Summer’s come to an end, everyone’s back in school. For most people, summer means rest and relaxation. But if you’re a Girl Scout, summer can be to be another opportunity to dive deeper into the Girl Scout experience. Troop leaders, parents, and program partners shared Girl Scout summer experiences that made us laugh, cheer, and celebrate the G.I.R.L. spirit across our council. We rounded-up some of our favorites to share on the Trailhead.

#GirlsinSTEM

This past summer, we saw the GSUSA launch of new STEM badges to equip girls, from Daisies to Ambassadors, with skills in cybersecurity, computer science, and more. Turns out, many GSNorCal troops were already deep into robotics, programming, citizen science, and other STEM explorations! 

If at First, You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again 

Via @sanchezness

Exploration of the Insect Kind

Via @the_beck_bunch_bugs

#GSNorCalSpecialExperiences

Girls (and Girl Scout staff!) also spent their summer participating in many unique GSNorCal programs and events. Our partners and sponsors helped us create some amazing, memory-making events that ranged from an on-field walk-around AT&T park, Disney on Ice, and our big Celebrating G.I.R.L.s event that featured our national CEO, Sylvia Acevedo.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Via @suziequ4u

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So much fun at the @sfgiants game with the @gsnorcal

A post shared by Suzanne (@suziequ4u) on

Celebrating the Power of G.I.R.L.s

Via @astrosocietypac

#likeaGirlScout

Girl Scouts are committed to making the world a better place, whether standing up for what they believe in or taking action in the community. Stories came in of soup kitchens, beach clean-ups, marching in holiday parades, and more, and we couldn’t be more proud.

One Step at a Time

Via @thecreativepalate  

Boss Ladies

Via @tenacious_jess

Cooking up a Storm

Via @mss_tradewind

For Man’s Best Friends

Via @_girlsgarage

#GSTravel

Of course, our girls didn’t just stay in California. With their well-earned product program funds, girl-led planning, and support from their volunteers, GSNorCal troops traveled across the country and even hopped across the pond to Europe!

Where will Your Cookie Take You?

Via @jenniferawu

Journey to the (Girl Scout) Past

Via @jenniferjtalley

#GSCamp

What Girl Scout summer would be complete without camp? From first time campers to returning camp instructors, archery to horseback riding, hiking to crafts, it’s impossible to capture the magic of camp” in a single sentence, and each of these pictures ie worth more than a thousand words. 

Get Her to Camp!

Via @lydiathebold

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Girl Scout camp glory!🌲My oldest had as much fun as her little heart could handle and has not stopped singing for 6 days. My youngest and I got to be Tagalongs (a little Girl Scout humor there for ya 🍪.) I ain’t gonna lie—volunteering to be a counselor for the week was one of the most exhausting experiences in recent memory but it HURT SO GOOD. I’m in awe of the incredibly peaceful and magnificent forests, the dedication of those running the camp, and the strength and kindness towards one another I saw the girls exhibit. If you’ve got a girl, get her into scouting! ❤️💪🏻💪🏼💪🏽💪🏾💪🏿❤️ . #gscamp #girlscoutsnorcal #girlscouts #girlscoutbrownies #girlscoutcamp #campingwithkids #gooutside #bekind #stronggirls #smartgirls #parentinggirls #raisingstronggirls #nature #outdoorkids #summercamp #camping #campgear #avonrep #bugguard #linkinbio #avonskinsosoft #skinsosoft #bugrepellent #nobites

A post shared by Lydia Osolinsky (@lydiathebold) on

Right on Target 

Via @campbutanocreek

To New Heights

Via @roamingnanny

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All 13 of us hiked over 35 miles over the course of 6 days to complete the Skyline to the Sea trail. * I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of these young women for all that they’ve learned over the last 2 weeks and leaping out of their comfort zones and challenging themselves. * I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into world the magic that happened along this trail. Thank you @senajyram for calling to come out and thanks @gsnorcal for having at camp this summer. Is it next summer yet? I want to come back! – – – – – #girlscoutcamp #gsnorcal #gsnorcalcamps #girlscouts #skylinetothesea #skylinetotheseatrail #hikecalifornia #california #californiahikes #visitcalifornia

A post shared by Retha | Adventure Travel (@roamingnanny) on

Until Next Summer… 

Via @chloemay_thorn

What to do next? 


Amanda Gee—Amanda is the Communications Specialist for Girl Scouts of Northern California, where she keeps the website, social media, and email up-to-date with the latest and greatest Girl Scout news. Amanda joined the Girl Scouts in first grade; her fondest Girl Scout memories include building a butterfly garden for her Bronze Award project and eating way too many s’mores around the campfire. When she’s not typing away at her computer over a cup of Earl Grey, you can find Amanda hanging out with friends, biking along the beautiful Alameda Bay Trail, or trying to pick up some new skill or tidbit of knowledge.

The Trailhead