Connections Newsletter | July-August 2024

2023 Annual Report | A Look at Your Impact: Together, We Make a Difference

Our 2023 annual report highlights the incredible efforts and commitment of our community of champions—volunteers, donors, community partners, and staff—during the 2022-23 membership year. Dive into the overview of our accomplishments and celebrate the collective successes made possible through our collaboration. Thank you for your continued dedication to this mission and for making a difference in our Girl Scout community. See your impact in our latest annual report.

Silver and Gold Award Girl Scouts Change the World

On Friday, May 10, at a special ceremony in Balboa Park, we celebrated 253 Girl Scouts who earned the Silver Award—the highest achievement for Cadettes. This year’s Silver Award Girl Scouts completed 50-hour projects that addressed themes like public safety, environment and sustainability, animal welfare, mental health and well-being, girl and female empowerment, and more. These young leaders have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the community, truly embodying the spirit of Girl Scouting.

In June, we celebrated 72 local Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts at the 2024 Gold Award Ceremony. GSSD CEO Carol Dedrich, alongside the Honorable Sherry Thompson-Taylor and Gold Award Girl Scout alum, Sofía Pérez Valles, honored the 2024 class Gold Award Girl Scouts in front of more than 200 Girl Scouts, families, donors, board members, and community leaders. This year, Gold Award Girl Scouts made their mark in the areas of environmental sustainability and climate change, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, disability inclusion and access, civic engagement, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, DEI-RJ (diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice), and more.

Congratulations to our 2024 Silver and Gold Award Girl Scouts! Your achievements are a testament to your leadership and commitment to making the world a better place. Learn more about the highest awards in Girl Scouting at sdgirlscouts.org/highestawards.

S’more Fun: Summer Camp is Here!

Day and Sleepaway Camps are back in session for all girls in K-12, and campers are off to have their best summer ever! We have a variety of camps running through Aug. 9, and spots remain for future sessions. Girl Scout Summer Camps are open to all girls; prior membership is not required, and financial aid is available. View the 2024 camp brochure to find your perfect camp, and secure your spot at sdgirlscouts.org/camp.

A Day of Learning, Networking, and Fun: Register Now for Volunteer Conference

Whether you are a long-standing volunteer or a newer adult member looking to learn more about volunteer opportunities, the annual Volunteer Conference is for you.

Join us on Saturday, Aug. 24, for a day filled with connection, inspiration, and learning in preparation for the upcoming Girl Scout membership year. This year's Volunteer Conference promises to provide valuable resources and engaging breakout sessions on topics like youth well-being, teambuilding activities, highest awards, and more. Plus, enjoy time with nearly 30 community partners like Girlie Garage, Play It Safe Defense, and Ringer’s Roller Rink, and snag deals on fantastic Girl Scouts San Diego merchandise.

Don’t miss out on this enriching and fun event! Visit sdgirlscouts.org/volunteerconference to learn more and register today.

Save the Date for Urban Campout 2024: Fortune Favors the Bold

Girl Scouts San Diego’s 'fun fundraiser’ returns on Friday, Sept. 13. Join us for Urban Campout: Fortune Favors the Bold! This adults-only event will feature camp favorites like archery and s’mores, gourmet fare and local spirits, a silent and live auction, and more. Join us at our Balboa Campus for an evening of fun while supporting the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego.

Special thanks to our 2024 Urban Campout Co-Chairs, Perette Godwin and Emily Rex.

Tables, sponsorships, and underwriting opportunities are available now. Individual tickets will go on sale Monday, July 15. For questions or ways to support, contact Betsy Paige at bpaige@sdgirlscouts.org or 619-610-0801.

Aliza Zollman Receives $5,000 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship

The Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship recognizes one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout per council who completed a Gold Award project demonstrating extraordinary leadership, measurable results, and sustainable impact, and addressing an issue of national and/or global significance. We are proud to announce that Aliza Zollman was chosen to receive this year’s $5,000 scholarship.

Aliza’s Gold Award project, Slowing Down Fast Fashion with Natural Dyes, drove meaningful change within her community and beyond.️ She organized workshops at a summer camp, a local farm, and her high school, where she taught participants how to create natural dyes from kitchen scraps or native plants. By educating and empowering teenagers, Aliza raised awareness about sustainable fashion and the slow fashion movement.

Congratulations, Aliza! To learn more, visit girlscouts.org/goldawardscholarship.