Girl Scouts from all over the state will meet in Springfield to celebrate Girl Scout Day at the Capitol.
Girl Scout Day at the Capitol is a unique opportunity for Girl Scouts throughout Illinois and surrounding states to assemble while learning about our government and community. This event also gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to discover downtown Springfield and the history of our State Capitol.
You don't want to miss this incredible event and the famous march to the capitol!
Girl Scout Day at the Capitol
May 2, 2025
Bank of Springfield (BOS) Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
Cost is $18 per gir, $15 per adult
Note: After the initial event registration date closing, an additiona fee is added for late registrations.
The Illinois Attorney General provides a letter for girls absence from school on this day. Click here to get the letter.
Agenda for GSD@C
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A proud STEMinist in Stilettos, she is a Lifetime Member, 2023 Local Host Committee Co-Chair of NCS/Phenom, and National Board Member for Girl Scouts of the USA. She believes in the power of education and mentorship for girls and women in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Girl Scout Day at the Capitol?
Registered Girl Scouts and their families. Parents/guardians and siblings are welcome to register to attend this event. Registration for the event must be made in advance through gsEvents. Click here for registration. How many adults should attend with our troop?
Adults are responsible for meeting the girl to adult ratio and MUST be registered for the evnt in order to attend.
Program Grade Level | Two unrelated adults (at least one female) for each number of girls | Plus one adult for each additional number of girls |
Daisy | 6 | 4 |
Brownie | 12 | 6 |
Junior | 16 | 8 |
Cadette | 20 | 10 |
Senior/Ambassador | 24 | 12 |
Adults are responsible for meeting the girl to adult ratio and MUST be registered for the event to order attend
This event takes place on a school day, how can we have the absence excused?
Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, provides a letter that you can share with your school. Once we receive this letter it will be added to this page.
How can we have a banner in the march to the Capitol?
Each year we have a Banner Contest and the troop with the winning banner is able to be at the start of the march and help lead our group to the Capitol steps along with our CEO and other special guests! Even if you are not the winning troop you are still encouraged to bring your banner.
How long is the march?
The march begins at the BOS Center and ends at the Lincoln statue in front of the Capitol Building. The walk is about ¾ of a mile and takes 15-20 minutes to walk.
What badges will the girls work on at the Girl Expo?
This year Girl Scouts will complete steps towards their Citizens badges. Badges can then be purchased at the pop-up Trefoil Boutique at the event!
Can we bring SWAPS?
YES! Girl Scouts throughout Illinois and surrounding states will be attending our event and lots of them bring SWAPS to trade. Many of our Girl Scouts meet near the stage after checking in to trade SWAPS.
Where do we park?
There is a parking garage next to the BOS Center. Estimated parking for the entire day will be about $7. Meter parking is also available downtown, but time limits still apply and are often a 2 hour limit. GSCI and the BOS Center are not responsible for any parking fees, tickets, or towing expenses.
Where can we stay?
GSCI has secured a hotel block at Carpenter Street Hotel, 525 N 6th Street, Springfield, which is a 12 minute walk to the BOS Center. The rate is $99 per night for a double queen room. This includes one complimentary parking and breakfast.
For this rate please call 217-789-9100 and mention you are with Girl Scouts to be added to our hotel block.
Where can we eat?
Several downtown Springfield restaurants off specials for Girl Scouts the day of our event. Check back soon for a list of those locations. Please note that there is no outside food allowed inside the BOS Center.
Several of Springfield’s downtown eateries are offering specials for Girl Scouts for Girl Scout Day at the Capitol. Plan ahead and see where you’d like to stop on your way from the Capitol steps to the Girl Scout Expo. Place orders in advance to minimize wait time. Detailed offers below. Please mention Girl Scouts when placing ALL orders!
Cold Stone Creamery
124 S 6th St. – 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Special Girl Scout themed hand-made waffle cones and bowls. Will donate 20% of all Girl Scouts purchases that day to Girl Scouts of Central Illinois!. Please mention Girls Scouts at check-out.
Head West Sub Shop
530 E. Capitol Ave. – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
All Girl Scout purchases will receive a free soft drink (online orders request free drink upon pick-up). *For expedited service, recommend pre-ordering lunches online by Thurs. May 1: for First Name, use first name & last initial / for Last Name, use “Girl Scouts” https://www.toasttab.com/head-west-sub-stop-capitol/v3/?mode=fulfillment. Walk-ins also accepted. Please mention Girls Scouts at check-out.
Jimmy John's
219 S. 6th St. – 10:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
For all Girl Scouts: Special $6.50 (tax-exempt) GS lunch, which includes a Slim Sandwich & Chips. *Highly Recommend pre-ordered lunches: please complete the GS Lunch Order Form, follow the instructions and send to the requested emails by Wed. April 30.
For Walk-in orders: please mention that Girl Scouts receive the special $6.50 GS lunches. Also, 10% of all customer sales on May 2 will be donated to Girl Scouts of Central Illinois!
La Piazza
218 S. 6th St. – 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
All Girl Scouts: Special $6.50 (tax-exempt) GS lunch. Must pre-order by GS Troop by 3pm on Wed. April 30: email completed La Piazza form to info@lapiazzaci.com. Lunch includes one slice of pizza (Cheese, Sausage, or Pepperoni) and one drink (water bottle or 12oz can of Coke, Diet Coke or Sprite). Planned pick-up time requested. Please mention Girls Scouts with payment at pick-up.
Can we visit the State Capitol building?
Yes! Visiting the Capitol is an exciting time, but we have to be attentive that it is a public office building with government employees at work and be respectful at all times. Tours are self-guided unless you have set up a tour beforehand.
Rules and Courtesy When Visiting the Capitol:
You can find out more about visiting the Capitol Building here: https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/com18.pdf
Can we meet our State Representatives?
If you would like to meet with your local state representative, we strongly encourage that you reach out to their office on your own to arrange a meeting.
I still have more questions, who can I speak to about this event?
Questions can be directed to Sara Tate state@girlscouts-gsci.org.