The Trailhead

7 Spring-Themed Service Projects for Girl Scouts of All Ages

by Katie Mock (GSNorCal Staff) | Apr 17, 2018

Spring has officially sprung, and Girl Scouts everywhere are looking forward to more sunshine as summer approaches. But there’s more to do than soak up the sun—a Girl Scout’s work is never done! Bring a little light into someone’s life with these 7 springy service projects!

How My Brownie Troop Earned the 7 Legacy Badges in 1 Year

by Liz LiVolsi | Apr 12, 2018

After earning all their Daisy petals (and two financial literacy leaves) in one year, this troop of newly-minted Brownies set their sights on the 7 Brownie badges in the Legacy tier, which cover the core badge categories in Girl Scouting: Artist, Athlete, Citizen, Cook, First Aid, Naturalist, and Girl Scout Way. Believe it or not, they earned them all in one year! Here’s how they did it so your troop can get there too!

Magical Horse Program Memories from Former Skylark Ranch Camp Staff

by Eliz Adem (GSNorCal Staff) | Apr 10, 2018

With over 280 acres of land, Camp Skylark Ranch is home to dozens of horses and quality riding programs that attract campers and staff members from all over the world, beginners and experienced equestrians alike. When you spend every day saddling up, feeding, grooming, and exploring the dirt paths and redwood forests of Santa Cruz County with your horses, it’s hard not to develop a special bond. Three past staff members, Squirrely, Willow, and Phoenix, share some magical memories from their time riding and making friends with the horses at Skylark Ranch.

12 Things to Pack for Golden Gate Bridging [Video]

by Katie Mock (GSNorCal Staff) | Apr 5, 2018

Golden Gate Bridging is right around the corner! Be prepared with this expert packing list (water bottles, sunscreen, SWAPs, and more!) put together by mom and daughter Girl Scout duo, Natalie and Alexandria.

6 Tips to Help Your Girls Become Travelers, Not Tourists

by Sandy Norman | Apr 3, 2018

Traveling with your Girl Scouts is one the best ways to share the world with our girls, giving them an opportunity to explore new places and broaden their perspective. Sandy shares a few tips to help your girls become conscientious travelers.

Tips for Exploring STEM with Your Girl Scouts (No STEM Experience Required)

by Elspeth Kersh (GSNorCal Staff) | Mar 29, 2018

Do you want to encourage your girls to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), but feel intimidated because you’re not an expert? Here are 5 easy tips from our STEM Program team to help you feel more confident in your own ability as you lead your girls in STEM activities and discussions.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Camp Sugar Pine

by Morgan Santiesteban (GSNorCal Staff) | Mar 27, 2018

Deep in the forested foothills of Calaveras County you’ll find ancient trees, glittering lakes, and one of GSNorCal’s oldest camp properties: Camp Sugar Pine. For over 75 years, generations of campers have laughed, learned, and explored, but the camp still has tons of magic and mystery for new campers and veterans alike.

7 Ways to Thank Troop Parents for their Involvement

by Amy Dodd (GSNorCal Staff) | Mar 22, 2018

From snack coordinator to trip driver to troop treasurer, there are many ways parents can take an active role in your troop, and it’s important to make sure they know their help is appreciated! Whether you thank them immediately after they help out, do something special for them during National Volunteer Month in April, or honor them at your end of the year Court of Awards ceremony, here are 7 ways to thank your super troop volunteers (and hopefully inspire them to sign up to help again next year).

How to Plan an Age-Appropriate High Adventure Experience

by Tiffany Phamvu (GSNorCal Staff) | Mar 20, 2018

Did you know that you could learn to fence, rock climb, go backpacking, and even participate in indoor skydive as a Girl Scout? As girls grow and continue through Girl Scouts, they will explore unfamiliar fields, learn new skill sets appropriate for their age-level, and experience healthy risks and challenges.

How to Cook with the Sun: The Bright Side of Solar Cooking

by Barby Pulliam | Mar 15, 2018

Harness the power of the sun to get your outdoor cooking done! Covering easy-to-make solar cookers, recipe alterations, and technique tips, Barby shares how Girl Scouts are making a difference around the world with this innovative cooking method.

How to Include Your Girl Scout Experience on Your Resume

by Courtney Mierop | Mar 13, 2018

Whether you are applying for your dream school or a competitive internship or job, the skills you learned as a Girl Scout will help you get to places you never thought possible. With older girls in mind, Courtney breaks down some helpful tactics to help girls illustrate their Girl Scout involvement on their resumes.

7 Ways to Connect with Girl Scout History for Girl Scout Week

by Anne Mahoney | Mar 8, 2018

Since 1932, March 12 has been observed as the official Girl Scout Birthday with the Sunday through Saturday calendar week including it being referred to as Girl Scout Week. Whether you’re looking for a meeting activity as convenient as a click of your computer’s mouse or a field trip that requires a little extra planning, here are 7 ways you and your girls can revisit and reconnect with our organization’s history.