Girl Scout & Family Experiences

Leadership & Highest Awards toggle arrow

Leadership Awards help build your confidence by exploring different types of leadership. They’re now part of an expanded set of options to fulfill the prerequisite toward earning the Highest Awards.

What Types of Leadership Can You Explore?

Earn one or many—each helps you lead with purpose.

Build courage and confidence.

Learn to lead and support a team.

Inspire younger kids.

Make change on issues you care about.

Ready to get started?

Come earn the NEW True North Award! The True North Award is about discovering what matters to you and staying true to yourself.

Girl Scouts will spend the first two hours of our program earning most of their True North Award, followed by a one-hour training about going for the Girl Scout Highest Awards.

For Girl Scouts in grades 4-12.

November 21, 2026	January 16, 2027	February 20, 2027	May 8, 2027
Schererville Gathering Place	Greene Wood Gathering Place	Vernon Hills Gathering Place	Burbank Gathering Place
Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »

Put your leadership skills into action while giving back to the next generation of Girl Scouts! Build the skills to lead, inspire, and make an impact, Through Program Aide and Volunteer-in-Training (VIT) Leadership Training, Girl Scouts learn how to work with younger Girl Scouts, lead activities, plan engaging experiences, and become confident role models.

For Girl Scouts in grades 6-12.

January 9, 2027	February 27, 2027	May 1, 2027
Vernon Hills Gathering Place	Greene Wood Gathering Place	Schererville Gathering Place
Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »

Want to tackle an issue important to you and your community while engaging in one of the oldest Girl Scout traditions? Join us for our Highest Award Workshops where our program staff will go through the steps, processes, and paperwork to ensure you're ready to hit the ground running.

All trainings are held virtually through Zoom. Link provided after registration.

Bronze Award

December 10, 2026	February 18, 2027	April 15, 2027
Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »

Silver Award

December 10, 2026	March 11, 2027	August 12, 2027
Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »

Gold Award

January 14, 2027	April 8, 2027
Register Here »	Register Here »

Highest Awards Picnic

Calling all Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Girl Scouts!

Join us for an afternoon of fun in celebration of the hard work you put into earning a Highest Award in 2026-2027. Activities will include recognition of all Highest Awards, yard games, crafts, s’mores and more!

This program is designed for Girl Scouts and their family and/or troop leader(s).

Pinnacle Award

The Pinnacle Award honors Ambassador Girl Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their Girl Scout journey through a variety of experiences, such as earning their Highest Awards, serving as a Counselor-in-Training, Delegate or in a leadership position outside of Girl Scouts. Nominations are open yearly, January 1-May 31. Learn more about how to apply and the variety of leadership experiences that count towards this award here.

Clubs

Astronomy Club

Welcome to the GSGCNWI Astronomy Club, where stargazers embark on a thrilling journey through the universe! This Girl Scout club is designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for astronomy among budding scientists. Activities will vary each month. Attend once or sign up every session. Locations will vary.

Astronomy Club activities may include: Starry storytelling, cosmic crafts, interactive planet puzzles and games, telescope time, virtual spacecraft tours, night sky star parties, and planetarium visits!

January

Register
Here »

Book Club

Are you a Junior or Cadette who loves to read? Do you want to discuss reading with other Juniors and Cadettes? Join us for our monthly Book Club sessions! Book Club meets virtually one Sunday of each month and is free to attend. Juniors and Cadettes meet separately. Meetings are facilitated by Girl Scout staff and volunteers. Zoom meeting information will be sent to participants on the Thursday before each meeting.

Stay tuned for more! Book Club will continue in 2027.

Juniors: Grades 4-5	Cadettes: Grades 6-8
November Registration »	November Registration »
December Registration »	December Registration »

Fall Reading Challenge

Fall into fabulous stories and don't be afraid to leaf reality behind. Girl Scouts of all levels are invited to accept the challenge and read with us!

Participants will read at their own pace and complete a fall-themed reading tracker along the way. Whether you love graphic novels, chapter books, audiobooks, or reading aloud with family, this challenge is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and fun.

Register Here »

Community & Family Events toggle arrow

Girl Scout Day at Nutcracker
December 6, 2026

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Girl Scout Day at The Nutcracker, where timeless tradition meets unforgettable memories.

Rosemont Theatre
5400 N River Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018

6:00 p.m. Show Registration

Register Here »

You and Me: Wreath Making
December 5, 2026

Girl Scouts and adults are invited to create wreaths together while also enjoying winter crafts and snacks.

Burbank Gathering Place	Greene Wood Gathering Place	Schererville Gatherering Place
Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »

You and Me: Spring into Crafting
April 10, 2027

Start spring with crafting! Girl Scouts and adults are invited to create paper flower garlands, decorate flowerpots, and enjoy sweet treats while they work. A fun patch is included.

Vernon Hills Gathering Place	Joliet Gathering Place
Register Here »	Register Here »

Bowling & Bears
June 12, 2027

Girl Scouts are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day with their favorite VIP male figure! Participants will start the event where each girl will create and customize their very own Build-A-Bear furry friend alongside their special guest. After bear building, girls and their VIP will enjoy an afternoon of bowling, laughter, music, and memory-making together!

Centennial Lanes 2.0
16050 Centennial Cir Tinley Park, IL 60477
Register Here »

Grades K-5 toggle arrow

Craft & Tinker Badge Fest
April 11, 2027

Girl Scouts will use different tools and materials to make a useful creation, solve problems, and discover how small changes can make their designs even better.

Joliet Gathering Place
Register Here »

Be a Maker Badge Fest
June 5, 2027

Put your creativity and problem-solving skills into work! Girl Scouts will identify a problem, brainstorm possible solutions, and create something designed to help others. They’ll bring their ideas to life, share their creation, and earn the Create and Innovate Badge.

Burbank Gathering Place	Schererville Gathering Place
Register Here »	Register Here »

Summer Patch Fun Day
July 24, 2027

Girl Scouts will participate in three engaging summer-themed activities to earn three fun patches. After completing the activities, they will have the opportunity to create a keepsake by heat pressing their earned patches onto an item they bring from home, such as a tote bag or jacket. Don't have an item to bring? No problem! Girls may purchase an optional add-on item at registration to heat press their patches onto during the event.

Greene Wood Gathering Place
Register Here »

Grades 4-5 toggle arrow

Being a Girl Scout Junior is all about trying more, exploring more, and discovering what you can do! Designed for Girl Scouts in grades 4–5, the Junior Experience opens the door to new adventures, bigger challenges, and more independence.

Junior Pearls
Register by November 12, 2026

Junior Pearls is a year-long leadership experience designed to inspire, educate, and support Junior Girl Scouts as they grow into confident, compassionate community leaders. Through mentorship, educational enrichment, life-skills training, community service, and personal development activities, participants are given tools to build the foundation of being a community leader.

Each month from November - June, Junior Pearls will meet virtually via Zoom. Throughout the year, we will have meetups to participate in community service, civic engagement, and to celebrate our accomplishments.

Junior Pearls Grade 4	Junior Pearls Grade 5
Register Here »	Register Here »

You and Me: Junior Simple Meals Badge Event
November 15, 2026

Junior Girl Scouts and their guest are invited to earn the Simple Meals Badge. Participants will take a tour of a kitchen, make a weekend breakfast menu, taste different “pocket-foods” from around the world (Gyoza, Empanadas, Pierogi, Samosas), write a meal plan for an entire day, make a dessert (choice of rice krispie treats, pink lemonade pie, or chocolate covered strawberries). Participants will get to take home their dessert. Badge is included for youth participants.

Joliet Gathering Place
Register Here »

Junior Dance and Patch a Hat Party
May 1, 2027

Turn up the tunes, hit the dance floor, and design your own patch-packed custom hat at our Junior Dance and Patch-a-Hat Party!

Greene Wood Gathering Place
Register Here »

Grades 6-12 toggle arrow

Auto Safety Workshops

Girl Scouts will get up close and learn all about tires, brakes, warning lights, car fluids, and what to do in a roadside emergency.

November 20, 2026

Joliet Gathering Place

Register Here »

Babysitting Badge

Ready to become the babysitter everyone wants, and the first-aid helper everyone trusts? Join us for the Cadette Babysitting Badge Intensive. We will spend the day earning our badges and becoming experts in caregiving with an emphasis on safety.

April 18, 2027	May 16, 2027	June 16, 2027
Vernon Hills Gathering Place	Chicago Gathering Place	Schererville Gathering Place
Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »

Girl Scouts Money Workshop with U.S. Bank
November 14, 2027

In this interactive workshop, Girl Scouts will explore smart spending habits, learn how to set goals, and uncover the steps to building a successful money-making venture. U.S. Bank employees will guide participants through five engaging stations designed to spark creativity and teach practical ways to earn money.

Columbus Park Refectory Building
5701 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 6064
Register Here »

Older Girl Craftapalooza

Come meet and mingle with other Girl Scouts while getting crafty. Crafts will include: pressed flower bookmarks, decorating a canvas bag, and friendship bracelets.

November 14, 2026	January 23, 2027
Greene Wood Gathering Place	Vernon Hills Gathering Place
Register Here »	Register Here »

Project Law Track
February 27, 2027

Step into the world of law with Project Law Track! Girl Scouts will learn from legal professionals, explore careers in law, build public speaking and critical-thinking skills, and put their knowledge into action by participating in a mock trial with actors in a real courtroom.

Complete the application and schedule your “Get to Know You” interview to be considered for the program.

Apply Here »

Graduating Girl Scout Ceremony
(8th Grade and 12th Grade)
May 29, 2027

Join us in a day celebrating YOU as a graduating Girl Scout - you made it!

Participate in a Bridge to Senior or Bridge to Adult ceremony and receive your patch or pin.

Families and troop leaders are welcome to attend. A plated lunch will be served to all guests.

Hilton Oak Lawn
9333 South Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453
Register Here »

Summer Patch Fun Day
July 24, 2027

Girl Scouts will participate in three engaging summer-themed activities to earn three fun patches. After completing the activities, they will have the opportunity to create a keepsake by heat pressing their earned patches onto an item they bring from home, such as a tote bag or jacket. Don't have an item to bring? No problem! Girls may purchase an optional add-on item at registration to heat press their patches onto during the event.

Greene Wood Gathering Place
Register Here »

Camp CEO
September 17-19, 2027

Camp CEO is a signature Girl Scout leadership experience that brings together high school Girl Scouts and accomplished women professionals for a unique mentorship experience at camp.

Learn More »

Outdoors

Camp Lights
December 4, 5, & 11
6:00 – 9:00 PM

Camp is getting a festive glow-up this December during our annual Camp Lights event—an evening filled with twinkling lights and winter-themed fun. Wander through Camp Palos at your own pace and choose your own adventure with a variety of glowing, wintery activities. Make sure to warm up by the campfire, make a toasty s’more, and enjoy the magical memories waiting to be made.

December 4	December 5	December 11
Register Here »	Register Here »	Register Here »

If a link does not take you directly to the requested program, go to “2026-2027 Year-Round Experiences” and use the search bar at the top of the screen to find programs by name!

Signature Experiences toggle arrow

Service Projects toggle arrow

Birthday in a Box

Items can be dropped off at any gathering place except Chicago from January 19, 2027, to February 26, 2027.

Help make someone’s birthday extra special! Girl Scouts will create Birthday in a Box kits filled with party essentials like decorations, cake supplies, birthday cards, and other goodies for families in need.

Travel

The Chicago Big Bus Tour & Scavenger Hunt
April 24, 2027

Climb aboard this double-decker bus and take a one-of-a-kind adventure and see Chicago's must-see sights. Then, embark at your own pace on a fun and interactive scavenger hunt. A fun patch is included.

Chicago Gathering Place
Register Here »

Savannah, Georgia
June 28 to July 2, 2027

Step into the birthplace of Girl Scouting, explore the charming streets of historic Savannah, explore the beauty awaiting at Tybee Island, and make memories with Girl Scouts, families, and friends that will last a lifetime.

Learn More »

Kalahari Resorts
July 9 -11, 2027

Enjoy this fun filled getaway to Kalahari Resorts! Perfect for troops and families.

The cost covers 1 hotel room for one or two nights plus waterpark passes for your group. Also includes admission to Timbavati Wildlife Park, with interactive supervised animal experiences.

Kalahari Resorts
1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells
Register Here »

Italy & Greece
July 2028

Travel with Girl Scouts through Italy and Greece, exploring Rome, Florence, ancient ruins,

Meteora, Athens, and a Greek island cruise.

Learn More »

Travel Mode: On

Where will you go with Girl Scouts? Learn about our Destinations where you can discover new places or passions and unlock an experience of a lifetime.

EXPLORE TRIPS

Explore Girl Scout experiences by grade level, interest, or type of opportunity. Whether you’re looking to build new skills, connect with others, take on a new challenge, or try something completely new, these categories make it easy to discover what’s available and plan your Girl Scout year.

Leadership & Highest Awards | Clubs | Community & Family Events | Grades K-5 | Grades 4-5 | Grades 6-12 | Outdoors | Signature Experiences | Service Projects | Travel

Build courage and confidence.

Learn to lead and support a team.

Inspire younger kids.

Make change on issues you care about.

Ready to get started?

Bronze Award

Silver Award

Gold Award

Highest Awards Picnic

Pinnacle Award

Astronomy Club

Book Club

Fall Reading Challenge

Girl Scout Day at Nutcracker December 6, 2026

You and Me: Wreath Making December 5, 2026

You and Me: Spring into Crafting April 10, 2027

Bowling & Bears June 12, 2027

Craft & Tinker Badge Fest April 11, 2027

Be a Maker Badge Fest June 5, 2027

Summer Patch Fun Day July 24, 2027

Being a Girl Scout Junior is all about trying more, exploring more, and discovering what you can do! Designed for Girl Scouts in grades 4–5, the Junior Experience opens the door to new adventures, bigger challenges, and more independence.

Junior Pearls Register by November 12, 2026

You and Me: Junior Simple Meals Badge Event November 15, 2026

Junior Dance and Patch a Hat Party May 1, 2027

Auto Safety Workshops

Babysitting Badge

Girl Scouts Money Workshop with U.S. Bank November 14, 2027

Older Girl Craftapalooza

Project Law Track February 27, 2027

Graduating Girl Scout Ceremony (8th Grade and 12th Grade) May 29, 2027

Summer Patch Fun Day July 24, 2027

Camp CEO September 17-19, 2027

Camp Lights December 4, 5, & 11 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Birthday in a Box

Items can be dropped off at any gathering place except Chicago from January 19, 2027, to February 26, 2027.

The Chicago Big Bus Tour & Scavenger Hunt April 24, 2027

Savannah, Georgia June 28 to July 2, 2027

Kalahari Resorts July 9 -11, 2027

Italy & Greece July 2028

Girl Scout Day at Nutcracker
December 6, 2026

You and Me: Wreath Making
December 5, 2026

You and Me: Spring into Crafting
April 10, 2027

Bowling & Bears
June 12, 2027

Craft & Tinker Badge Fest
April 11, 2027

Be a Maker Badge Fest
June 5, 2027

Summer Patch Fun Day
July 24, 2027

Junior Pearls
Register by November 12, 2026

You and Me: Junior Simple Meals Badge Event
November 15, 2026

Junior Dance and Patch a Hat Party
May 1, 2027

Girl Scouts Money Workshop with U.S. Bank
November 14, 2027

Project Law Track
February 27, 2027

Graduating Girl Scout Ceremony
(8th Grade and 12th Grade)
May 29, 2027

Summer Patch Fun Day
July 24, 2027

Camp CEO
September 17-19, 2027

Camp Lights
December 4, 5, & 11
6:00 – 9:00 PM

The Chicago Big Bus Tour & Scavenger Hunt
April 24, 2027

Savannah, Georgia
June 28 to July 2, 2027

Kalahari Resorts
July 9 -11, 2027

Italy & Greece
July 2028