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2026 October Volunteer Newsletter
Welcome to a New Girl Scout Year!
October 1 was officially the first day of the new Girl Scout year! Our very proud CEO Loretta Graham and all of the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois staff wish you a warm welcome. We can't wait to see the new adventures that this year will bring! Follow the button below to see a special video message.
There's Still Time to Kickstart Your Troop Bank Account During the Fall Product Program
Our Fall Product Program runs through October 25! There's still plenty of time to participate - and to raise troop funds for a new year of adventures. Friends, family, and neighbors have many ways to share their support - nuts and candy, Girl Scout themed BarkBoxes, candles, Tervis Tumblers, personalized products, magazines, and more. They can even donate a can of honey roasted peanuts to say thanks to American military heroes. Encourage caregivers to help their Girl Scout log into the M2 online storefront and send a few emails to get started!
Join GSUSA for a special volunteer webinar to learn more about the future of the Girl Scout program experience! Volunteers will learn the "why" behind the plans, as well as what to expect in the years ahead. There will also be a brief demonstration of the new Girl Scout Program Library. There are two session options - Tuesday, October 27 from 7-8 p.m. or Saturday, November 7 from 12-1 p.m.
Girl Scouts' founder Juliette Gordon Low was born October 31! Giving back is a big part of what it means to be a Girl Scout, and our fall council-wide community service project is dedicated to her honor.
We encourage Girl Scouts to create birthday bags for local food pantries. A birthday bag contains goodies that will help make a birthday celebration more special, such as cake mix, party favors, decorations, and more. Girls will earn a custom patch by participating. This project can be done in your own community and at your own pace.
Don't miss your chance to show your appreciation for a fellow volunteer! The Adult Award nominations deadline is November 1!
GSofSI offers national and council-specific awards to celebrate our dedicated volunteers. Visit the Adult Awards page on our website to learn about each award and to access nomination and endorsement forms. Award recipients will be honored at our Recognition of Excellence ceremony on April 24, 2027 in Mt. Vernon.
Celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday with a Special Gift!
In honor of Girl Scouts' founder, our Council Shop is giving away a Happy Birthday Juliette Low fun patch with any purchase of $25 or more made from October 20-31! Purchases can be made in-store, online, or by phone while supplies last.
This patch is part of the growing line of Girl Scout branded fun patches, which retail for $2.50 each. Check back frequently to see what’s new!
New Uniforms for Seniors and Ambassadors
Seniors and Ambassadors will have new uniform options coming in November! Seniors will have a dark green vest and sash inspired by the 1950 Girl Scout Uniform. The new Ambassadors' uniforms will be in a slate blue color representing how close they are to transitioning to the adult navy blue. The khaki Cadette, Senior and Ambassador vest and sash can still be worn by Seniors and Ambassadors as well.
Other Uniform News
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced that any official GSUSA clothing is now considered part of the official uniform when worn with the vest or sash.
Free Shipping
This Girl Scout year, all orders over $60 from the GSofSI Local Online Shop will receive free shipping. This offer lasts through September 30, 2027. Shipping for orders under $60 is now $6.
Read and Roam Southern IL Library Crawl
Daisies-Ambassadors
October 1-31 Across Southern Illinois
Registration deadline: October 26
Patch order deadline: November 9
Earn a special reading patch through this program that runs alongside the Southern Illinois Library Crawl!
Discover how STEM can be fun and frightfully fascinating! This spooky-themed event will run late into the night with fun like games, collaborative challenges, and a movie under the stars!
Ignite The Night Where Fire Safety Meets Campfire Magic
Daisies-Ambassadors; Friends & Family
November 28
Camp Torqua
Deadline: November 9
Girl Scouts and their families are invited to Camp Torqua for an evening of bonfires, campfire food and s'mores, fire safety stations, and a chance to earn your One Match Patch. Plus, meet female firefighters and hear about their careers. All participants receive a fun patch!
These are just a few of the exciting opportunities coming soon! Follow the button below to see more.
