Happy Holidays from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Warm Wishes from GSofSI Staff (click to view)
The holiday spirit warms our hearts, and the approaching new year makes us appreciate the time that’s gone by.
It’s a sentimental season when we’re happy to look back at all of the good friends, joyful traditions, and great times that we’ve shared. Here are some special moments among the memories that we’ve made during the past year:
We were able to renovate the Frog Pond at Camp Torqua thanks to a grant from American Water Charitable Foundation. Now, even more program opportunities are available at the outdoor classroom there. Plus, there is a beautiful fountain to provide aeration for the pond and for visitors to enjoy.
Girl Scout Brownies enjoy the frog pond glow-up!
Speaking of Camp Torqua, Girl Scouts explored the outdoors at FOUR resident camp sessions there this summer. We sang out hearts out with some Swifties, held yoga poses with goats, were star-struck by astronaut Dr. Linda Godwin, and so much more!
Our 2024 United We Lead Gala raised more than $115,000 while bringing together some of our most devoted friends. Plus, we honored Ameren Illinois with the Distinguished Community Leader Award for their longtime support. The evening was a sparkling success to support Girl Scouting in Southern Illinois.
CEO Loretta Graham with Ameren Illinois at our United We Lead Gala
When it comes to great friends in the community – we have so many that we treasure! For example, this year we launched a new partnership with Greenville University in order to provide even more program opportunities!
Our friends and neighbors shared so much support this year – and Girl Scouts gave back to their communities, too! Nearly 200 Girl Scouts created "Birthday Bag" kits with cake, decorations, and other treats to help families in need celebrate. This council-wide service project was just one of many ways that Girl Scouts made a difference over the year.
Thirteen Gold Award Girl Scouts stepped into the spotlight to receive our Movement’s highest award, too. Gold Award Girl Scouts take action to create positive change. Some of their powerful projects included Theo J. hosting mental health fairs, Emma T. installing nesting boxes for local birds, and Rachel F. creating activity kits for hospitalized children.
One special Gold Award Girl Scout was even honored by Girl Scouts of the USA! Girl Scout Kennedy Cason was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from Girl Scouts of the USA. Inspired by her volunteer work with seniors at East St. Louis Township, she created a library for the elderly citizens of her community.
Kennedy Cason, Gold Award Girl Scout & Scholarship Recipient
Area Girl Scouts’ accomplishments didn’t end at graduation, either! Young Alum KayLee Melton was selected to attend the Juliette Low Seminar. She was one of only two Americans chosen to participate in the 2024 JLS at Sangam World Centre in India. Selection criteria for this prestigious conference includes being “willing to undertake new and challenging experiences” as well as a being a “mature and responsible global citizen.” KayLee joined more than 150 participants from 70 different countries for a week of education, friendship, and service.
These are just a few of the incredible moments from the 2023-24 Girl Scout year! Nearly 6,400 girls and 3,600 adults were Girl Scouts in Southern Illinois – and each had their own amazing adventures. Girl Scouts also camped and canoed, traveled to new places, tried new activities, and made lasting memories together! Through it all, we built girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. We’re so grateful for each and every one of you in our Movement – thank you for making every season bright.
