The Girl Scout Program is built on progression. Girls learn to explore and expand their individual potential, leadership and life skills while having fun. These opportunities are offered to girls in troop and group settings, interest groups, neighborhood events and Council level events.

Council level events are offered to girls in a variety of ways with a common thread that they are available to all girl members of Girl Scouts of Trailways Council.

Workshops offer girls hands on activities in a variety of different topics such as: science, health and fitness, art, and environmental education. Workshops can be attended by individual girls, troops and groups and are usually 2 hours. Workshop programs are age level appropriate: Kindergarten; grades 1 –3; grades 4 – 6; grades 6 – 8; and grades 9 – 12. Fees range from $8.00 to $15.00 per girl. Additional information is available by viewing the calendar on this website or by reviewing your Just 4 Girls Book.

Day Camps are programs conducted within a 4 – 6 hour period, during the day, lasting 3 – 6 days. They are held locally utilizing park districts, forest preserves and community parks. Girls register individually and are placed in small units led by local volunteer adults. In most cases Day Camp is available to girls grades K - 12. Girl members of Girl Scouts of Trailways Council, grades K – 12, are mailed a Summer Program Brochure in early April that includes program descriptions, location, registration form, contact information for questions and costs. Day Camp fees range from $25.00 to $40.00 per girl depending on length of session and program offerings.

Resident Camp is a residential 3 – 5 day camping experience at Camp Pokanoka, our Council owned camp property located near Ottawa. Girls register individually or with a friend by choosing from themed programs such as theatre, sports, nature, art, and adventure. Seasonal summer staff provide adult supervision while assisting girls with planning program activities. Resident Camp is available to girls who have completed grades 1 - 11. Girls reside in grade level units.

Girl members of Girl Scouts of Trailways Council, in grades 1 through 12 are mailed a Resident Camp Book in early January that includes program descriptions, dates, costs, general information, registration form, financial assistance form and contact information. Completed registrations with deposit should be mailed to the Promise Center. Registrations are processed by a random drawing in mid February and girls are notified in early March as to their assigned program. Fees range from $90.00 (3 day sessions) to $220.00 (10 days). and are based on program offerings. Girls can help pay their camp fee by earning Cookie Dough. Please click here for more information on working at Camp Pokanoka Resident camp.

Large Group Events serve between 100 – 600 girls. Each year at least 1 large event is held focusing on a specific topic. Learning about diverse cultures, sports, careers, outdoors education are a few of the topics that have been covered. Events are held at varied sites. Additional information is available by viewing the calendar on this website or reviewing your Just 4 Girls Book.

Additional Event offerings can include camping jamborees, bicycle safety clinics, and membership year Kick-offs. Families can even participate in helping improve Camp Pokanoka by signing up for Work Day. Additional information is available by viewing the calendar on this website or reviewing your Just 4 Girls Book.

Project Care: Troops/Groups/Individuals can donate Project Care kits that are then distributed to participating agencies that serve the homeless and temporary shelters to people seeking refuge. Troops, groups and individuals can donate gift wrapped boxes that include a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, deodorant, fingernail file, comb/brush, soap and personal care products. Be sure and label your box female or male. Kits can be dropped off at the Promise Center. (Link to Promise Center location and hours)

Birthday Boxes: Imagine being a child and not having a birthday cake on your birthday because you live in a homeless or transitional housing shelter. Troops, groups and individuals can donate gift wrapped boxes that include a cake mix, frosting, candles, tablecloth, spoons, napkins, plates, pan and a toy. Gifts for a child ages 2 – 15 are accepted. Donations are accepted the months of February, March and April at the Promise Center. Questions can be directed to program@girlscoutstrailways.org

Share the Love: Girl Scouts of Trailways Council partners with Aunt Martha’s Youth Agency to provide new toys for children during December. Troops, groups and individuals can select a child’s name and a wish list item from the Giving Tree located at the Promise Center starting November 1. Drop off for toys is at the Promise Center by December 1. Toys are then taken to Aunt Martha’s for distribution.