2026 May Program Alerts
You don't want to miss these upcoming opportunities! Opportunity funds are available.
Patch Point
Backyard Challenge Patch Program
Girl Scouts can earn a patch while exploring the outdoors - even their own backyard!
Preferred Partner Spotlight
R.P. Lumber Center
6289 Tiger Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62025
www.cityofedwardsville.com/611/RP-Lumber-Center
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 Richview Road Mount Vernon, IL 62864
cedarhurst.org
Upcoming Patch Programs - Preorder Patches Only
Adopt-A-Pilot Patch Program: Women’s Air Race Classic
Daisies-Ambassadors
May 15 – June 27, 2026
Registration deadline: June 15
Patch order deadline: July 6
Take flight with Girl Scouts! This exciting Adopt-a-Pilot Patch Program is a multi-week aviation adventure connected to the Women's Air Race Classic (WARC), which is the longest-running air race for women pilots in the world! Plus, celebrate with free participation at the Finish Line Celebration Event on June 27 in Mt. Vernon - no event registration is necessary for this.
STEMQuest Challenge "Summer Edition" Checklist
Daisies-Ambassadors
June 1, 2026 – August 3, 2026
Registration deadline: August 3
Patch order deadline: August 10
Explore this hands-on challenge patch program designed especially for Girl Scouts to explore the amazing world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Girl Scouts Lend a Paw Summer Service Project
Daisies-Ambassadors
June 1–July 31
Registration deadline: July 27
Patch order deadline: August 10
This summer, Girl Scouts are stepping up to support our furry friends by collecting much-needed items for local animal shelters.
On Camp Time, Girl Scouts Shine. Sign Up for Summer Camp Now!
Girl Scout Day Camp is held at a variety of locations throughout Southern Illinois, most often led by local volunteers. Opportunities serving a wide area and an array of activities and interests are being offered this summer!
Girl Scout Overnight Camp invites girls to call camp home for a while! Overnight Camps are girl-led, meaning girls will plan many of the activities with their counselors/volunteers. Our Overnight Camp opportunities blend classic camp fun with special themed adventures.
NEW! Girl Scout Family Camp gives girls and their families a chance to make memories together at Camp Torqua! Enjoy outdoor fun like hiking, archery, gaga ball, and more. Then, spend the night together in tents or our climate controlled cabins. There will be badge activities for Girl Scouts to work on, along with camaraderie like s'mores and songs.
Upcoming Programs
STEM in the Wild
Daisies-Juniors
June 13
Mattoon
Deadline: May 25
Join the GSofSI STEM Van for an afternoon of fun badge activities!
Adopt-A-Pilot “Take Off” Event – St. Louis Regional Airport in East Alton
Juniors-Ambassadors
June 20
Bethalto
Deadline: June 8
This hands-on aviation experience is designed specifically for Girl Scouts participating in the Adopt-a-Pilot Patch Program. Girls explore what it takes to be a pilot.
Cheesy Does It
Brownies-Juniors
June 27
Greenville
Deadline: June 15
Girl Scouts will explore the fascinating world of dairy farming and create their very own cheesy masterpieces to take home.
Survive and Thrive – Hammock Camping Style
with the Older Girl Advisory Board
Cadettes-Ambassadors
June 26-28
Edwardsville
Deadline: June 8
Join the Older Girl Advisory Board for an unforgettable two-night primitive camping adventure! Girl Scouts will get to try BOTH hammock camping and traditional tent camping at Camp Torqua.
Pitch Perfect at the Plate: Cardinals vs. Cubs
Daisies-Ambassadors
July 28
St. Louis, MO
Deadline: July 13
Join us for an unforgettable night at the ballpark as Girl Scouts take the field at Busch Stadium!
Girl Training Opportunities
Silver Award Training
Cadettes
June 2
Virtual
Deadline: June 1
Ready to start working towards the Girl Scout Silver Award? This training will give you the information you need to make your project a success. To complete the Silver Award training requirements, this training must be completed by at least one Girl Scout who will be working on a project and one adult who is working with the Girl Scouts.
Gold Award Training
Seniors-Ambassadors
June 2
Virtual
Deadline: June 1
This training is required before Girl Scouts start working towards earning the Gold Award.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Workshop
Seniors-Ambassadors
June 14
Red Bud
Deadline: June 1
Girl Scouts will learn how to mentor and work with younger girls to build skills towards being a camp counselor.
Program Aide (PA) Training Workshop
Cadettes
June 13
Red Bud
Deadline: June 1
Our Program Aide (PA) Training Workshop provides the skills and confidence Girl Scouts need to guide and inspire younger girls.
Travel Announcement!
London Pax 2027
Seniors-Ambassadors
June 20-28, 2027
Projected Girl Cost: $4,000
Projected Adult Travel Advisor Cost: $2,000
Deadline: February 2027
GSofSI is going to London in 2027! This trip will include 9 days and 8 nights in London, staying at Pax Lodge. Participants will also enjoy a trip to the theater, a tour of the Harry Potter movie studio, and a visit to Bath and Stonehenge.
We have spots for 20 travelers reserved - please complete our online interest form if you are interested in attending! We will keep you posted as more plans become available.
Visionary Voices in Action
A new interactive listening session is coming in 2026-27! Older Girl Scouts can connect directly with the Program Engagement Team of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. This session creates an in-person, welcoming space for older girls to share their experiences and feedback about current and future programming—to ask questions and share ideas with other Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.
Through guided conversation and open discussion, Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to speak up about what excites them, what they want more of, and how programs can better support their goals, interests, and leadership journeys. The Program Team will be there to listen, learn, and engage—because girls’ voices matter.
Service Units are invited to request a Visionary Voices in Action session to be hosted in their area. These sessions are a meaningful way to empower older girls, strengthen connections between girls and council staff, and ensure that Girl Scout programs continue to be shaped with girls, not just for them.
SERVICE UNIT LEADERSHIP: Please submit three different dates for consideration. A member of the Program Engagement Team will contact applicants regarding the final date choice. These sessions are free to Service Units and Troops, but must have at least six girl participants to run.
Applications for next year's locations are due by August 1st. Dates and locations for our upcoming quarterly sessions will be announced by September 1 - once each Service Unit chosen is notified and a location is chosen.
Please sign up through Rallyhood, on the Girl Program Hub Rally Event Calendar, once the event details are posted.
Look Ahead with Our Online Planner
Girl Scouts Take Over Waterparks: Aug. 7 in Effingham and Aug. 8 in Carbondale
Girl Scouts Love State Parks - Tree Promise Overnight Camp Out at Fox Ridge State Park: Sept. 12-13
Great GSofSI Dash - Casey, Chester, and Metropolis - Sept. 26
Please note: This Program Alert was last updated on May 5, 2026. Be sure to check our online Event Calendar for the most up-to-date information about Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois programs.
