Spring Insider 2025 by girlscoutsnationscapital

Spring Insider 2025

Meet Our Program Team

Coming Soon...Always a Girl Scout Podcast!

From building lifelong skills to shaping future leaders, Girl Scouts has left an indelible mark on generations of women who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Join us as we dive into their stories, uncover lessons in leadership, and discover how the Girl Scout promise continues to ignite passion and purpose.

Visit Always a Girl Scout Podcast for updates!

Troop Edition

Want to know where to know where your Girl Scout can earn the Animal Helper 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. Link: https://gscnc.jotform.com/program/troop-edition-email-sign-up

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!

Link: https://gscnc.jotform.com/232484889696076

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.

Link: www.gscnc.com/rallyhood

Connect with us on social!

Ever wondered who works behind the scenes to bring all the life-changing programming to your Girl Scout? Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital has an amazing team who works year-round to bring quality Girl Scout programs and experiences to Girl Scouts in Maryland, Virginia, DC, and West Virginia.

Stacey Johnson

Program Services Manager

Stacey Johnson is our Program Services Manager. She is a Girl Scout Lifetime member who has held many troop, Service Unit, and Association roles before joining the Council staff as an Area Membership Manager before moving into her current role. She is an avid reader and a seasoned Pokémon Go player since 2016.

Raven Murphy Senior Teen Program Specialist

Raven Murphy is our Senior Teen Program Specialist, guiding Higher Awards, teen programming, and supporting the team with a smile. A Midwest transplant turned DC explorer, she loves a swoon-worthy romance novel, puzzling over puzzles, and museum-hopping. When she’s not helping Girl Scouts and her team shine, you’ll find her jet-setting or diving into her next adventure.

Courtney Bigbee

Program Specialist

If you have Daisies, Brownies, or Juniors, you have probably been to one of Courtney’s events before! They also keep the Program Kits and patches updated and fun for all levels. Outside of proudly wearing green, you can find them in a kitchen cooking or finding a new game to play. Game On!

Jessica Hadsell

Program Partner Specialist

Jessica Hadsell is our program partner specialist. She works with our current program partners, while bringing in new program partners. She also organizes and oversees Congressional Aide, works with our history centers, sends out the weekly troop edition and assists with Insider. She enjoys spending time with her family, thrifting, and watching true crime documentaries.

Nicole Trimier

Program Services Coordinator

Nicole is our Program Services Coordinator who oversees all administrative tasks and correspondence that comes through the program team. She also assists with Higher Awards! Nicole enjoys reading, baking, traveling! She has also just completed her first year in Girl Scouts at the Nation’s Capital!

Reducing Economic Barriers

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is committed to bringing our leadership program to youth members, from every zip code—regardless of their economic status. Girl Scout troops are funded by a combination of money earned through Councilsponsored entrepreneurial programs, group money-earning activities, and dues. Financial assistance is available so that everyone can participate in Girl Scout activities whenever financial considerations might otherwise hinder their participation.

Our amazing entrepreneurship programs as well as direct donations help make it possible for all members to participate fully in Girl Scouts!

For Financial Assistance for Troop Dues, Books and Uniforms, click here: https://form.jotform.com/GSCNCMembership/fa-books-uniforms-dues

Program Grants for Troop Activities

For program grants for troop activities, Council sponsored events, and individual activities such as a Girl Scout Destination or similar trips, click here:

Multilingual Resource Page

The Council is excited to share the launch of a Multilingual Resources Page on our website! It can be found in the Members sections under For Caregivers and Families. This page holds resources in our six target languages (Amharic, Arabic, French, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese) and includes:

• New Leader and Family Passports

• Audio recordings of Girl Scout Promise, Law, and "We Are the Girl Scouts" song, written by Council volunteer, Gale Bernatz

• About Girl Scouts Nation's Capital videos with captions

• Information for on-demand phone interpretation

• How to request in person and virtual American Sign Language interpretation

Though we are getting more resources translated, we are proud to share this page as the central location that holds these materials and information.

Because all of our materials have not been translated yet, please know you can always reach out to our DEIA department via email at deia@gscnc.org. We value keeping Girl Scouts inclusive and accessible, and we are committed to supporting our members!

Publication Revision Jotform

The Council is excited to announce the launch of a Publication Revision JotForm! Through this JotForm, we invite members to be involved in ensuring consistent use of inclusive language and current and updated information in all web pages, publications, forms, trainings and other documents. Your revision submissions will help us identify, remove, and update materials that are outdated or no longer in use.

All submissions will be added to a queue for review and correction. Even if we are not able to correct publications immediately, please be assured that your input is valuable and will be addressed as soon as possible. There is also a question where you can flag if the submission is requiring immediate attention because it is time sensitive. Thank you in advance for providing this valuable input.

https://gscnc.jotform.com/Council/publication-revision-request

Financial Assistance Focus Group

As we prepare for the upcoming dues increase, we want our community to know that we are fully committed to providing financial assistance for all our programs to ensure that our Council is accessible to everyone. To better understand any barriers or concerns regarding our current financial assistance process, we are convening a Financial Assistance Focus Group

Please join here: https://gscnc.jotform.com/242846431862865

GS C NC

CO O KIE PRO G RAM

Important Dates

12/13: Initial Order taking begins

1/5: Online Girl Delivered pauses in Digital Cookie (11:59pm)

1/13: ASSN Deliveries begin

1/13: Online Girl Delivered turned back on in Digital Cookie

2/1: Cupboards begin to open (all open by 2/5)

2/7: Booths sales start

3/9: Online Girl Delivered closes in Digital Cookie (11:59pm)

3/16: Cookie Program Ends

3/17-21: Limited cupboards open

3/23: Direct Ship closes in Digital Cookie

Troop Leader Training Adult Volunteer

Start your Troop Leader Training Now!

If you haven't logged into gslearn yet, here's how!

• Go to www.gscnc.org and log into MYGS

• Select "gslearn" located under "My Account."

Where can I find required Troop Leader Training?

• On your gslearn homepage you will find "MyTraining." Under "Not Started," select your program level and begin training! (Note, you should complete training for your troop's program level. If you're a Brownie leader, do the Brownie training!)

Important things to remember:

• Leaders must complete Troop Money Management in gslearn each year because finance guidlines change frequently!

• Leaders must complete the DEIA Commitment course in gsLearn just one time.

• All required troop leader training is on your gsLearn dashboard!

Recognize the Shining Stars in Your Girl Scout Community!

Show your appreciation for the incredible service of our Girl Scout volunteers. There’s an award for every type of contribution—Troop Volunteers, Service Unit Volunteers, and volunteers that serve the entire council!

Nominate someone today:

Click here or scan the QR code

Questions?

Contact Stephanie Budnicki at Sbudnicki@gscnc.org or 202-274-3335.

Let’s celebrate their dedication together!

Teen Mental Health First Aid

Held in six 45-minute virtual sessions with independent coursework in between, this certification course gives teens the skills to have supportive conversations with their friends and teaches them how and when to get help from a responsible and trusted adult. Topics include, how to open conversations about mental health and substance use challenges, recognizing common signs and symptoms, and understanding the impact of school violence and bullying on mental wellbeing.

Dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, & Mar. 3

*Must attend all sessions to earn certification

Time: 6:30 PM-7:15 PM

Fee: $20 includes workbook

Questions? Contact Stephanie Budnicki at Sbudnicki@gscnc.org or 202-274-3335.

Together in Every Outdoor Adventure

Camp is an amazing experience that will stay with your Girl Scout long after the last embers of the campfire have faded away.

We can’t wait to help start your camper’s summer adventure!

Explore our Camp Programs to help you and your camper choose the perfect program for summer 2025 at www.gscnc.org/summercamp

NEW Staff Led Summer Day Camp

Our new staff led day camp programs are day camps run by our sleep away camp staff. Camps are for Girl Scouts grades K-8. Experience the fun of sleep away camp while still sleeping in your own bed. Try target sports, boating, swimming, arts and crafts, and more. Camps will be offered by Camp Potomac Woods Staff at Camp White Rock and by Camp Winona staff at Camp Winona.

How to Register Registration Timeline

For this camp season we will be conducting Sleep Away Camp registration through a lottery system through Jotform and will take place over the course of several weeks to allow everyone the opportunity to register their camper. You’ll be able to indicate what programs your camper is interested in and if they would like to attend camp at the same time as a buddy or sibling. Placement emails will include an individualized link allowing you to register your camper for the program they have been placed in. Day and Evening Camp Registration varies by camp. All Day and Evening Camp Registration will be conducted via doubleknot. For more information on a particular camp’s registration process, go online to www.gscnc.org/summercamp

Remember, campers must register for the program units based on the grade they are currently in for the 2024-2025 school year.

Lottery Opens for Sleep Away Camp

January 13: January 24:

Sleep Away Camp Lottery Closes

February 4:

February 18: February 19: Placement emails sent

Virginia and West Virginia Day and Evening Camp registration opens

Maryland Day and Evening Camp registration opens

Camp Financial Aid

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.

Girl Scout Awards

There is no better place than Girl Scouts to develop leadership skills and earn awards! Girl Scouts provides award opportunities at all levels, starting with our youngest leaders – Girl Scout Daisies in kindergarten, all the way through high school seniors – Girl Scout Ambassadors.

Find more information about available awards at www.girlscouts.org/badges.

Highest Awards

Gold Award

Silver Trefoil Award

The Silver Trefoil Award is unique to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. 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.

Bronze Award

The Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior (grades 4-5) can earn. They can work with their troop, in a small group or as an individual to earn their Bronze Award once they have completed a Junior Journey. NEW! Junior Workbook for Earning Your Bronze Award! Read more at www.gscnc.org/bronzeaward

Awards for all Girl Scout Levels

Journey Summit Award

This award is earned by completing three Journeys for your Girl Scout level.

Bridging Award

Safety Award

Gold Award Girl Scouts have earned the highest award a Girl Scout Senior (grades 9-10) or Ambassador (grade 11-12) can earn. A Girl Scout earns this award as an individual once they have completed two Senior/Ambassador Journeys OR have earned the Silver Award and completed one Senior/Ambassador Journey. Girl Scouts track their progress using GSUSA’s GoGold Platform and work with our local Gold Award Support Team.

Silver Award

Silver Award Girl Scouts have earned the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6-8) can earn. A Girl Scout can work with their troop/group (a maximum of 3 per project is suggested) or as an individual to earn their Silver Award once they have completed a Cadette Journey.

This award is earned by completing three Journeys for your Girl Scout level.

Bridging Girl Scouts earn this award by completing two steps - Pass It On - to share what they’ve learned with younger girls - and Look Ahead - to learn from older girls about their next Girl Scout level.

My Promise, My Faith

Girl Scouts of all levels can earn one award each year as they explore the connection between Girl Scouts and their faith.

Meritorious Service

Bronze Cross

This Lifesaving Award is given to a Girl Scout who has shown extraordinary heroism or risked their life to save another’s. Medal of Honor

This Lifesaving Award is given to a Girl Scout who has saved someone’s life in an emergency.

Girl Scout Awards

Mentoring Awards

Junior Aid

Girl Scout Juniors can earn this mentoring award by helping Daisies or Brownies earn one of their Journeys.

Leader in Action (LiA)

Cadettes earn the LiA Award by assisting Brownies to complete a Journey. Complete requirements for the awards are in the Brownie Leadership Journey Adult Guides.

Program Aid

There are three steps to earn this mentoring award – earn one LiA Award, attend or complete the Program Aide Training Course, and work directly with younger Girl Scouts over 6 activity sessions (one hour sessions are suggested).

Counselor-in-Traning 1 (CIT I)

Seniors build skills toward becoming a camp counselor and earn this award by mentoring younger Girl Scouts in a camp setting. Girl Scouts may earn this award at one of the Council's sleep away camps.

Counselor-in-Traning II (CIT II)

Ambassadors who have earned the CIT Award focus on increasing their skills in one specific area, such as lifeguarding or the arts, and earn this award by working with younger Girl Scouts in a camp setting. Girl Scouts may earn this award at one of the Council's sleep away camps.

Volunteer-in-Training (VIT)

Seniors and Ambassadors who mentor a Daisy, Brownie, Junior, or Cadette group outside of camp can earn this award. There are three steps to this award – work with an adult mentor, complete training, and create and implement a program for Girl Scouts based on a Journey or badge.

National Leadership Awards

Torch Awards

This award recognizes Cadettes (Silver), Seniors (Gold), and Ambassadors (Gold& Silver) who act as leaders in their community. There are two steps to this award complete a Journey and serve for one term in a leadership position.

Meritorious Service

President's Volunteer Service Award

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recognizes individuals who are committed to a high level of volunteer and service. All Girl Scout levels and adult volunteers can earn this award.

Ethel G. Harvey President's Award

The President’s Award in Honor of Ethel G. Harvey is the only Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital honorary award for girls. Nominations are taken for Cadettes, Seniors or Ambassadors for the award given annually. A committee of Girl Scouts selects the winner.

More information about both awards available on the GSCNC website.

Community Service Bar

To earn this award, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors choose a community organization to work with, and complete at least 20 hours of service.

Service to Girl Scouting Bar

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors often volunteer to help with younger Girl Scouts or on other special projects. Once they complete at least 20 hours of service to Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts can earn this award.

Girl Scout Travel

You’re going places, Girl Scout.

When you plan your own Girl Scout trip—whether it’s Brownies packing their first weekend bag or Seniors boarding a plane for an adventure abroad you’ll build courage, confidence, and lifelong skills like organization, time management, and how to work as team to succeed when things don’t go as planned.

You’ll also build connections outside your own community and make memories to last a lifetime. Wherever you’re looking to travel—even to countries around the world—Girl Scouts can get you there.

Ready for an adventure and to make memories? Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Push past your comfort zone by applying for a trip on your own, and make friends from all over the country as you travel with new Girl Scout friends. There’s a unique, life-changing experience for everyone.

*Helpful Tip! Girl Scouts can apply for grants to fund their Destinations experience! Visit the Financial Assistance page of the GSCNC website to learn more.

Program Kits

Stress-Free Planning with Program Kits

Take the stress out of planning troop meetings or events with a Program Kit! Program Kits are fun, age-appropriate resources and are available for varied subjects such as STEM, Journeys, the environment, teamwork, and healthy living. Each kit is designed to serve a troop of 10-16 Girl Scouts but can be modified to accommodate larger groups. Nation’s Capital Program Kits are available to borrow at minimal cost to leaders and can be delivered to any council office for pickup (some are free). Many kits help Girl Scouts complete badge requirements!

Level

Key

Program Kit Title

Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador

Advanced Robotics Kit

American Flag

Animal Tracks

Brownie Bugs Badge

Brownie Earth and Sky

Brownie Money Manager Badge

Brownie My Body

Brownie Numbers and Shapes

Brownie Philanthropist Badge

Brownie Philantropist Badge

Brownie Science in Action

Brownie Science Wonders

Brownie Senses

Brownie Working It Out

Cadette Budgeting Badge

Cadette Financing My Dreams Badge

Cadette Trees Badge

Car Care

Classic Songbooks

Compass Games Kit

Compass Kit

Cooperative Games 1

Cooperative Games 2

Program Kit Title

Craft Boards

Daisy Color Wonders

Daisy Respecting myself & others

Design Time: Girls Go Techbridge

Earth Defender

Eco - Box

Emergency Preparedness

Envoiroscape - Coastal

Envoiroscape - Hazardous Materails

Envoiroscape - Landfill

Envoiroscape - Watershed/Non-Point Source

Get Moving! Journey

Girl Scout Games & Dramatics

Girl Scout Legacies and Traditions

Goggle Tub

Grow Strong Brownies/Juniors

Grow Strong Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors

Grow Strong Daisies

imagiCharms Coding Kit

Intermediate Robotics Kit

Introductory Robotics Kit

Junior Aerospace

Junior Choice Is Yours

Junior Flowers Badge

Junior Making it Matter

Junior Rocks Rock

Junior Savvy Shopper Badge

Junior Science in Everyday Life

Junior Science Sleuth

Junior Weather Watch

Knot Board

Leather Crafting Kit

Leave No Trace

Parachute Games

Real-World STEM Challenges

Rockwood History Box

Program Kit Title

Screen-Printing

Sport Equipment

Teen Build A Better Future

Teen Math, Maps and More

Teen Science Activities

Teen Space Exploration

Teen Stress and Anger Management Activities

Uniforms Through the Years: Uniform Sampler

WOW! Wonders of Water Journey

Yoga Mats

Zink the Zebra

To learn more about the Program kits available or reserve one today –visit: https://bit.ly/program-kits-2024

Patch Programs

Girl Scout Patch programs provide youth with opportunities to take part in special events to learn new skills, network, and have fun when Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital partners host events. Patches can celebrate a troop activity or completing a program unique to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital.

Juneteenth Patch

New this year, the Juneteenth Patch Program is designed to educate Girl Scouts on the importance and meaning of why we celebrate Juneteenth. All ages and levels can participate and learn more about this special day.

Gift of Trees Patch

The Gift of Trees Patch Program focuses on three key themes— international friendship, arts and culture, and the environment. Girl Scouting’s Three Keys to Leadership—Discover, Connect, and Take Action— are incorporated through program activities.

To see all other patches go to:

gscnc.org/patches

World Thinking Day

Election Connection Patch

The Election Connection patch program helps explain in the election process, teaches Girl Scouts how they can help educate others in their community, and encourages civic engagement. Pursuing this patch during the upcoming presidential election season could help Girl Scouts make sense of the world around them!

In Girl Scouts, you are part of a special group that stretches across the world. On February 22nd of each year, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from over 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. That’s one big celebration! World Thinking Day is a way to celebrate with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides everywhere by doing the same activities around a shared theme.

In 2025 the World Thinking Day theme is Our Story: Reflecting the symbolism and values of our Movement. Each year GSUSA provides an updated guide with activities and resources that allow Girl Scouts, Troops or Service Units the opportunity to plan their own fun. Visit link.org to learn more about how you can celebrate and earn your World Thinking Day award!

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/about-world-thinking-day

Program Partner Events

Girl Scout Week | March 9-15, 2025

Council provided resources will be available in January 2025 -complete with activities and a special 2025 Girl Scout Week Patch.

Below you can find a preview of all the incredible opportunities and offerings available from our many Program Partners located throughout the Council. For more information please visit the event calendar on the on the GSCNC Website.

Daisy

Level

Key

aMaze Journey Jumpstart

The Skin You Live In

Staying Fit

Eco Advocate

Science of Happiness

Social Butterfly

Think Like an Engineer

Sky Badge

First Aid Badge

Speaking in Sign Badge

Sky Badge

Between Earth and Sky

Journey Jumpstart

Animal Party

Dinner Party

Wonders of Water Journey

International Spy Museum

Office of Historic Alexandria

Cadette Journey Jumpstart

Media Remake with Moss Kendrix

Junior Tavern Overnight

River & Trail Outfitters

Scout Days Survival Hike

Scout Days Rafting

Kayak to Survive

Port Discovery

Children's Museum

Overnight Adventures

Cadette Tavern Overnight

Junior Tavern Overnight

Cadette Tavern Overnight

Cadette Journey Jumpstart

Junior Tavern Overnight

Cadette Tavern Overnight

Junior Tavern Overnight

Media Remake with Moss Kendrix

Cadette Journey Jumpstart

Media Remake with Moss Kendrix

Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC

Close to Home: Dog Sledding for Girl Scout Troops

Close to Home...

DBJCSA

03/16 03/17 03/19 03/20 03/21 03/22 03/23 03/24 03/29 03/30 03/31 04/05 04/30 05/05 05/26 06/01 06/13 06/26 07/04 07/18 08/08 08/22 08/29

National Aquarium

Sea Turtle Day

Wander the Wetlands

World Ocean Day Celebration

DBJCSA

National Building Museum

Nice Neighbors

Designing for Disaster

Nice Neighbors

Gardens and Green Roofs

Designing for Diaster

Nice Neighbors

Virginia National Ballet

Maryland Science Center

Camp-In Camp-In

Camp-In

Camp-In Camp-In

Hope Valley Farm

Brownie Quest Journey Jumpstart

Agent of Change Journey Jumpstart

Cadette Outdoor Journey Jumpstart

Brownie Outdoor Journey Jumpstart

Introductory to Archery

Junior Animal Habitats Badge

Brownie Letterboxing Badge

Cadette Program Aide Training

Flagstar Football

Franconia Rec Center Skills Day

Wood Acres Park Skill Day

Deal Middle School Skills Day

Bishop O'Connell High School Skills Day

Avenel Local Park Skills Day

McKinley Tech High School Skills Day

Spring Hill Rec Center Skills Day

Program Partner Ads

• Good Neighbor Badge • Girl Scout Level: Daisy Designing for Disaster • Think Like an Engineer Badge • Girl Scout Level: Junior

Please donate to SHARE today

impacts every Girl Scout and volunteer in our council.

What SHARE Funds

Covers membership and troop dues, youth supplies, camperships, and program fees. $500 supports a year of Girl Scouting. Financial Assistance

Volunteer Assistance

Provides free and reduced cost training for volunteers. $100 helps a volunteer receive training and resources.

Camp

Maintains our eight camps, high adventure activities and ensures every girl has the chance to enjoy the outdoors. $1000 helps get Girl Scouts to sleep away camp.

Supports troop and camp programs, STEM, life skills, entrepreneurship and leadership training. $250 helps youth travel on a Girl Scout destination. Program