Welcome to the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ website.  Our campaign slogan for the 2013-2014 membership year “I can’t wait to….” so aptly captures the anticipation and excitement that is Girl Scouting.  We just can’t wait to roll out new programs, expand opportunities and open doors for our girls and volunteers who, in turn, just can’t wait to join in the fun and adventure that is Girl Scouting!  From the over 1,300 girls who participate in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs to almost 1,000 girls and volunteers who descend on Camp Torqua in one weekend for the Haunted Halloween events, (including the new Zombie Run), the consensus was – Girl Scouting is for all girls everywhere!
 
On October 1, 2013, GSSI started our 5th year as a newly integrated council and, in partnership with YOU, we continue to be very successful. I am pleased to share with you some of the exciting things we just can’t wait to…
 
    Acknowledge and reward the 12 girls who earned their Gold award – only 5% of Girl Scouts throughout the country earn this prestigious award.  We also want to recognize the 88 girls who earned their Silver award and can’t wait to see all of them back here to accept their Gold!
    Honor 51 of our most dedicated volunteers who give selflessly of their time and treasure every day.  We can’t wait to honor more of you – we know that there are so many more who work quietly in the background so that all our girls may benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
    Expand our STEM initiative even further. Four years ago, when we merged, we made a commitment to expand and offer STEM programs such as Robotics to all girls throughout our council. We are pleased to report that in 2013, we had 27 robotic and Botball teams, including our first robotic team in the East St. Louis school system.
    Continue seeking grant funding for community-based initiatives such as the USDA/GSUSA funded Challenge and Change project.  The first three projects and the impact on our communities were overwhelmingly positive.   Based on this success, we have received a 2nd year grant to initiate two new projects and continue another in some of the most underserved areas of our council.
 
I could go on and on, but space limits us.  So, I’d like to end this welcome with a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all our volunteers, donors, Board members and staff who help to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to explore her world and discover herself so that she can reach her full potential.   We could not do it without YOU!
 
With your continued support, GSSI will be able to provide a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience for our 14,000 girls and 4,800 adult volunteers.  I look forward to meeting and working with all of you as we continue to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.