Special Interest Troops

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is launching new special interest troops! Special interest troops allow girls to dive deeper into their favorite topics, explore new ideas, and make friends! Watch for more exciting opportunities to be shared soon! For more information on any of our special interest troops, fill out this form.

Astronomy Club

Starry-eyed dreamers, we have something just for you! If you are a girl in 6-12th grade who is interested in planets, stars and all things space, you belong in our new Girl Scout Astronomy Clubs!

We have two inaugural satellite clubs that will provide learning sessions, stargazing, and field trip opportunities! Astronomy Club-Metro East is based out of Edwardsville and covers Areas 1-5 and 7. Astronomy Club-Prairielands is based out of the Effingham area covers Areas 8-10. Not sure which area you're in? See our Council Map.

Mariners

Mariners has been a part of Girl Scouts since 1934 and offers high-adventure outdoor activities – in, on and around water! Girl Scouts in grades 7 through 12 graders can catch the wind, ride the waves, or cruise with the current through this special interest troop.

Once requirements to earn their Mariner Membership Pin have been completed, they will have the opportunity to take the lead in swimming, safety, rescue, kayaking, sailing, navigation and more. They take action in oceans, lakes and rivers, explore careers related to water, and learn to protect the aquatic environment. It’s up to your ship(troop) to determine which one of two paths they want to take to complete Advanced Mariner Skill Development – Mariner Skill Development or Mariner Proficiency Ratings. Download the Girl Scout Mariners 21 Century Guidelines and start your ship!

Robotics

Girl Scouts are learning valuable life skills as they discover how to build and program robots. Under the guidance of mentors, girls experiment with new techniques and learn from the outcomes. Girl Scouts who participate in robotics teams discover their ability to succeed with technology while developing strong teamwork skills. We have robotics teams for all grade levels! To learn more, visit our STEM page.

Trailblazers

Trailblazers have been a part of Girl Scouts since 1950’s and offering high adventure land-based activities. Giving 7th through 12th graders the opportunity to engage deeply in high-adventure outdoor activities in a broad range of modalities, geographies, and climates.

Once requirements to earn their Trailblazer Membership Pin have been completed, they will have an opportunity to concentrate on hiking, stewardship, camping, adventure sports and survivorship. Along the way they can build skills in hiking styles, backpacking; orienteering methods, conservation, outdoor preparedness. They can also explore high adventure sports such as rock climbing, trail races, mountain biking, and ropes courses. Download the Girl Scout Trailblazer 21 Century Guidelines and start your adventurous troop!