid. The final payment is due April 29. After that time registration will require payment in full. To register and apply for financial assistance after April 29, please email us at customercare@gscnc.org with the following information:

Camper Name

Program Name

Session Date

Is your camper already registered for this program? If your camper is already registered, we will send you a link to our financial assistance online application to complete. If your camper is not already registered, we will work with you to register them in the program you selected, based on availability. We require a $50 deposit to secure the space.

Day & Evening Camp Assistance

To receive financial aid for day and evening camps, you must apply and be approved prior to registration and payment. To request financial aid, use: https://form.jotform.com/gscnccustomercare/2024SDEPFA, which will start accepting responses on February 2. Once approved, you will be sent a discount code, and can register for camp as normal.

Congressional Aide

Congressional Aide is a unique, bipartisan program offered exclusively by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital that provides a week-long shadow opportunity within a Congressional Office to Girl Scouts entering 11th grade, 12th grade, or their first year of college.

Applications Open January 8th

Applications Close March 15th

Across the Aisle

Make bipartisan connections and expand your network on Capital Hill

Hands on Learning

Gain valuable insight into the legislative process as you work behind the scenes in Congress

School’s Out

Serve in a Congressional office for one week in the Summer of 2024 from June through August

Once accepted, Girl Scouts will attend a mandatory virtual or in-person orientation session - at which the details of their placement (including the congressional office they have been assigned to) will be shared. Girl Scouts will learn more about program expectations, hear tips from former Congressional Aides, and connect with others in the program.

Congressional Aide

This is a bipartisan program. The application requires a resume, two letters of recommendation and a health history form. Letters of recommendation may not be written by family members and at least ine letter should be from someone outside the Girl Scout community.

Next Steps:

Visit

www.gscnc.org/congressionalaide to learn more

Update your resume and review the application questions

Secure two letters of recommendations

Review your calendar to determine what weeks you can participate

Submit your application by the March 15th deadline

Girl Scout Awards

In Girl Scouts, we believe in making the world a better place, and recognizing those that do so. Girl Scouts provides award opportunities at all levels, starting with our youngest leaders - Girl Scout Dai i i Ki d t ll th th h Gi l S t Ambassadors in their senior yea

The President’s Service Award

Who: All Girl Scouts and Adult Volunteers

What: Service Award

When: Service Hours Due October 10th

How: Complete eligible service hours between Oct. 1st 2023Sept. 30th 2024 and submit form via the Council website.

- Eligible Service includes any unpaid acts of volunteer service benefiting others (can be in-person or virtual)

- Service hours do not have to be exclusively girl scouts related. Service hours, if they meet the eligibility criteria, can be earned through service generally.

- Service hours earned in pursuit of higher awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Silver Trefoil) can be used to count towards PVSA minimums if they meet eligibility criteria

The Ethel G. Harvey President’s Award

Who: Girl Scout Junior, Cadette, Senior or Ambassador

What: Honorary Award for Girl Scouts

When: Nominations due March 15th

How: Girl Scouts must be nominated by a registered member of Girl Scouts of Nation's Capital and to be eligible:

- Cannot have received the award before

- Demonstrated her leadership abilities to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital

Contributed to the growth of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital

Demonstrated poise and sensitivity towards others

Demonstrated both written and oral communication skills

Actively participated in Girl Scout activities to help bring unity among the diverse elements within Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital

Girl Scout Gold Award

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting. Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who make the world a better place, by using everything they’ve learned as a Girl Scout to solve a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world. Your Gold Award is Golden for your College Journey

Who: Girl Scout Seniors & Ambassadors

What: Girl Scout highest award for Seniors and Ambassadors

When: Complete prior to September 30th of the year you graduate High School

How: 1.) Complete the required Gold Award training on gslearn or attend a training workshop

2.) Brainstorm your Gold Award Take Action project idea, consult your troop leader and select a project advisor

3.) Submit your Gold Award Proposal through GoGold Online

4.) Work with your Gold Award Panel Mentor to prepare for presentation

5.) Present your Proposal to the Gold Award Panel and receive decision letter

6.) Once your proposal is approved, complete your Gold Award Take Action project

7.) Submit your Gold Award Final Report through GoGold Online

8.) You've earned your gold Award!

Girl Scout Silver Award

When you support Girl Scouts earning their Silver Award, you’ll help them see their own power and be by their side as they make a lasting change in their community.

Who: Girl Scout Cadettes

What: Girl Scout highest award for Cadettes!

When: Complete prior to September 30th of the year you enter ninth grade

How: 1.) Read the Silver Award Guidelines for Girl Scout Cadettes

2.) Brainstorm your Silver Award Take Action Project and consult your Troop Leader

3.) Complete the Silver Award Online Approval Tool using the questions guide with your troop leader, project advisor, or parent and make sure to print a copy of your approval confirmation

4.) Upon approval, complete your Silver Award Take Action project

5.) Provide updates to your Troop Leader on your Silver Award Final Report

6.) Submit your Silver Award Final Report and approval confirmation through the online submission tool. You’ve earned your Silver Award!

Get the Silver Award Guidelines

Girl Scout Bronze Award

It all starts here. Juniors team up with fellow Girl Scouts to explore their community, discover a need or issue they care about, and work together to address it. This is a chance to create a plan and make an impact on the community they live in.

Who: Girl Scout Juniors

What: Girl Scout highest award for Juniors!

When: Complete as a Junior

How: 1.) Build your Girl Scout Team

2.) Explore your community

3.) Choose your Bronze Award Project

4.) Make a plan - Girl Scouts should spend 20 hours planning and implementing their project

5.) Put your plan in motion

6.) Spread the word

7.) You’ve earned your Bronze Award!

The Silver Trefoil Award

The Silver Trefoil Award is unique to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. This award originated in the 1970s as the Little Flower Award in memory of Senior Girl Scout Linda Curtis. Today, the award honors Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who make the world a better place through service in three categories: Girl Scout Community, National, and Global.

Who: A Girl Scout can begin to work on hours towards the Silver Trefoil as a Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador but can not earn more than 50 hours as a Cadette. The Award must be completed as a Senior or Ambassador.

What: Unique to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, the Silver Trefoil recognizes a Girl Scout who completes 100 hours of community service.

When: Complete prior to September 30th of the year you graduate from High School

How: 1.) Read the Silver Trefoil Guidelines

2.) Complete community service in the categories of Girl Scout Community, National Service, and Global Service

3.) Submit your Silver Trefoil Final Report to the Council

4.) You’ve earned your Silver Trefoil Award!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

Meet Monica Brile!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Manager

Happy New Year, Nation’s Capital! For those who don’t know me, my name is Monica Brile (rhymes with smile). I was previously leading the amazing AVDeities, the Adult Volunteer Development team, and now I am excited to be heading up the new DEIA department as Manager! I am eager and humbled to be undertaking this important community-building work for our

Council. In my former career as a high school choir director and art department chair, I was deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, and as a person with a disability, I am also fully invested in Accessibility, as well. Additionally, I oversee our Conflict Resolution/Ombuds program. I am looking forward to partnering with you all as we work together to “build a more just community.”

DEIA Council Listening Tour

Coming soon, to an Area or Association Meeting near you! Monica and members of the “Belonging Brigade” will be facilitating Listening Sessions at Girl Scout activities and events. The Belonging Brigade consists of adult volunteers and teen Girl Scouts in leadership roles. Our goal is to connect with as many adults within our Council as possible to gather feedback regarding Successes, Obstacles and Solutions (SOS) to learn how we can work toward ensuring that all of our programs and offerings are inclusive and accessible to all. Please be on the lookout for a Listening Session in your area and share your thoughts!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

Join the Belonging Brigade!

Looking for Adult Volunteers who want to assist with gathering feedback about DEIA in our Council.

We need you to facilitate a DEIA Listening Session for Girl Scout volunteers, caregivers, and families in your area.

Listening Sessions can occur any time or anywhere but would be most effective if offered at an event where adults can participate, perhaps when youth members are otherwise engaged.

Consider: Volunteer and other Girl Scout meetings, Cookie Rallies, World Thinking Day Events, Teen Group Meetings, etc.

To facilitate a Listening Session, members of the Belonging Brigade will learn the following in training:

Review basic DEIA terminology

Reinforce the goals of Listening Sessions

Practice facilitation and reporting skills

Strategize organizing Listening Sessions in your area

Belonging Brigade Training Sessions:

January 25, 2024 at 7pm – Virtual via Microsoft Teams

January 28, 2024 at 3pm – DC office

*More trainings will follow, based on need and determining mutually convenient times.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

Upcoming DEIA Training Sessions

Gold Award Teens and Young Alumni Girl Scouts

January 31, 2024 at 7pm – Virtual via Microsoft Teams

February 1, 2024, 2024 at 7pm – Virtual via Microsoft Teams Complete the interest form

Adult and Gold Award Girl Scouts Combined

February 28, 2024 at 7pm – Virtual via Microsoft Teams

February 29, 2024, 2024 at 7pm – Virtual via Microsoft Teams

I’m unavailable for all listed sessions but would like to receive training at another time. More trainings will follow, based on need and determining mutually convenient times!

Communications

Troop Edition

Want to know where to know where your Girl Scout can earn the Jeweler Badge? Are you looking for a place to take your teen troop whitewater rafting? Then be sure to keep up with Troop Edition! Troop Edition is a weekly e-newsletter containing upcoming Council and Program Partner activities for troops and individuals. You’ll also find details on upcoming Girl Scout days and volunteer opportunities. Troop Edition is emailed to troop leaders, service unit managers, and any other subscribers each Thursday.

Sign up for Troop Edition

Rallyhood

Rallyhood is an online Girl Scout community that can help you connect with other troop leaders and volunteers in your area. Explore and join topic rallies like outdoors, troop travel, and service, and speak with your service unit volunteers to be added to rallies for your local area.

DEIA Rally Conflict Resolution Rally

Click to join Click to join

We created this Rally as an opportunity for our Council members to share ideas regarding our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiatives, events and resources.

For volunteers and caregivers to nurture and strengthen our community as we practice having courageous conversations to constructively resolve conflicts. We pledge to ensure that we uphold our Girl Scout Law and are consistently striving to "make the world a better place" and interact as "a sister to every Girl Scout."

Share your Story

Have you experienced a Girl Scout "Mission Moment" that's left a lasting mark on your life or community? Help us highlight the impact of our Girl Scout Movement by sharing your story. Acts of kindness. Amazing adventures. Challenges conquered. Giving back. Girl Scout Nation's Capital members are some of the most inspiring people in the world— and we want to share your stories!

Add Your Story

1/20/24

2/04/23

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3/17/24

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4/06/24

4/13/24

5/10/24 Ongoing

3/14/24 Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

4/10/24

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4/28/24

4/28/24 Ongoing

5/18/24

STEMPrograms

Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador

Daisy/Brownie/Junior

National Building Museum

Maryland Science Center

Lincoln Caverns, Inc

Maryland Science Center

Lincoln Caverns, Inc.

Caverns, Inc.

International Spy Museum

National

National Children's Museum

National Building Museum

Hope Valley Farm

National Children's Museum

National Building Museum

International Spy Museum

Maryland Science Museum

Seeds of Fortune, Inc

Office of Historic Alexandria

All Levels

Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way

Designing for Disaster

Daisy Robotics Workshop

Cadette Robotics Workshop

Going Batty or Animal habitats

Brownie Robotics Workshop

Animal Habitats & Cave Explorer

Washington Performing Art Concerts

Animal Habitats & Geocachers

Girl Scout Sneak In

Mech. Engineering - Model Car

Mech. Engineering - Race Car

Mech Engineering - Balloon Car

Robotics - How Robots Move

Robotics - Programming Robots

Automotive Engineering

Designing for Disaster

Brownie Math in Nature

Automotive Engineering

Designing for Disaster

Automotive Engineering

Operation Code Cracker

Forensics of Espionage

Think like an Engineer

Innovation Research Program

Potions & Lotions

Washington, DC

Baltimore, MD

Huntingdon, PA Baltimore, MD

Huntingdon, PA

Washington, DC

Huntingdon, PA

Washington, DC

Knoxville, MD

Washington, DC

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore. MD

Baltimore, MD Virtual Alexandria, VA

PROGRAM PARTNERS

OutdoorPrograms

Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador

3/03/24 3/09/24

3/09/24 3/17/24

4/07/24

4/20/24

5/04/24

5/05/24

5/11/24

5/18/24

6/02/24

6/08/24

Hope Valley Farm

Lincoln Caverns, Inc.

Hope Valley Farm

Lincoln Caverns, Inc

Lincoln Caverns, Inc.

Hope Valley Farm

Lincoln Caverns, Inc.

Hope Valley Farm

Lincoln Caverns, Inc

Intro to Archery

Direction Matters & Explore More WOW! Wonders of Water

Intro to Archery

Letterboxer or Geocacher

Geocacher & Cave Explorer

Creek Exploration

Eco-Friend & Letterboxer Combo Knoxville, MD Knoxville, MD Huntingdon, PA Knoxville, PA Knoxville, MD Huntington, PA Huntingdon, PA Knoxville, MD Knoxville, MD Huntingdon, PA Huntingdon, PA