JG Fall 2020

JG The Juliette Gazette for

Fall 2020 A Publication of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

G.I.R.L.s ♥ STEM Page 8

Girls dive in on a sunny afternoon combining sand, rocks, driftwood, seashells, and plants into their handmade terrariums.

JG The Juliette Gazette

The Juliette Gazette is a publication of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

JG Staff: Publisher/Designer Lucia Kroeger Renz Editor/Writer Shannon Peterson

Let It

Grow

by Harper Ryan Girl Scout Brownie

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Photo Editor Michelle Cleary Writer/Editor Susan Payne

We are supported in part by:

by Sam Lilla Girl Scout Brownie

hese nature lovers from Gretna Troop 40304 participated in a council-sponsored program called DIY Terrariums at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

It was a sunny afternoon, and we were at a big building. They signed us in at the desk by the room where we were going to make terrariums.

First, they talked about the history of terrariums, and then they showed us how to make them. Next, we got a plastic ball from the box and then filled a bag with sand, rocks, driftwood, and seashells. After that we went back to our seats and started putting all of the things into the plastic ball. Harper’s was perfect, but Sam thought hers was kind of weird, so she redid it.

We finally were happy and finished with our terrariums! After that we each got a rope and made a macramĂŠ holder for our terrariums.

Once we were done, everyone ate goldfish (the snack kind).

GirlScoutsNebraska.org

PUBLICATION OFFICE: 2121 South 44th Street Omaha, NE 68105

And that wraps up making terrariums!

On the Cover: Nebraska Girl Scouts explore law enforcement careers, science labs, and the great outdoors through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs.

Please note that many of the activities featured in this issue occurred before the coronavirus pandemic arrived in the Unites States.

d e b k n u B nts te

CAMPOREE Turns into At-Home

GL MPOREE

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irl Scouts won’t let a pandemic keep them from their love of camping and the outdoors! When COVID-19 canceled Spirit of Nebraska’s in-person camporee, we created the 2020 Camporee at Home, bringing camp magic and traditions to girls in the comfort of their living rooms and backyards!

Nearly 500 girls from Nebraska, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, California, Arizona, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, and other states joined us on Facebook Live for virtual campfires, cookouts, singalongs, knot tying, crafts, horse lessons, archery, and other exciting adventures.

Girl Scouts pitched tents in their yards and constructed dreamy forts. They made edible campfires, created crafty indoor fires, or built real fires outside and made s’mores — even if they had to “roast” marshmallows in the microwave.

They shared photos of home-cooked meals, friendship bracelets, and all their camping experiences on social media to inspire others to build their outdoor skills.

Search for #NECamporee on Facebook to see more photos!

paper fires

Girl Scouts Goes Virtual

When COVID-19 hit, Girl Scouts created online Girl Scouts at Home programs.

• Find them on Facebook and YouTube.

• Use them to try new things on your own or during your troop meetings.

• Watch our program for new virtual programs.

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Driving Lasting Change with

Gold Awards

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old Award Girl Scouts have their eye on the prize – earning the mark of the truly remarkable and taking their Girl Scout achievements to the next level.

They don’t just change the world for the better, they change it for good by driving lasting change in their communities and beyond.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts create sustainable and impactful solutions to local, national, and global challenges by identifying and addressing the root cause of an issue that is important to them,” said Fran Marshall, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

Sixteen Nebraska high school girls joined an elite group of women leaders this year by earning their Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. They demonstrated extraordinary leadership and changed the world by tackling pressing issues.

Also, in 2020, 255 girls earned their Bronze Award, the highest award for Girl Scouts in fourth and fifth grade. An additional 63 girls earned their Silver Award, the highest Girl Scout award for sixth- through eighth-graders.

“This year we are recognizing 16 extraordinary Girl Scouts who completed their Take Action projects during a pandemic and have earned their Gold Award. We are proud of their accomplishments and perseverance. Each of these Gold Award Girl Scouts has made the world a better place.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 GOLD AWARD GIRL SCOUTS: *Indicates that she earned all the highest awards in Girl Scouting (Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards).

Chyna Delker, Hastings

Photography Exhibition of Influential Women in Our Own Community

Chyna noticed that many influential women in the Hastings area were not recognized for their contributions, and she wanted that to change. Her project involved creating an exhibit at the Hastings Museum featuring photos and bios of local women making an impact.

She used photography to inspire and connect people, calling attention to how all individuals can benefit their communities. The museum asked to keep the display to enhance future exhibits.

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Natural Disaster Preparedness

Allison was inspired by a major flood in her area and a desire to help people better prepare for future disasters. She teamed up with the FFA, an elementary school, and the fire department to teach students how to prepare for a natural disaster.

During a special Natural Disaster Preparedness Day, groups created stations to educate students about fires, tornados, floods, and extreme temperatures and handed out packets to help the children retain what they learned.

Elzbieta Donohew, Omaha

Rebecca Kucera, Omaha*

After her family adopted a new puppy, Elzbieta discovered that don't local parks provide dog agility courses. She met with dog park advocates and Omaha’s planning division to share her dream of reinventing the small dog space at Hefflinger Park. Elzbieta then gathered a team of friends and built a six-obstacle agility path in the park. She also constructed bone-shaped benches for dog owners to enjoy and planted trees to provide shade.

Having experienced bullying as a child, Rebecca focused her Gold Award project on empowering young children. She created a curriculum and activities focused on how kindness leads to positive conversations, respectful actions toward others, acceptance of peers, and decreases bullying behaviors. Rebecca presented to second-graders at Loveland Elementary School and more than 100 Girl Scouts. She also created a website, spreadingkindness.info, featuring her videos and project details for other educators to use.

Little Paws and Barks in the Park

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Allison Folkers, Omaha

Spreading Smiles and Kindness

Estelle McLaughlin, Omaha Pillows for Patients

Because she spent time in the hospital as a young child, Estelle knew firsthand how unnerving the experience can be.

She worked with her Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter and her textiles and design class to create brightly colored pillowcases that would comfort hospitalized children. The pillowcases provide a sense of security for pediatric patients at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital add a touch of warmth to the rooms.

Elizabeth Moran, Omaha*

Prospect Hill Cemetery Cleanup and Tombstone Restoration

When her grandmother died, Elizabeth noticed the cemetery was overgrown and many headstones had fallen over or were unreadable. The thought that these people were forgotten led Elizabeth to discover the Adopt-A-Plot program at Prospect Hill Cemetery, where many people historically critical to Omaha’s development are buried. She created a brochure with the cemetery’s cleaning guidelines and light tombstone restoration tips that she distributed to nearby housing developments and neighborhood organizations.

Brochures are also available at the cemetery’s caretaker building.

Katheryn Rice, Bellevue* Audio Resources for School and Home

Katheryn heard her former school’s fourth-grade classroom needed audio recordings for children who had difficulty reading and recalled how she once struggled with reading as well. Teams of Girl Scouts, National Honor Society members, and Parent Teacher Fellowship members recorded sections of a history textbook and chapter books, which Katheryn uploaded to the school website. The shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic gave the project additional purpose as all fourth-grade students could listen as they read along.

Erin Ruane, Papillion*

Playing Field Erosion Prevention

A safety hazard at her church caused by erosion prompted Erin to create a safe place for children to play. She gathered volunteers, money, and supplies to repair the damage to the play area and prevent future erosion. As she began her work, Erin was inspired by students at the nearby middle school and their desire to learn. She took her project a step further by teaching the children what she was learning about preventing erosion and by writing a curriculum.

Elyse Schweikert, Papillion Enough to Stop Traffic

Laurel Nelson, Omaha* Prayer Frames

Laurel wanted to make prayer more engaging and fun for children. Working with St. Leo Catholic Church’s religious education coordinator, Laurel created prayer frames for every classroom.

Children’s prayers are represented by different colored pieces of string, tied on the frame as they say a prayer. Laurel also created bracelets – with beads the same colors as the strings – to remind children they can pray wherever they are.

When Elyse learned Nebraska has the fourth-highest human trafficking rate in the United States, she knew she had to take action to spread awareness about the problem and help survivors. Partnering with Mercy High School, Elyse brought in guest speakers to educate students and created a trafficking curriculum that was added to the school’s theology classes.

She started a bi-weekly prayer program in which students pray for survivors and held fundraisers for Omaha organizations that help trafficking survivors.

Alyssa Schwinck, Lincoln* Alaynna Pedersen, Kearney* Little Library

When Alaynna was approached by the preschool director at her church about the need for a Little Free Library, she immediately started planning. She was driven by her love of reading and wanted to help children develop that same passion for books. The library has free books available for children in the church community. Alaynna also added a bench near the library for relaxing and reading. The preschool program and church volunteers will maintain the structure and replenish the book supply.

Transcribing Oral History About Dempster

Alyssa made history by transcribing audio interviews for the Homestead National Monument Education Center in Beatrice.

The interviews were about Dempster, a Beatrice manufacturing plant that made equipment homesteaders used on their farms. Monument staff had interviewed former Dempster employees but did not transcribe the interviews. Alyssa’s transcription work will be used to educate future generations about the role Dempster and its products played in the culture and lifestyles of the Midwest.

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Katelyn Smith, Herman

Community Cornhole Equipment and Tournament

The 2019 spring flooding devasted areas across Nebraska, including a park in Uehling. The park’s ballfields were littered with debris, and its horseshoe pits were destroyed. Katelyn asked community leaders how she could help, and they suggested she make cornhole boards.

Katelyn and her team raised money, built, and decorated eight sets of cornhole boards for the park and later donated two more sets. She also organized a successful cornhole tournament during the town’s annual Labor Day celebration.

Ashley Staver, Fremont* Life Choices

Life Choices, a Fremont pregnancy resource center, needed funds for its free ultrasounds, so Ashley stepped in to help.

She partnered with Milady Coffeehouse to host a fund-raising concert. Ashley recruited a local advertising agency to create concert fliers and asked local merchants display them. She also approached a local radio station for advertising support and was interviewed about her project and the concert. The concert raised more than $1,600 and educated the community about Life Choices’ services.

Emily Yelinek, Omaha

Reading Benches for the Abarhams Branch of the Omaha Public Library

While spending many summers volunteering at the Abrahams Branch of the Omaha Public Library, Emily frequently observed children check out books and then turn their attention to computer games. She wanted to create a technology-free environment where children could improve their reading skills and enjoy nature. Emily crafted clever, eye-catching outdoor benches — the backs look like bright book spines — for library patrons. She also organized an annual outdoor "Reading Under the Stars" event for families.

Zoe Zingler, Elkhorn*

Back to School Blood Drive

With the help of the American Red Cross, Zoe implemented the inaugural Back to School Blood Drive at the Fire Ridge Clubhouse in Elkhorn. Combining her interest in the medical field and her passion for helping others, the blood drive was the perfect way to give back not only to her community, but also to patients in need. Her first drive collected 26 units, which exceeded her goal and provided a lifesaving resource.

Nebraska Gold Award Girl Scout of Distinction Awards

Tessa Braezda

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our Nebraska Gold Award Girl Scouts earned $500 scholarships for their outstanding efforts to make the world a better place.

Each girl went above and beyond by Madelynn Carbaugh addressing local challenges related to a national or global issue such as preventing bullying and supporting teen victims of sexual assault, foreign exchange students, and students learning a second language.

Alora Nowlin

Rebecca Kucera

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The 2020 Pat Meyer Nebraska Gold Award Girl Scout of Distinction Award recipients are Tessa Braezda of Lincoln; Alora Nowlin of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Madelynn Carbaugh of Omaha. Pat Meyer was a lifelong Girl Scout devoted to supporting girls and helping young

women earn their Gold Awards. Following her death in 2014, her family honored her with a Girl Scout award in her memory.

Additionally, Rebecca Kucera of Omaha received the Linda Bakula Willis Nebraska Gold Award Girl Scout of Distinction Award. Linda Bakula Willis served as the board chair of the former Great Plains Girl Scouts Council, was a member of the council realignment committee, and then served as the board chair for the new Spirit of Nebraska Council.

Two Nebraska Girl Scouts traveled to Space Academy Camps in Huntsville, Alabama, on Girl Scouts of the USA Destinations trips.

Camp Inspires

Girls to Re-Evaluate Goals

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by Lana Schroeder Girl Scout Senior

t camp, we worked as teams to design and build our own rockets, and eventually launch them.

Unfortunately, the first time our parachute didn’t work so our rocket crashed. But we got a second chance and learned from our mistake.

Another team activity was trying to build a heat shield with aluminum foil and copper or aluminum wire mesh.

Our team wasn’t so successful against the blow torch, but we did learn from the other team why theirs worked a little better.

This Destination granted me so many new experiences and made me curious. I originally wanted to take the path of a pilot to reach my goal of going into space, but after this camp, I’m thinking differently. It made me realize that maybe I want to do something a little more… out there, you could say. I want to be able to leave the space station while I am in space. So maybe I can take a different career path to get me there.

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by Leota Fick Girl Scout Ambassador

very day at Advanced Space Academy we learned and experienced new things.

We listened to a panel of women in professions related to space that showed me that it is okay to love more than one thing, that you can and should dream big, and that every step in the path to your dreams is valuable.

We got to participate in simulated space missions, working together, to not only accomplish our goals but also circumvent disaster. I got reminded that every member of a team, glamorous or not, is crucial, and the team cannot function without them. I left this camp with a deeper understanding of the power of collaboration.

After going to camp, I believe anything I set my mind to is possible; although, it might take a long time and it will be hard.

I am no longer scared to follow my dreams. Camp made me re-evaluate my life goals. Now I hope to pursue careers in both environmental science and physical science, and I proudly tell people that I want to be an astronaut.

Lana Leota

Read more about Lana’s and Leota’s Girl Scouts of the USA Destinations trips, then find out how to make your travel adventure come true.

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Volunteers Make the Girl Scout

WORLD Go ‘Round

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irl Scout volunteers are true changemakers.

Whether they are giving pep talks that inspire girls to aim for the stars, engaging girls in activities that ignite their passions, or challenging “Girl Scout volunteers are so creative and resilient. girls to keep trying, volunteers help Girl Scouts grow into Even during a global pandemic, they are finding ways women who advocate for positive change in the world. to connect with and support girls,” said Fran Marshall, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

Each year, Spirit of Nebraska celebrates outstanding “We are really proud of the volunteers who return each volunteers with special awards to honor the valuable year to support our girls, and so thankful for all they do contributions they make to developing girl leaders. This to make a difference in the lives of girls.” year, the annual Girl Scout Volunteer Awards Ceremonies held across the state were cancelled due to the COVID-19 Congratulations to the 2020 Volunteer Award winners, pandemic. But that doesn’t make our award-winning and we thank them for the meaningful and inspiring volunteers any less important! contributions they make to the girls they serve!

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Volunteer of Excellence

Helpful Adult

Brenda Aipperspach, Hastings Linda Allison, Norfolk Zoe Anderson, Lincoln Angela Bardell, Alma Kristin Beaty, Wakefield Jill Bieranowski, Omaha Victoria Bowman, Trenton Desirae Bruner, Sidney Lynsey Byers, Omaha Kayla Canova, Alliance Paula Carlson, Grand Island Kerrie Catchpool, Hastings Melanie Climer-Wilson, Yutan Amanda Cobb, Kearney Heather Cooper, Hebron Moraine Davis-Magnuson, North Plattle Amy Dohmen, Omaha Sara Dykes, Chadron Julie Ellis, Bartley Teha Ferguson, Omaha Amber Fixemer, Kearney Lisa Frederick, North Plattle Mary Jo Froid, Minden C Nicole Georgiana, Kearney Amanda Groff, Doniphan Tanya Hanson, Blair Heidi Hirschbach, Omaha Bonnie Horne, Lincoln Tabetha Hughson, Fremont

Jemma Denaeyer, Thedford Emily Edwards, Elkhorn Ashley Fuentz-Bravo, Scottsbluff Tobi Hill, Wahoo Suz Leffers, Norfolk Timothy Nattrass, Omaha Robert Smith, Omaha Rebecca Stelling, Fairbury Andrea Vrbka, Norfolk Sherry Warner, Columbus

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Elizabeth Kaster, Falls City Chauncie Kieckhafer, Ogallala Kelly Kiraly, Gering Chelsea Lambert, Arlington Mindy Lester, Lincoln Kimberly Lipinski, North Plattle Mary Lunsford, Falls City Harriet Marsh, Norfolk Amanda Medaries, Kearney Ali Mills, St. Paul Cheryl Miner, Emmet Sabrina Nelson, Ord Lindsey Nesselrotte, Bellevue Tana Pageler, Waverly Tabitha Paulsen, Norfolk Sara Peterson, Gering Brandy Price, Pierce Diane Randall, Pender Michelle Rasmussen, Alliance Brandy Saltzman, Wayne Alma Sanchez, Scottsbluff Krisandra Shields, Adams Christina Shimerdla, Ralston Ashley Stelling, Fairbury Steven Stoppkotte, Grand Island Melissa Vodehnal, Grand Island Merica Weber, Sidney Pam Wegener, Bassett Angelia White, Omaha

Appreciation Pin Amanda Adams, Indianola Sarah Ayres, Hastings Jennifer Burgard-Quaranta, Lincoln Melissa Cowling, Hastings Cecilia Fick, Kearney Vicki Furchert, West Point Emily Gallagher, Inman Honor Pin Deb Gibbs, Kearney Monica Gissler, Gretna Sarah Hoins, Hastings Jackie Russell, Hastings Liz Karr, Hastings Mary Janette Matzke, Blair Thanks Badge Susan Mayberger, Omaha Tracy Palmer, Hastings Laura Morris, Omaha Karen Smith, Omaha

Rickie Crandell

2020

Carolyn Sloan Spirit of Nebraska Award

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ver the past 22 years, Rickie Crandell of Inland has served as an inspiring role model and mentor to girls and adults. Rickie believes in the positive benefits of Girl Scouts and strives to spread the word about the Movement to everyone she meets.

She embraces the girl-led focus and provides opportunities for girls to try new things.

Rickie’s positive attitude shines through in every situation. Her gracious attitude is contagious, spreading to the girls and volunteers with whom she works. She has been described as Spirit of Nebraska’s “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

Rickie has provided exemplary service as a troop leader, school coordinator, service team member, recruiter, event planner, and artVenture artist. Her previous honors include Outstanding Leader, Outstanding Volunteer, Volunteer of Excellence, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge I, and Thanks Badge II. We extend our appreciation to Rickie for her devotion to the Girl Scout mission and thank her for 22 years of volunteering!

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h t i w d l r o W e h Changing t

E ST M G

irls are natural-born scientists! They look at the world around them with inquisitive eyes, experiment, push boundaries, and learn as they go. Yet studies show that by third grade that interest begins to fade. But not for Girl Scouts!

Girl Scouts love STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) whether they are building robots, learning to code, designing cars, protecting wildlife, researching diseases, or studying the stars.

Girl Scout STEM programs and badges keep girls actively engaged in these essential activities and introduce these future leaders to new career paths!

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WHY STEM?

Women hold less than 28% of STEM jobs in the United States but make up more than 47% of the U.S. workforce.

Girl Scouts who participate in STEM programs: • Become better problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and inspirational leaders • Get better grades, earn scholarships, and follow more lucrative career paths • See STEM as the foundation for a meaningful and successful future

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& t about Confidence at Cosmo

Full STEM Ahead Girls in Kearney Troop 00128 immersed themselves in a day full of STEM activities at the Edgerton Explorit Center in Aurora. The center offers oodles of science-related activities, exhibits, and demonstrations, including games and simulations. In one room, girls were playing Mindball, while in another, girls were simulating how thunderstorms form. This place is a hot spot for science!

Happy Birthday, Hebron Troop 00480 gave Hebron a huge birthday shoutout during its 150-year annual parade! Nearly 50 girls and 10 adults participated. At the end of the day, the girls’ patriotic float — adorned in red, white, and blue — caught the eyes of the judges, earning a third-place finish. Great job, Girl Scouts, and happy birthday, Hebron!

Attitude of Gratitude To earn their Attitude of Gratitude patch, Troop 50509 wanted to show their appreciation for people who help the Fremont community. To say thank you, the girls created signs and SWAPS to give to volunteers. They also donated Girl Scout Cookies to the Salvation Army. That’s saying thanks the Girl Scout way!

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Water on Water Water bottle? Check. Life jacket?

Check. Paddle? Check. Beatrice Troop 20141 headed to Norfolk for some kayaking and connecting. With paddles in hand and drinking water nearby, the girls pushed off from the beach for an exciting, yet relaxing day on the water.

Traveling all the way from Kansas, Troop 2240 came to Camp Cosmo in Grand Island to build even more courage and confidence through archery, axe throwing, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. To fuel these activities, the girls cooked all their own meals. For an extra boost of confidence, the girls wrote affirmations on large posters for one another, spelling out the ways they support each other. What a great Girl Scout way to build the bonds of friendship.

Girls Love State Parks Louisville Troop 20564 got in on the action during the first Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend! The girls celebrated our state treasures by kayaking, axe throwing, and trying shooting sports! We love state parks, what about you?

Taking Action to Tidy Up Speaks for the Trees Papillion/La Vista Cadettes hosted a camp for the younger girls in their troop and helped them complete the Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey at Camp Catron. Honor Troop 41901’s Lorax-themed camp included creating seed bombs the girls can use to bring more pollinators to their neighborhoods, filling out field journals on a hike, and learning how they – as citizen scientists – can help NASA. Naturally, a screening of The Lorax was required before bed!

If you’re visiting Chalco Hills Recreation Area Visitors Center in Omaha, you might recognize some of the girls in the photos on the walls.

That’s because Troop 44430 participated in Take Action project around the recreation area. The Girl Scouts scoured the area and collected garbage cluttering the natural space. Throughout the project, the girls talked about conservation, protecting animal habitat, and pollution. They even learned about water and soil pH!

Skydiving? Oh My! The historic beach at Galveston Island, Texas, welcomed Omaha Troop 45312 with love after a 12-hour drive! The girls stopped at iFly indoor skydiving to blast through body flying tunnels, went on a dolphin watch tour, spent hours playing in ocean, and visited the Magnolia Market from the show Fixer Uppers. All within four days! Of course, the fifth day was spent driving back to Nebraska. Are we there yet?

Carefully Curated Care Packages Catching the Spirit

Night at the Museum

Could girls in the Hebron Service Unit catch the Girl Scout spirit? That was Troop 20904’s goal in hosting 43 girls at a “Catch the Girl Scout Spirit” event in Hebron Park. Girl Scouts of all ages were invited to craft photo frames to hold memories, sun catchers to gather sunshine, and dream catchers to collect sweet dreams!

After a nature scavenger hunt the girls tested their catching skills with egg and water balloon tosses.

Did you know Hastings is the birthplace of Kool-Aid? Omaha Troop 41358 knows after visiting the Hastings Museum! Edwin Perkins had an entrepreneurial spirit, just like Girl Scouts. He invented Kool-Ade in 1927 (later changed to Kool-Aid) seven years after moving to Hastings to be closer to distribution routes for other products he manufactured. The girls spent the night in the museum and took photos in front a Kool-Aid stand and with a polar bear! Oh yeah!

With families in mind, Troop 48902 from Omaha got creative in sending care packages to deployed military troops and their loved ones back home. In each package, the Daisies included half of a game, so that families could Skype game nights across the ocean. The girls included special notes, in addition to essential items like toiletries and snacks. Children received Play-Doh and activities, and moms were treated to items to help them relax. Bath bombs and specialty coffee were perfect for that! Not surprisingly, the care packages received rave reviews.

Please note that many of the activities featured in this issue occurred before the coronavirus pandemic.

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First Year Whatchamacallits Most of the girls in the Pershing Elementary troop in Lincoln are new to Girl Scouting, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how much fun we have. The new troop started its year by making My Pet Cloud SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere), which they absolutely loved. Proudly, the girls pinned their SWAPS on their book bags to show friends and family. Welcome to Girl Scouts!

Scooby Dooby Boo! Calling all meddling kids! Troop 20361 in Lincoln created a Scooby Doo- and haunted mansion-themed display for an area Trunk or Treat event. Girls dressed as Scooby Doo characters or as scary creatures to give out candy from their trunk to trick-or-treaters!

Their creepy creativity won third place in the design competition!

Leaping from Brownies to Juniors

Journey from Kearney to Catron

The bridging to Juniors ceremony was especially awesome for Troop 45398 from Omaha’s Ackerman Elementary.

The girls decided on a pizza party celebration with family and friends to recognize the milestone and crafted a green bridge surrounded with pompoms. Congratulations on bridging!

Your troop, families, and friends are so proud!

Kearney Troop 00670 spent a wonderful day at Camp Catron near Nebraska City! The girls spent much of their time on the ropes and adventure courses, bonding with each other and challenging themselves! A visit to Kimmel Orchard also offered tons of photo opps. It was a two-and-a-halfhour road trip that was totally worth it!

Finishing Touches We love that girls aspire to tell the world about Girl Scouting! Even from a corner of their front yard. Daisy Delaney Decker of Kearney Troop 08934 brought her chair, markers, and artistic talents to the Girl Scout sign in her front yard, adding some finishing touches to the “Troops Forming Now” sign. Hoping to win over future Girl Scouts in her neighborhood, this Daisy put her all into spreading the word.

Yo Much Fun! A great way for Girl Scouts to bond is through yoga and exercise. Girls from Columbus Troop 50618 set out to do just that – with active gear on and smiles that stretched for miles. The girls enjoyed activities in the grass outside and worked with partners in the gymnasium. Like physical education class, but with girls who share the love Girl Scouting!

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Greatest Week Evah!

How do you celebrate Girl Scout Week?

Troop 28046 in Falls City came up with some great ideas! The girls started the week by reading Girl Scouts books to preschoolers. Then, the they filled a free pantry with food and essentials.

During the week, the girls also invited friends to their Girl Scout meetings!

This group knows how to party!

Happy Hebron Halloween As juniors and seniors in high school, Troop 20908 in Hebron decided handing out Halloween candy to children would be the pinnacle of celebrating the holiday. What could be more rewarding than seeing the smiles on children’s faces as they received their favorite snacks and talked about their creative costumes.

At the Halloween Trunk or Treat party in Hebron, the troop had a spooky, fun blast!

Sometimes Travel Takes More Than Cookies Lincoln Troop 20811 hosted a Journey in a Day program called Wonders of Water to earn money for their trip to Savannah, Georgia. The girls secured donations, prepared activity stations, and received support from family members for snacks and other items that the Brownies could take home!

Their troop leader said she is proud of the work the girls did to find another way to raise funds for their troop. So are we!

Great Big Brownie Smiles From Daisies to Brownies: Lincoln Troop 28270 bridged in front of friends, family, teachers, and loved ones at St. David’s Episcopal Church!

The girls were so proud of their accomplishments and are super excited for their futures as Brownies.

At the end of the ceremony, the girls took a group photo, of course, and reached into their pockets to pull out their Brownie smiles.

Eyes on the Prize Frozen with Families Girl Scout Cookie proceeds can be used in many rewarding ways.

Lincoln Troop 28725 decided to use their hard-earned funds for a trip to the theater to see the Frozen 2.

Nestled in front of the big screen, the girls followed Elsa and Anna as they searched for the origin of Elsa’s magical powers. (We won’t share any spoilers, if you haven’t seen it!) They enjoyed popcorn, Icees, and treats with their Girl Scout sisters and their families.

Chefs for a Day Omaha Troop 40311 spent a day learning important kitchen safety lessons at Culinary Kidz (a Spirit of Nebraska Community Collaborator that has since closed). Then they rolled up their sleeves and got to work preparing delicious homemade nacho chips and tortillas. They mixed fresh fruit into a salad topped with a homemade honey and lime juice syrup. Saving desert for last, the girls closed the evening by making a lemonade slushie. They even earned their Snack badges!

After surpassing their cookie goals, Papillion Troop 41906 used their proceeds to create a busy, fun-filled Girl Scout year! They explored the Durham Museum, sang Christmas carols at a nursing home, hosted their annual bonfire and sleepover, sold baked goods at Papillion’s Winter Wonderland, and learned about safety at the Papillion Police Station! They even traveled to Kansas City to scream their way through the roller coasters at Worlds of Fun.

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Bringing Hope to COPE Crafts, holiday décor, and more! Troop 43846 sponsored a craft table at the Annual Christian Outreach Program of Elkhorn (COPE) Christmas Party at Peace Presbyterian Church in Elkhorn.

During the party, families provide a wish list of items they need or want, and church members adopt these families, supplying items from the Christmas list. That’s how you make the world a better place!

Early Bird Gets the Patch Delaney Liechti of Bellevue Troop 45413 was up for the Early Bird Conservation Challenge last year, taking steps to protect the environment. First, she makes sure to use reusable water bottles instead of purchasing bottled water. She also uses reusable shopping bags and reusable straws and turns off the water while brushing her teeth. She wrapped up the challenge by watching the movie The Lorax and learning about the importance of trees. Great job inspiring others to make a difference!

Fresh Food Inspiration Girls in Omaha Troop 48562 were in for a fresh time when they visited a Fresh Thyme store in their city. The farmers’ market-like store offered the girls a tour, sharing its mission to improve the community by offering fresh and healthy foods. During the visit, the girls tasted amazing snacks and received a pumpkin and trail mix.

Sadly, all the Nebraska Fresh Thyme stores have recently closed.

Good Luck, Graduates!

Graduation doesn’t come easy. It's filled with final projects and saying “goodbye for now” to the students you spent the last four years with. Troop 45056 in Omaha had two graduating seniors, Bennett Clary and Ashley Libby, who are both off to college. The girls were a part of the troop for the past six years, and their Girl Scout sisters are so proud of them. They will be missed!

Yum! Girls Scouts from Culler Middle School hosted a cookie booth for fellow students and teachers. Now everyone knows where to get these yummy treats during cookie season, but they better be careful eating them in class. Teachers might not like that!

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These three Girl Scouts from Omaha Troop 48303 recently became Program Aides. In the training, they participated in hands-on activities about team building, girl development, and leadership. Now they’re ready to design and lead activities for younger girls! Contact Member Support to have a Program Aide help with one of your troop meetings!

Camp Life, Best Life

Students Need S’more Cookies

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Ready to Take the Lead

Omaha Troop 43012 celebrated the end of their Girl Scout year at Camp Maha! Making their way through the ropes courses, the girls encouraged each other with motivating words and support. After completing the low and high ropes courses, these go-getters relished a strong sense of empowerment and togetherness.

Way to build the bonds of friendship!

O D O T Y D A E A LWAYS R G N I H T T H G I R T X E N E TH

M

by Molly Harris, Girl Scout Mom

y daughter, Girl Scout AiEnna Harris-Goodman, is a fifth grader in Plattsmouth Troop 20771. She is always looking for new ways that she can help others, finding joy and fulfillment in service to those in need.

Recently, she used Facebook and other media to spread the word that she was collecting clothing and essentials for the Lydia House, a women’s shelter in Omaha. With people in need at the forefront of her service, she is working on another project to help even more people.

AiEnna’s heart for people goes beyond one or two service projects per year; it extends to her daily life. She helps older people in grocery stores who can’t reach certain items and has helped them transport bags to their cars.

She uses her skills and passion to help others in whatever ways she can, whenever she can. She is such an amazing girl and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Girl Scout AiEnna Harris-Goodman’s compassion for others shines through her selfless acts of kindness.

Dancing with Dad Creates

sweet

O

Memories

by Haley Dougherty Girl Scout Ambassador

n February 22, 2020, girls of all ages came together to dance the night away with their dads at the Candyland Father/Daughter Dance offered by Girl Scout Troop 44323, which includes Abbey Dyer, Danie Dougherty, Olivia Reilly, and myself.

Accompanied by rocking music and sweet surprises, the girls got to spend quality time with their fathers. The girls showed their competitive side by participating in a limbo contest, a dance contest, and a few other fun games.

Kaelin Groenjes won the limbo contest, and Alivia Pithan won the dance contest.

Although there were divine decorations and tasty treats based on the board game Candyland, I think we all can agree that the sweetest thing there were the daughters.

Everyone who attended had fun; a sweet memory that none of us will forget!

Girls and their fathers dance through the Kingdom of Sweet Adventures.

A team of Girl Scouts help unlock the talents of future athletes by providing sports equipment for children.

UN OCKING

by Troop 43027

T

Sports for All Kids

he main focus of our Bronze Award project was something we called sports equipment for underprivileged kids.

Our goal was to help raise money for kids like us, who would like to play sports, but may not be able to afford proper equipment. Just think about the hundreds of dollars you spend on an entire sports season! This includes the fees to play in tournaments and leagues and to have uniforms, shoes, and more.

Parents are not always able to pay these expenses.

Kids who are fully capable of playing sports become not so capable because of the amount of money it costs to play. That’s why our troop feels we should do whatever we can to make a difference.

We decided to gather the money from people who were willing to help us achieve our goal of helping children who want to play sports. We chose to buy

sports equipment and build a sports equipment locker at Heartland Family Services. We had $250 of our own money to get us started. But, if we wanted to fill a whole office, we needed to get to work! We created an online video to educate other people about what we wanted to do. We received over $400 in donations and collected sports equipment donations at two locations.

If you want to do a project for your community, we strongly encourage you to. You can do something as simple as a food drive, or completely remodel a place in poor condition. The possibilities are endless, and they all end up benefiting your community.

Our troop overcame obstacles to make this project come to life – like where to store the equipment. The room at Heartland Family Services was proposed so children and families could access free equipment, including life jackets for swimming, baseballs and bats, basketballs, softballs, and other sports gear.

Any family that Heartland Family Service provides support to can pick out equipment. This gives our troop an opportunity to replenish our room when all the equipment is gone. Now, those children are able to have the experience that every kid should have: to play sports and have fun!

Freshly purchased equipment in the new sports locker is ready for kids to use!

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Art Is Always an

D

uring artVenture 2020, Girl Scouts across the state worked side by side with professional artists to create works of art for two virtual silent auctions.

They tried welding, experimented with splatter painting, created with glass, and so much more. artVenture 2021 will be undergoing many changes!

Collaborations will be done virtually and there will be one statewide, virtual silent auction.

Save the dates: April 22-24, 2021,

and watch your email and GirlScoutsNebraska.org for details!

Fall Issue 2020

17

Unboxing Fun

The playful girls of Crete Troop 28591 donated toys to Camp Maha. When they arrived at camp, they wanted to unbox the toys and "try them out a bit." Of course, the biggest kid, Camp Properties Director Mark Dietz, was right there with them. Looks like a terrific time!

Food for Thought

Girls from sister Troops 20572 and 20654 sponsored two families through the Nebraska City Food Pantry by making donations from lists of needs. The food pantry provides about 60 families with items to make their holiday dinners complete. Thanks to these Juniors for coming together to support their community.

Warm Up Winter

As another blustery Nebraska winter approached, girls in Troop 00012 thought about people who weren’t as fortunate as their families. Knowing colder temperatures could impact people experiencing homelessness, the girls decided to hold a weeklong winter clothing drive at Watson Elementary in Hastings. Donations were delivered to Crossroads Homeless Shelter, all in the name of warmth!

Curbing Hunger in the Heartland

Troop 43836 from Elkhorn South High School kicked off their holiday giving season by volunteering at the Food Bank for the Heartland. The girls donated 37.5 hours, making 124 boxes of food and filling 992 bags. That’s 26.5 bags per person, per hour. Speed and dedication; the perfect combination.

Cat Got Your Sock?

Taking care of animals makes a big impact in our world. Cadettes from Troop 48303 made a difference when they made and filled catnip sock toys for Operation Sock Drop at the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha. Toys like these keep shelter cats mentally occupied and give them exercise.

We think those cats would say, “Thank mew!”

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Christmas Comfort

From one type of troop to another: Alliance Girl Scout Troop 10202 wanted to bring comfort and joy to the veterans who visit the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Hot Springs, South Dakota, nearly two hours away. Creatively, the girls made cards for the veterans, wishing them a wonderful Christmas.

Good Turn for Goodwill

Girl Scout Tia Chism, a member of Troop 42540, takes the Girl Scout slogan — do a good turn daily — to heart. This action-oriented Cadette collected donations and delivered them to the Bellevue Goodwill Store during the Good Turn for Goodwill drive. That’s how you take the lead to change the world.

That’s a Lot of Litter!

What better way to make the world a better place than to clean it up? Five girls and two co-leaders from Troop 41213 did just that at Elkhorn’s Lake Flanagan, a 22-acre reservoir with a five-mile trail.

Equipped with bags and rubber gloves, the girls collected trash along nearly half the trail. They also scoured the parking lot and playground. Goodbye, garbage!

A Kindness Christmas Party

Four troops in Omaha turned their Christmas Party into a kindness party!

Troops 44642, 42734, 48816, and 48844 collected gloves, scarves, and hats to donate to people in need. In true Girl Scout fashion, the troop hung the items on trees in Turner Park as part of an annual Secret Kindness Agent event so people could grab what they needed directly from a tree.

Dropping Off Diapers

While the girls in Troop 41365 normally endear one another with Secret Santa gifts, last year they decided to do something more meaningful with their money. Since the cost of diapers can really add up, these kind-hearted Girl Scouts decided to buy and donate diapers to the Lydia House, an emergency shelter in Omaha. The donation will benefit women and children at the living at shelter, and that’s worth more than any gift!

Turning COVID-19 Upside Down

Waterloo and Valley Troop 48835 had a plan for their Gift of Sharing cookies – all 213 packages! But the arrival of coronavirus scuttled their donation ideas. The girls decided to make the best of the situation and donate the cookies to frontline workers at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, instead! Troop member Maya Larmore delivered the cookies to her uncle, who works for UNMC. The cookies were set up at snack stations for the local heroes.

Blessing Bags and Prayers

The Brownies of Troop 45329 in Omaha wanted to celebrate Veterans Day in a special way. The girls assembled 800 “Blessing Bags” and participated in a Veterans Day program at St. Stephen the Martyr School. They said prayers for veterans, handed out the bags to all the students, and reminded everyone to pray for active duty military personnel and veterans.

Clean Stream, Muddy Girls

For Earth Day, Brownies from Omaha Troop 43523 finished their WOW! Wonders of Water Journey by cleaning up the stream that runs through Elmwood Park. Helped by a few Daisies, Juniors, and Cadettes, the girls spent a morning getting muddy while cleaning up trash.

They even learned a bit about zoo archaeology as they carefully reassembled a small opossum or raccoon skeleton that they found. Wowza!

Sew Creative

Troop 50497 held a sewing event at the Saunders County Museum – putting their creativity to work for patients at Omaha Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. The Wahoo troop designed pillowcases for the patients and delivered them to the hospital. While there, these go-getters met with volunteer specialists for a question and answer session.

Please note that many of the activities featured in this issue occurred before the coronavirus pandemic.

Fall Issue 2020

19

2019 and 2020

Girl Scout C

Product Programs

hase Your Adventure proved to be a prophetic theme for the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program as girls rushed to wrap up their sales just as the coronavirus hit the United States.

1,000 packages, making them members of the exclusive 1000 Club. Top sellers during the 2019 Fall Product Program join this entrepreneurial girl crew when they reach $2,000 in sales.

Showing great determination and proving that Girls Shine Brighter through Girl Scout Cookies, a select group of girls became part of a special cookie boss squad. The efforts of these elite entrepreneurs resulted in cookie sales of more than

Girl Scouts who achieve these milestones receive a special patch, medal, certificate of achievement, and recognition in council publications (like this edition of JG!). Congratulations to the go-getters who took Product Programs to the next level!

1000 Club

gram 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Pro

rls who sold Here are the gi ut ges of Girl Sco 500-999 packa ed ose who join Cookies and th 0 by selling 100 the 1000 Club r o okies packages of co ng 0 in sales duri 0 reaching $2,0 ct Program. the Fall Produ

1000 Club

2019 Fall Product Program Samantha Hasbrouck, $2,253 Hannah Love, $2,114 Lettie Waterman, $2,087 Aurelia Pesek, $2,055 Kierstin Rehrs, $2,003 Taia Tosspon, $2,002

Dakota Christiansen, 2,543 Ailynn Helms, 2,413 Kristen Cochnar, 2,208 Carreagan Endorf, 2,139 Nora Erickson, 2,110 Savannah Pospisil, 2,039 Zoe Aponte, 1,948 Ella Grummert, 1,936 Eva Saenz, 1,933 Kierstin Rehrs, 1,932 Kassie Brabec, 1,912 Kaycee Canova, 1,904 Janessa Stehlik, 1,901 Caitlin Sindelar, 1,897 Kenley Spencer, 1,857 Sami Lee, 1,855 Tanya Lopez, 1,838 Maggie Brandt, 1,807 Danika Gentry, 1,756 Alexandria Mawhiney, 1,739 Taylor Boseneiler, 1,671 Mckinley Matthews, 1,633 Kerrington Dillman, 1,627 Zoe Davis, 1,625 Grace Lester, 1,625 Halee Masek, 1611 Zoe Walker, 1,597 Ashlyn Wells, 1,583

(Girl Scout, packages sold)

Nevaeh Pool, 1,570 Aleah Burton, 1,565 Jazmynn Wedel, 1,545 Kourtney Hawk, 1,525 Emma King, 1,516 Elizabeth, Jonsson 1,515 Alexis Hanson, 1,513 MiKenna Schroeder, 1,500 Arianna Shaw, 1,491 Ava Lyons, 1,471 Addison Boyer, 1,470 Emily Adkins, 1,438 Isabella Lester, 1,433 Bailey Fuller, 1,428 Mikenna Dorn, 1,421 Jenna Fuehrer, 1,400 Lexie Adler, 1,353 Ava Grant, 1,345 Lydia Taft, 1,345 Zella Horner-Becker, 1,334 Annibel Zaloudek, 1,321 Delaney Dubbs, 1,320 Katie Ireland, 1,318 Kaylee Cook, 1,304 Maguire Schutte, 1,304 Haylee Ronk, 1,302 Sophie Rutherford, 1,300 Taelynn Sammons, 1,300 Journei Williams, 1,294 Charlotte Vanek, 1,262 Evelyn Vanek, 1,262 Lily Cammarano, 1,239 Raemi Kellen, 1,228 Lizabeth Buike, 1,224 Abigail Wiitanen, 1,217

Nevaeh Longoria, 1,206 Alexa Baxter, 1,204 Brooklyn Baxter, 1,201 Renee Stehlik, 1,201 Graysen Coleman, 1,200 Charlotte Gifford, 1,200 Rose Caillier, 1,191 Taylorlynn Mitchell, 1,174 Hannah Preston, 1,171 Daisy Caillier, 1,168 Minnie Banks, 1,165 Ava Wharton, 1,153 Gabriella Evans, 1,150 Katelyn Pischel, 1,147 Chloe Frederick, 1,140 Adah Blair, 1,138 Kayla Griepenstroh, 1,134 Mackenzi Conn, 1,133 Karyssa Johnson, 1,131 Kyleigh Chambers, 1,127 Cali Cabieles, 1,126 Madison Hensley, 1,123 Zalena Hernandez, 1,120 Elli Bock, 1,117 Sindee Zook, 1,115 Emily Tran, 1,109 Lydia Kent, 1,107 Teagan Curtis, 1,106 Mallory Beethe, 1,105 Riley Somchana, 1,101 Ryleigh Dalton, 1,100 Isabella Hicken, 1,100 Elizabeth Reiser, 1,100 Karrie Weaver, 1,100 Jayla Deronjic-Reid, 1,089 Sarah Dunn, 1,088 Violet Mckibbon, 1,080 Rylie Zessin, 1,078 Brianna Holmes, 1,077 Josilyn Dobey, 1,074 Kallie Baxter, 1,071 Esther Healy, 1,071 Caitlin Wiese, 1,065 Phoenix Strom, 1,063

Shellsea Warner, 1,053 Zariyah Webster, 1,051 Lorelia Smith, 1,050 Marcella Burke, 1,044 Birkley Allington, 1,041 Kendra Reid, 1,037 Kennedy Pierson, 1,035 Jersie Cave, 1,029 Ainsley Hawkins, 1,027 Sabrina Zelfel, 1,027 Scarlett Roelfs, 1,026 Annabella Schaffer, 1,026 Lena Rosas, 1,023 Stephanie Eller, 1,022 Kimberly Evans, 1,022 Alyssa Hruska, 1,020 Payten Elder, 1,019 Josie D'Agosto, 1,016 Lucy D'Agosto, 1,016 Alexandra Moyer, 1,010 Tinley Harger, 1,009 Kylie Perkins, 1,009 Taylor White, 1,009 Allyssa White, 1,009 Annabelle Blum, 1,008 Sawyer Rother, 1,008 Addison Anderson, 1,007 Brynlee Tucker, 1,007 Macy Livasy, 1,005 Brylee Turner, 1,005 Alexandra Widga, 1,005 Carrington Peters, 1,004 Khloe Wilson, 1,004 Braelyn Wilson, 1,004 Kealy Titus, 1,003 Amara Uden, 1,003 Carly Plofkin, 1,001 Leyna Ahlschwede, 1,000 Lauren Hagstrom, 1,000 Carly Lukes, 1,000 Xyairah Onuoha, 1,000 Addison Pithan, 1,000 Brinley Rathjen, 1,000 Paityn Settell, 1,000

Grab a cookie and pose for the frame!

Girls prepare for the season at the Omaha Cookie Kick-Off Party.

20

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500 Club

gram 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Pro Lilyth Groff, 979 Ruby Rogers, 956 Laree Duey, 952 Lillian Henry, 938 Haley Happold, 930 Olivia Burns, 919 Rylee Burtis, 915 Emma Goodrich, 914 Abbey Steager, 913 Rebekah Denton, 910 Emily Hughson, 908 Harley Martin, 906 Caidynce Worlein, 906 Emily Canterberry, 901 Gretchen Hunsinger, 901 Addison Kiraly, 901 Ellie Marquis, 901 Madilynn Miles, 900 Lyla Russell, 900 Riley Streeter, 900 Stella Shabram, 872 Vittoria Quaranta, 860 Ellie Weyhrich, 860 Maci Brooks, 857 Lela Hass, 850 Lyra Krutak, 850 Jalynn Redding, 850 Claudia Paulsen, 849 Sage Richards, 848 Rylin Thomas, 847 AiEnna Harris-Goodman, 843 Rebecca Metzger, 843 Samantha Hasbrouck, 842 Bryanne Bayne, 839 Olivia Ostgaard, 839 Charlotte Miles, 838 Stella Akromis, 830 Syllas Parker, 830 Lillian Remaklus-Drummond, 827 Lana Schroeder, 825 Gretchin Adkins, 824 Lillie Birch, 819 Mikaela Roger, 817 Kadence Fisher, 816 Abigail Pieper, 816 Corrinne Groven, 815 Chloe Zavala-Amaro, 813 Laura Campbell, 810 Kloie Fosbinder, 810 Isabella Snyder, 810 Brookelynn Matzen, 809 Sydney Brooks, 808 Willow Cardenas, 805 Sophia Eddy, 805 Olivia Strachan, 805 Evelyn Bauer, 804 Kendall Freeman, 804 Lilly Glaug, 804 Addison Glos, 803 Brooklyn Kieckhafer, 803 Valerie Vinderslev, 803 Lenora Walters, 803 Madison Schnell, 802 Addisen Bishop, 801 Kamryn Canova, 801 Cheyanne Richardson, 801 Jaimie Zwiener, 801 Zivah Allen, 800 Isabella Booth, 800 Shawheat Hendricksen-Simmons, 800 Tiara Lewellen, 800 Anika Mike, 800 Addison Turnbull, 800 Janey Riffel, 789 Cynceir Rollerson, 789 Leila Wright, 786 Kaylee Converse, 780 Tessa Hattan, 777 Mayla Sutherland, 777 Audrey Brown, 776 Evelyne Brown, 776 Millie Krueger, 776 Lydia Brewer, 775

Taya Schlu, 773 Madelynn Osborne, 771 Aurora Schroeder, 771 Sadie Littleton, 770 Lettie Waterman, 770 Mylee Empfield, 765 Delaina Weinman, 765 Mckenzie Jones, 758 Aurelia Pesek, 757 Daphany Degener, 751 Alaina Naranjo, 751 Harper Littleton, 750 Tatum Tribble, 750 Aubree Putnam, 748 Regan Burkhardt, 747 Brooklyn Molina, 747 Bailey Dugger, 745 Addison Coleman, 744 Zada Hernandez, 743 Kaitlyn Blum, 742 Cynthia Christian, 741 Sandra Orwig, 741 Payton Smart, 741 Trinity Perks, 740 Jordyn Buss, 738 Emma Faulkner, 738 Addison Wheeler, 737 Lilli Allen, 735 Victoria Dannelly, 735 Myracle Green, 735 Charlotte Ayers, 733 Kiera Devaney, 731 Kachina Trotter, 729 Nijayla Johnson, 727 Riley Sterba, 724 Arkaya Warfield, 724 Melanie Osborne, 723 Scarlett Clague, 722 Zoe Gonzalez, 722 Mikaylah Rand, 720 Maya Wilmeth, 720 Holly Wilson, 719 Caitlin Duncan, 716 Delia Schumaker, 716 Allison Vangeem, 716 Madison Smith, 715 Mia Crawford, 712 Kiera Burns, 711 Savannah Sorensen, 711 Clara Hurst, 710 Arie Jackson, 710 Audrey Lenners, 709 Aubree Reynolds, 709 Charlotte Borg, 708 Riley Gabelhouse, 708 Chloe Mischke, 707 Mia Bieranowski, 706 Ali Gable, 706 Kollyns Renner, 706 Vivianne Beck, 705 Ellajean Loos, 705 Caroline Endicott, 704 Erica Horne, 704 Natalie Johnson, 703 Olivia Juracek, 703 Lydia Lukert, 703 Samantha Morris, 703 Teagan Rathjen, 703 Kathryn Mathiasen, 702 Jilliann Schueler, 702 Raegan Behrendt, 701 Quinlyn Bryner, 701 Olivia Butters, 701 Skyler Laflin, 701 Khloe Rice, 701 Jaedin Wilson, 701 Molly Battey, 700 Kahlan Campbell, 700 Katie Casto, 700 Ava Foster, 700 Amelia Johnson, 700 Isla Johnson, 700 Evelyn Lynch, 700

(Girl Scout, packages sold) Alexavia Mendez, 700 Trinity Miller, 700 Mackenzie Miller, 700 McKartni Norton, 700 Tabitha Peterson, 700 Shiann Reedy, 700 Meadow Reinders, 700 Lilliana Renner, 700 Gabrielle Rodriguez, 700 Sydney Vavra, 700 Maggie O'Neal, 699 Ruby Jarmin, 690 Isabella Bencker, 689 Bethany Mcdonald, 689 Emmalyssa Rumfelt, 689 Emily Beck, 685 Kenzie Pierson, 685 Noelle Vega, 683 Claire Watson, 683 Caylyn Dartmann, 682 Kristilee Finch, 680 Lexi Randles, 676 Daphnie Farr, 674 Sarah Hargreaves, 674 Addasynn Marquez, 674 Kara Trace, 674 Keilah Curtis, 673 Mikayla Petet, 673 Tayleigh Terry, 673 Marrissa Davey, 671 Xyanna Onuoha, 671 KeLaya Eiland, 668 Bailey Lierman, 668 Amy Hernandez, 667 Ashley Patterson, 667 Zailey Slepicka, 666 Jayonna Harney, 665 Abigail Dohmen, 664 Taia Tosspon, 663 Jovi Huntington, 662 Tenleigh Scdoris, 662 Makayla Kennedy, 661 Elexa Padilla, 661 Analillya Boltinghouse, 660 Hope Reinwald, 660 Natalie Kipple, 659 Keleigh Gonzalez, 657 Piper Reid, 656 Chloe Johnson, 655 Doe Carder, 654 Riley Morrissey, 654 Avery Briley, 652 Jenessa Bruner, 651 Nahzoni Topasna, 651 Natalie Campos, 650 Addyson Jacob, 650 Jaelyn Olson, 649 Ava Andrews, 648 Emilia Baber, 648 Piper Byers, 648 Destiny Wright, 647 Madelyn Aulner, 645 Alison Holm, 642 Layla Lute, 642 Ariana Wells, 641 Makynzie Bridgeford, 640 Lexanna Hollister, 640 Alea Steggs, 639 Madizyn Roberts, 638 Josephine Tuttle, 636 Rose Tuttle, 636 Olivia Grieser, 635 Mia Majorins, 635 Emily Moreno, 635 Felicity Rittenhouse, 635 Amelia Belik, 634 Nickaela Cubas, 633 Andee English, 633 Elyse Johnson, 633 Isabel Vela, 633 Brianna Fick, 632 Nyana Hayner, 632 Abigail Sanchez, 631

Reagan Novacek, 630 Jordan Turner, 630 Austyn Nordstrom, 629 Caitlyn Talkington, 629 Valerie Baldwin, 627 Piper Brown, 627 Kylie Gaston, 627 Alexis Smith, 627 Kennedie Jacobsen, 625 Lily Lomax, 625 Zoe McNerney, 625 Olivia Jenkins, 624 Lucy Peterson, 624 Madison Rolle, 624 Lily Ardinger Stibal, 623 Saphira Bailey, 623 Kody Dockhorn, 623 Cara Royal, 623 Adilynn Teetor, 623 Braelyn Wiesner, 623 Aleigha Mankhey, 622 Grace Johnson, 620 Hailey Crawford, 619 Jenna Ottens, 619 Morgan Craig, 617 Ashlynn Humphrey, 617 Brianna Stevens, 616 Alyssa Freeman, 615 Alexia Fair, 614 Kendra Sugden, 614 Isabella Gray, 613 Joslyn Mossberger, 613 Marley Reeves, 613 Kinley Whitlinger, 613 Gianna Biven, 612 Cora Dodson, 612 Layla Headley, 612 Naviannah Lennemann, 612 Serena Martinez, 612 Ella Donahue, 611 Charlotte Johnson, 611 Isabelle Cole, 610 Ariel Gallegos, 610 Kylee Kort, 609 Lilly Bax, 608 Josalyn Lundgren, 608 Kytrin Day, 607 Carly Powell, 607 Arianna Johnson, 606 Zoe Tiller, 606 Melanie Deming, 605 Eliana Lee, 605 Lacey Powell, 605 Noelle Schoonover, 605 Aurora Stewart, 605 Avery Beers, 604 Brynlee Bierman, 604 Ava Brown, 604 Gaberiella Craigmile, 604 Addison Hurlbert, 604 Krystal Jones, 604 Eva Bloom, 603 Ayla Brosman, 603 Rylie Hicks, 603 Remy Kellogg, 603 Makayla Maxson, 603 Reagan Wilson, 603 Addison Balzer, 602 Nikko Lewentowicz, 602 Addison Brenden, 601 Addisyn Bryson, 601 Caleigh Mcclarnon, 601 Alexa Wegner, 601 Kara Woodworth, 601 Etta Bodmann, 600 Miley Cartwright, 600 Caleigh Crandall, 600 Katelyn Crook, 600 Jalynn Gray, 600 Hayley Miles, 600 Addison Mumm, 600 Adalheid Pleas, 600 Emaline Pleas, 600

Sophia Schneider, 600 Emily Wainwright, 600 Maggie Ward, 600 Alexis Hillman, 598 Izabella Fanders, 597 Eliza Fefee, 597 Sawyer Hayden, 596 Ava Stanczyk, 595 Caitlynne Burrows, 594 Brittany Hensley, 592 Lillianna Trevino, 591 Greta Olmstead, 589 Madison Klement, 588 Emilee Lunkwitz, 587 Ruby Kleber, 586 Cami Annin, 585 Madison Annin, 585 Izzy Nielsen, 585 Kennedy Chaney, 584 Caylee Conour, 584 Alison Remelius, 584 Kebra Willis, 584 Julia Yelovich, 584 Marley Gonzalez, 583 Victoria Harson, 583 Rowan Dannelly, 582 Kaelynn Harder, 582 Morgan Johnston, 582 Emma Rohde, 582 Adrianna Carfield, 581 Rebecca Cox, 579 Blakelyn Meyer, 579 Sophie Parr, 579 Kira Wilkinson, 579 Evelyn Filips, 578 Faith Hawkins, 577 Alyce Lair, 577 Cadence Thieman, 577 Arabella Boomgaarn, 576 Sarah Gunn, 576 Janice Hardisty, 576 Hailey Mcdonald, 576 Mia Stoynev, 576 Stella Harvey, 575 Piper Rutt, 575 Jubilee Matkins, 574 Hannah Schall, 574 Hadley Anderson, 573 Autumn Hernandez, 573 Madelyn Pischel, 573 Lexi Reinig, 573 Alivia Reinsch, 573 Cynthia Rodriguez, 573 Jayda Schuman, 573 Sandra Hartley, 572 Kate Lienemann, 572 Samantha Francis, 571 Abigail Gamble, 571 Kaylee Blobaum, 570 Sophia Brown, 570 Kailani Meyers, 570 Shara Schluterbusch, 570 Madolyn Kobes, 569 Aurora Wismont, 569 Madelyn Morong, 568 Addison Hruska, 567 Magan Waite, 566 LaNaya Gutierrez, 565 Jayda Reid, 565 Berkley Smith, 565 Sapphire Zysset, 564 Hazel Mees, 562 Caisyn Chapin, 561 Addie Thomas, 561 Sabryna Boston, 560 Kylie Day, 560 Gabriella Gomez, 560 Joselyn Saltzman, 560 Alice Gifford, 559 Isabella Mccormick, 559 Jordyn Tjaden, 559 Corbyn Hevi, 558 Ruthie Kaup, 558

Girl Scout names continue on the next page

Fall Issue 2020

21

(Girl Scout, packages sold) Raegan Geerts, 557 Corbyn Jordan, 557 Reilly Rauterkus, 556 Riley Reagan, 556 Eryn Gregoski, 555 Danica Ogundipe, 555 Jovie Smith, 554 Delaney Decker, 553 Abigail Jacobsen, 553 Molly Addison, 552 Greta Oakley, 552 Cammy Robeson, 552 Alexis Uhrich, 552 Rylee Zimmerman, 552 Nyeli Bauer, 551 Alexis Marlar, 551 Lucy Milliken, 551 Claire Sedivy, 551 Dorothy Taylor, 551 Joslynn Varnell, 551 Ocean Williamson, 551 Delaney Wilson, 551 Gemma Albert, 550 Hayden Allen, 550 Harmonie Carr, 550 Bralyn Danekas, 550 Keaton Gangwish, 550 Kora Grunke, 550 Ryleigh Klug, 550 Lila Knecht, 550 Eryn Korensky, 550 Kate Lieske, 550 Corissa Madsen, 550 Brooklyn Redler, 550 Makayla Reich, 550 Daisa Smidt, 550 Maci Smidt, 550 Olivia Volin, 550 Jasmine Babb, 549 Quynn Harrod, 549 Darci Liehs, 549 Arya Marburger, 549 Fiona Miller, 549 Jadyn Pokorny, 549 Madeline Blum, 547 Jazmin Gardner, 547 Megan Hillmann, 547 Natalie Toledo, 547 Krynne Hunzeker, 546 Jordan Jacobsen, 546 Abigail Rigo, 546 Gigi Wagoner, 546 Laura Campbell, 545 Madison Hurst, 545 Ava Erb, 544 Helen Balvanz, 543 Annabella Butler, 543 Chloe Johnson, 543 Emilia Kuehl, 543 Haley Packer, 543 Madelyn Schnieder, 543 Sara Carrick, 541

Kesley Sealey, 541 Teagen Berg, 540 Brylee Rasmussen, 540 Macyn Veleba, 540 Jadelynn Gifford, 539 Kaylee Herrick, 539 Ryleigh Hill, 539 Lena Baca, 538 Destiny Fisher, 538 Kinsley Heusinkvelt, 537 Harper Wilkinson, 537 Ava Woods, 537 Rebecca Blackford, 536 Arielle Gardner, 536 Paige Helmick, 536 Kinsey Hruska, 536 Rooney Angst, 535 Emily Browning, 535 Jillian Burk, 535 Lindsey Melancon, 535 Madelyn Redemske, 535 Angel Campbell, 534 Lillian Freouf, 534 Sophia Losole, 534 Hannah Love, 534 Kinsley Mischke, 534 Isabella Smith, 534 Attie Sullivan, 534 Darby Murphy, 533 Raelynn DeMaranville, 532 Bayler Clay, 531 Bailey Greger, 531 Savannah Leiting, 531 Aurora Seip, 531 Lainey Steiner, 531 Cassandra Wakefied, 531 Evelynn Brandt, 530 Mercedes Deidel, 530 Andrea Hensel, 530 Lucy Santo, 530 Emma Woita, 530 Mia Bridges, 529 Ayla Koenig, 529 Lela Tran, 529 Regan Baker, 528 Jordyn Davis, 528 Georgia Dickinson, 528 Delaney Medina, 528 Elise DeJonge, 527 Ellie Myers, 527 Riann Odgers, 527 Anaya Suetopka, 527 Libby Bennett, 525 Jasmyn Pella, 525 Mila Quinn, 525 Audrey Strasil-Larson, 525 Dallas Tobiasson, 525 Olivia Gardner, 524 Teyla Herrold, 524 Morgan Schultz, 524 Amillia Gentert, 523 Mya Hulse, 523 Kenzie Jamison, 523 Annike Mahler, 523 Ella Martinez, 523

Elizabeth Michaels, 523 Jacey Cook, 522 Makenna Baumhover, 521 Lochlyn Joel, 521 Madilyn Korth, 521 Eva Larios, 521 Reese OConnor, 521 Alita Tigeris, 521 Lily Watts, 521 Camryn Wheeler, 521 Sophie Falk, 520 Milie Monico, 520 Olivia Jessen, 519 Caitlyn Adams, 518 Alaina Chapman, 518 Londyn Fries, 518 Lexi Harral, 518 Arianna Hoffman, 518 Ariel Holte, 518 Grace Krafka, 518 Addyson Monico, 518 Riley Nelsen, 518 Macy Rogers, 518 Josie Shannon, 518 Karlee Duncan, 517 Tricia Sherwood, 517 Maddison Kepler, 516 Elisabeth Ladwig, 516 Emmalee Standley, 516 Megan Binder, 515 Cali Brower, 515 Alaya Emond, 515 Avery Enck, 515 Ava Fink, 515 Roslynn Finke, 515 Emersyn Kalin, 515 Jada Petties, 515 Brinlee Roeder, 515 Alivia Bailey, 514 Holly Christiansen, 514 Ava Ehly, 514 Reyanne Finke, 514 Amaya Gonzalez, 514 Sadie Grinnell-Kiser, 514 Rosalynn Jenkins, 514 Daphney Kurpgeweit, 514 Riley Phelps, 514 Avalon Quick, 514 Kylee Bosard, 513 Joslyn Christensen, 513 Olivia Foster, 513 Kynsley Green, 513 Jaylee McCauley, 513 Izabella Moser, 513 Marissa Tvrdy, 513 Jaden Heiman, 512 Aurora Sedlacek, 512 Hannah Sempek, 512 Jozlyn Spears, 512 Anna Speirs, 512 Addison Bradley, 511 Olivia Bright, 511 Abigail Cruz, 511 Emma Goff, 511 Ellie Hawks, 511

What Does

G

Alayna Lucas, 511 Emerie Merklinger, 511 Autumn Singh, 511 Miyana Condrey, 510 Gracelyn Everingham, 510 Kinley Payeur, 510 Sophia Weyhrich, 510 Ella Ammon, 509 Libby Evans, 509 Sylvie Kurpgeweit, 509 Elisa Moses, 509 Kendall Nothhorn, 509 Alaina Rich, 509 Elizabeth Savard, 509 Charli Wesche, 509 Delraye Kizzee, 508 Emilia Lant, 508 Paige Malcom, 508 Michelle Mcmurray, 508 Ava Pfeifer, 508 Kaelyn Sorenson, 508 Makaylee Stuehm, 508 Maia Wilcox, 508 Kenize Zulkoski, 508 Ava Abboud, 507 Lola Behne, 507 Bailie Daharsh, 507 Adeline Ferguson, 507 Daniela Olivo, 507 Mathilee Gulati, 506 Melody Hays, 506 Daisey Kreikemeier, 506 Brynne Mcdermott, 506 Doris Primmer, 506 Eleanor Ruhrdanz, 506 Cami Tjaden, 506 Lola Widtfeldt, 506 Natalie Burenheide, 505 Rayla DeLong, 505 Laramie Evans, 505 Makenzie Nelsen, 505 Kaylynn Novak, 505 Charliegh Smitsek, 505 Brooklyn DeLong, 504 Alexa Brodd, 503 Reagan Chrisinger, 503 Josephina Erb, 503 Lyric Fangmeier, 503 Carson Fink, 503 Amelia Geislar, 503 Jayme Lukens, 503 Cecily Rittenhouse, 503 Rebecca Rosno, 503 Kayleigh Siebler, 503 Tylie Walker, 503 Emberlei Cassell, 502 Alexa Dankert, 502 Victoria Evans, 502 Addison Sonnie, 502 Meriel Walters, 502 Kelsey White, 502 Kynlee Anderson, 501 Sophia Crom, 501 Allison Foxhoven, 501 Phoebe Gordon, 501

Sarai Grant, 501 Jaelynn Hansen, 501 Ladelle Hazen, 501 Kaylee Lueking, 501 Zoey Martin, 501 Josephine Rickerl, 501 Karrigan Roberts, 501 Kya Roth, 501 Lauren Sambol, 501 Tahlia Scaggs, 501 Kinley Schack, 501 Lily Sommerer, 501 Calli Terrell, 501 Bianca Vannier, 501 Layla Waide, 501 Elise Walters, 501 Lily Wilson, 501 Atley Adamek, 500 Madison Allison, 500 Emily Arens, 500 Adalynn Augustin, 500 Hailey Baker, 500 Payton Becker, 500 Heather Beckman, 500 Zoey Burson, 500 Gaia Campbell, 500 Maya Dowda, 500 Monica Dowda, 500 Lylah Ericson, 500 Ashlyn Farrens, 500 Lyndsey Fedrichson, 500 Olivia Fike, 500 Kael Folck, 500 Elizabeth Gawryluk, 500 Mckynleigh Grant, 500 Kate Heimann, 500 Nora Hobson, 500 Harper Hobson, 500 Ava Hogeland, 500 Allee Jarzynka, 500 Alaina Jurgens, 500 Madlyn Karr, 500 Kelley Lebahn, 500 Emma Leonard, 500 Emmett Lorence, 500 Calista Marburger, 500 Mia Mast, 500 Mila McLaughlin, 500 Anna Melville, 500 Alexis Miles, 500 Laurel Pohl, 500 Grace Rishling, 500 Addi Robbins, 500 Ella Smith, 500 Lucy Stoppkotte, 500 Kami Stoulil, 500 Eden Strawn, 500 Beyna Taylor, 500 Miracle Trevino, 500 Tasia Trotter, 500 Lydia Van Meter, 500 Taylee Wade, 500 Maria Wainwright, 500

the

Fox Say?

irl Scout Kytrin Day from Troop 45405 didn’t know what to expect when she was asked to come to the Omaha Service Center in her uniform.

She looked a little puzzled when she entered the office and was told to open a huge box behind her.

She broke into a great big Brownie smile when she found out she was the winner of the giant 2020 Cookie Program mascot!

Kytrin sold 607 packages of Girl Scout Cookies — the most she has ever sold. Congratulations to this awesome Girl Scout boss!

LIGHTS, CAMERA,

ACTI ON !

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irls shine brighter with Girl Scout Cookies, and one way they shine is by working with the media. We call on girls across the state to do television interviews about the power of the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

We call on Girl Scouts to do television interviews about the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

They passionately share the stories and perspectives of girl entrepreneurs. We are so proud of our media brand ambassadors!

Ambassador Baylee Greene is a long-time cookie media star — doing interviews on nearly every Omaha station over the years.

Now she’s training her younger sisters, Sylvie Kurpgeweit and Daphney Kurpgeweit, to take over the spokeswoman duties. Junior Girl Scout Miri Peterson also has been doing TV interviews since she was a kindergartener.

If you’re interested in becoming a Girl Scout media brand ambassador, email us and let us know! We’d love to teach you how to dazzle television audiences with your Girl Scout story!

GETFO‘ERM E

BE RE THEY A

GONE

The campfire is going out and the final s'mores are being made.

The Girl Scout S'mores cookie will retire after the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program. Be sure to tell your customers so they can stock up!

Troop 42125

Troop 20615

8268 Troop 2 Fall Issue 2020

23

There’s A New Cookie — Yay! yum!

yum!

Introducing

Girl Scouts

Toast-Yay!

™

In 2021, Nebraska Girl Scouts will be creating moments of joy with the new French toast-inspired Toast-Yay! ™ cookie.

Each delightful, toast-shaped cookie is dipped in delicious icing and stamped with our signature trefoil on top.

Door-to-door sales begin February 12 and go through March 21, 2021.

Cookies for a Year!

O

mahan Kim Schmitz was the lucky winner of 2020 Girl Scout Cookies for a Year contest. Kim, who loves ice cold Thin Mints with a glass of milk, heard about the contest on Channel 94.1 and had to enter. And, this former Girl Scout Brownie is all about doing a good turn daily.

“I work with individuals with disabilities, and this is going to be a great reward for them,” Kim said.

The contest was sponsored by Spirit of Nebraska and Summit Media, which operates five Omaha radio stations: Z-92, Star 104.5, Channel 94.1, CD 105.9, and AM 590 ESPN Omaha.

Troop 50509 23

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Troop 84066

8057 5 p o o r T

Think it’d be fun to cook food from a different country, go geocaching, invent something new, build a robot, learn about endangered wildlife, design a website, sleep under the stars, plant a garden, build a wooden bench, or go on an amazing trip?

Great news! You can do all these things and earn Girl Scout badges as you go.

Check out the badgework these troops are taking on. They just might inspire your next adventure!

Grand Island Troop 00044 toured MedExpress while earning their First Aid badges. The girls made personal first-aid kits and received certificates and fun patches from the amazing staff.

What better place to earn eco badges than Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium? Adams Troop 20372 enjoyed learning about animal habitats and leave no trace principles, and the troop’s Juniors worked on their Eco Camper badges.

Troop 00914 of Hastings earned their Staying Fit badge at the Hastings Family YMCA. They learned about interval training with weights and stability balls. After working up a sweat, the girls learned to make a quick healthy meal using simple ingredients and the microwave.

On the last step of the Brownie Inventor badge, the girls of Lincoln Trop 20843 had to invent something and name it. While eating their inventions, they also learned about how ice cream was invented, along with who invented the scoop and tons of fun facts about ice cream.

The Wilber Junior Girl Scouts earned their Digital Photography badge thanks to troop member Matilda Koll who prepared and presented the badge requirements and activities. Not only is Troop 20188 earning badges, but they are also learning public speaking skills as each girl leads a badge meeting during the year.

The girls of Troop 20832 decided to explore nature while working on the Eco Friend badge. They met at Wilderness Park in Lincoln to hike, look at habitats, and complete scavenger hunts they created for each other during their previous meeting.

Please note that many of the activities featured in this issue occurred before the coronavirus pandemic.

Fall Issue 2020

25

2121 S 44TH STREET OMAHA NE 68105

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is offering virtual troops for all girls!

Current members can join even if their own troop is meeting. Girls interested in learning more about Girl Scouts are also invited!

Learn more at GirlScoutsNebraska.org