The Friendship Circle from Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

Hey Girl Scouts, it's time to renew! Listen to one of our very own Member Support Specialists, Lauri Doyle, to learn all about renewal, early renewal, important dates, and so much more!

It’s already a fan favorite episode featuring our own Mary Kay Golec, one of GSNI’s beloved Resource Specialists! Mary Kay walks us though GSNI’s Customer Care department and our Resource Centers for a unique and entertaining view on why everyone—even non-Girl Scouts— should visit a Resource Center for a wonderful, educational, and FUN experience! 

Join us for a look back on Women’s History Month with new guest co-host Jordan Needham, GSNI Membership Engagement Specialist, and longtime Girl Scout, Girl Scout volunteer, and GSNI Historian Sue Reimer. Sue shares how Girl Scouts has been a part of women’s history through the years and how our Historians are currently preserving Girl Scout tradition and history for future generations! 

We’re excited to welcome Kathleen Baylis and Katie Hogan of GSNI’s Gold Award Committee to this episode of The Friendship Circle! Along with guest co-host Angela Musial, GSNI Program Manager, they discuss the history of the Girl Scout Gold Award—the highest award a Girl Scout can earn—along with the best way to earn the award. They also talk about common pitfalls to avoid and ways families and leaders can best support Girl Scouts working towards the Gold Award. Bonus! You’ll also hear about some special Gold Award projects throughout the years! 

Join us as we talk to several Girl Scout Cookie entrepreneurs in Troop 1923 about their cookie seasons—both past and present—and get the inside scoop on what works (or doesn’t) during cookie booth season. These Girl Scouts share their ideas, tips, and innovations to make the most of the Girl Scout Cookie Program each year! 

Learn all about the PVSA and learn how to earn this prestigious community service award!

January 17, 2025, is the deadline to apply to be a National Council Delegate! What’s a National Council Delegate? Would it be a great experience for you? Learn all about the opportunities to represent GSNI on the national stage and make a difference for current and future generations of Girl Scouts. Join our special guest Karen Tatlock for an exciting first-person account of the delegate experience! 

This month we’re talking to Ranger Casey who takes care of GSNI’s Mary Ann Beebe Center (affectionately known as MABC). Casey tells us all about MABC’s features with available facilities, sites, and opportunities for unique outdoor adventures. Learn how GSNI service units and groups can use MABC, including for volunteer-led camps during the summer. Plus, Casey tells us the secret to successful crate stacking! 

It’s nearly GivingTuesday! Taking place on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday is the world’s largest generosity movement and will take place on December 3, 2024. Learn more about this unique holiday, along with family approaches to giving, philanthropy, and generosity with Cheryl Red of Be IncREDible Coaching. Cheryl shares tips on how giving can actually be good for you, your health, and your loved ones! 

Join us in a look back at Hispanic Heritage Month and ways several members of our staff (and our Girl Scouts!) celebrate this special time of year!