As girls get older and progress through Girl Scouting, you might find that the things they enjoy begin to shift… Perhaps she’s become more excited about the world of STEM, or maybe thrilling outdoor adventure is more her speed? No matter what your girl is into, if she’s looking to add a little pizzazz to her Girl Scout experience, interest groups may be the way to go.

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From learning about life on the water to surviving in the woods, our volunteer-run interest groups give girls the opportunity to pursue individualized activities outside the traditional troop setting. They’re great for girls in troops who want to spread their wings and meet new friends outside of their core group, but they’re also a great way for individually registered Girl Scouts (Juliettes) to enjoy a troop-like environment. So whether your girl is a skilled expert or a curious newbie, take a moment to explore some of GSNorCal’s established interest groups—you never know what might pique her interest!

Travel Interest Group

Once girls bridge to Cadettes, a whole new world of opportunity opens up! Unlike when they’re young, Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 have the chance to go beyond their local landmarks and experience far off places. With the Travel Interest Group, girls will share their wanderlust, plan future trips, and travel together as they discover the world around them. Many of the girls in this interest group are also cookie rockstars who fund entire council trips and destinations using their product sales rewards—so if you’re looking for a supportive environment, this group will definitely help you reach your ambitious Girl Scout Cookie sales goals!

For more information on how to get involved with the Travel Interest Group, email travel@gsnorcal.org.

Space Cookies Robotics Team

For girls in 7th through 12th grade with an interest in science and technology, the Space Cookies robotics team may be the group for them! Working in partnership with NASA, Space Cookies nurtures girls’ creativity and curiosity as they design, build, and test ever-evolving robots for competition. In addition to developing technical engineering skills, this award-winning team is also the perfect place for girls to explore possible career paths in the field of STEM.

Looking for more information on how to join this all-girls robotics team? Check out their website at www.spacecookies.org.

Backpacking Interest Group (BIG)

Imagine your girls disconnecting from their technology-filled lives, packing a bag, and sleeping under the stars for a few days… sounds awesome, right? The Backpacking Interest Group (also known as BIG) offers girls the opportunity to learn new camping skills as they explore Northern California’s wild side. With trainings and trips all year round, girls in grades 5-12 can learn everything they need to know for a multi-day backpacking adventure.

To get started, visit BIG’s website for upcoming events.

Mariner Girl Scouts

Girls in grades 8-12 can learn the nautical ropes of the sea and set sail with the Mariner Scout Ship TRADEWIND. Based out of Redwood City, this seafaring interest group is the perfect opportunity for girls to get on the water and develop their sea legs. Girls will board the ex-US Navy landing craft vessel to learn everything from basic safety and boat maintenance to teamwork and leadership.

Want more information on how to join this crew? Check out the Mariner Scouts’ website to learn more and get sailin’!

High Adventure Girl Scouts

For girls who love adrenaline-pumping experiences like rock climbing and white water rafting, High Adventure Girl Scouts will definitely keep them on the edge of their seat! With the High Adventure Girl Scouts group, girls will work together to brainstorm, plan, and participate in up to four high adventure trips each year. There’s no better way to conquer intense outdoor adventures than with your squad by your side!

Girl Scouts who would like to participate in this group can email jwesten7@earthlink.net!

When it comes to GSNorCal’s interest groups, the sky’s truly the limit! The groups we’ve talked about here are just a few of the many girl-powered groups that have been built around the interests in our council. So whether your girls enjoy backpacking and hiking or art and science, encourage them to explore and start their own interest group—because if they’re interested in something, there’s a pretty good chance other girls are too!

Tiffany Phamvu—Tiffany is the Risk Management & Travel Coordinator for Girl Scouts of Northern California, where she supports girls and volunteers in their planning endeavors from troop meetings to travel adventures around the world. She is a Northern California native but has spent time living all over the world. Tiffany is an avid traveler (having visited 19 countries so far!) and an outdoor enthusiast who’s scared of heights, but loves to zip line. Her favorite thing about Girl Scouts is all the opportunities to go on adventures that are available through the Girl Scout program.