Dreaming Big: A Year in Review
go.gsoh.org/ dream-big
The Dream Continues
Just a few years ago, we had a vision to create an immersive space where both Girl Scouts and the community could gather to discover their potential, develop STEM skills, and explore new passions through hands-on learning. The Dream Big Initiative was born from this vision and was brought to life thanks to you and others in the community.
We are so thrilled that the Battelle Science and Innovation Campus at Camp Ken-Jockety, home to the AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center and the renovated Nationwide Foundation Environmental Center, has now been open for just over a year. Throughout this campaign, we reached so many milestones, and with the space now in use, the impact continues to grow every day. We thank you for your support, leadership, and dedication in helping make this vision a reality.
“Girls with dreams become women with vision.”
– Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of Girl Scouts
Today, the campus is alive with curiosity and creativity. Girls are using real tools to build dollhouses and birdhouses, exploring the intersection of STEM and fashion, studying climate change while creating whimsical fairy houses, and collaborating in ways that build courage, confidence, and leadership.
This past year, the new spaces allowed us to introduce eight new sessions of STEM Day Camp, all of which sold out!
82 campers explored science and engineering in fun, engaging ways, from 3D printing accessories for their DIY dollhouses to using power tools to construct birdhouses.
They ventured to Darby Creek for hands-on environmental science, met with a Sephora representative to explore the chemistry behind fragrance creation, and discovered how STEM connects to their everyday lives. • •
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Here’s a glimpse of some of the programs girls have experienced this year, thanks to your support:
Food Science & Agriculture
Girl Scouts dove into learning more about food – where it comes from, how it travels from the ground to consumers, and what we can do to reduce food waste and grow sustainably.
Camp to Table Program Series, including Gorgeous Gourds Pollinator Tea Party Fantastical Fermentation
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
The CK Construction Makerspaces
Hands-on opportunities are important ways for Girl Scouts to learn skills and build confidence so they can go on to do great things. With our new spaces, we focused on fun projects that were challenging and helped girls’ creativity thrive!
Let’s Build It Series, including Let’s Build Birdhouses STEM Challenge Day
• Engineering & Technology
Being an environmental steward is an important part of Girl Scouting. We introduced programs that help girls better understand how girls impact the environment and how we can use that knowledge to make the world a better place.
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Secrets of Soil
Citizen Science Programs, including Wetlands Days
With the growing number of careers in engineering and technology, we provided classes that focused on these skills through fun projects and new community partners.
Design It Program Series, featuring 3D Plant Printing
Project Artemis
Cool Tech Girls
Because of you, girls across our region now have access to spaces that spark imagination, inspire discovery, and empower them to see themselves as future innovators, scientists, and leaders. Thank you for dreaming big with us, and for helping us build a place where those dreams come to life every day.
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland staff are hard at work developing even more dynamic programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and equip girls to imagine and pursue futures they may have never thought possible.
With each program, we are not only helping to close the gender gap in STEM, but also preparing the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. The Battelle Science and Innovation Campus is becoming a true launchpad for girls to explore, create, and grow.
And This Is Just the Beginning Help Us Finish What We Started
Together, we have raised $14.1 million toward our $16 million Dream Big goal, a momentous milestone made possible by your generosity and belief in what girls can achieve.
The remaining $1.9 million is vital to equip the Center with additional tools and technology and to expand the innovative programming that inspire girls every day. We hope you feel proud of what we have accomplished together and are inspired to help us close the gap.
To finish strong, we invite you to continue supporting the Dream Big initiative and ensure every girl has the opportunity to explore, create, and lead.
To make a gift, visit www.gsoh.org/dreambig or contact Deirdre DeWeese at 614.340.8829 to discuss how your continued support can empower even more girls to dream big and lead boldly.
The Dream Big Transformational Initiative at a glance:
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH) forms a concept committee, and the
GSUSA commits to get more girls in STEM pipeline and adds 150+ new badges.
Dream Big
GSOH conducts comprehensive feasibility study.
GSOH receives notice of $1.5 million in state capital funding, the first in GSOH history. Campaign hits 70% of goal.
The ribbon is officially cut to the AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center. The weekend GSOH hosted Fairy Tale Ball.
Lead donors Battelle, AEP Foundation, and Nationwide Foundation commit to the project.
GSOH announces public phase of campaign.
Ground is officially broken, and construction begins on the STEM Leadership Center and Maker Space.
AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center on Battelle Science and Innovation Campus at Camp Ken Jockety has been officially open for one year.