Girl Scout Day at the Capitol
Girl Scouts from all over the state will meet in Springfield to celebrate Girl Scout Day at the Capitol.
What is 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 year our event will look a little different as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! 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 1, 2026
9:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Bank of Springfield (BOS) Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
Cost is $20 per gir, $15 per adult
Note: After the initial event registration date closing, an additiona fee is added for late registrations.
Comming Soon: 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
- 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Check in
- 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - We start our event inside the BOS Center with a message from our CEO and a balloon drop to kick-off the Girl Expo portion. Community partners, as well as Girl Scout staff, will organize a variety of activities for girls to participate.
- 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - After the expo we will march to the State Capitol where we will have an inspirational rally at the Lincoln Statue with several guest speakers.
- 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Girl Scouts are encouraged to explore the Capitol, observe legislators, eat lunch, and discover all that downtown Springfield has to offer on your own. A passport will be provided that will include information about special programming, tours, and historical sites that are open that day. When you visit 3 or more locations and have your passport stamped, you will receive an additional event fun patch.
Thank You to Our Girl Scout Day at the Capitol Sponsor INB Bank
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.
Is there a shirt we can order for this event?
Yes! Shirt orders can be placed when registering for the event up until April 13th. Shirts are $18 each and are available in sizes youth small to adult 4XL. After April 13th shirts will no longer be available for pre-order. A limited number of shirts will be available for purchase the day of the event at the pop-up Trefoil Boutique at a first-come, first-serve bases.
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. Click here to learn more about the banner contest.
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 not be focusing on specific badge, but may complete badge steps just by attending the event and participating in set activities. This event will also feature a special fun patch for attending, plus they can also earn an extra event patch for completing their passport!
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 President Abraham Lincoln Springfield a Doubletree by Hilton located at 701 East Adams Street, Springfield, IL 62701. Rooms are $122 per room, plus taxes.
To reserve your rooms at the discounted rate call (217)544-8800, ask for Reservations, and use the group code GSC. Click here for the link to reserve room(s).
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 downtown Springfield restaurants offer specials for Girl Scouts the day of our event. Check back soon for a list of those locations. This year we will also have the opportunity to purchase a box lunch in advance and have it delivered to a set location for pick-up. More details will be sent to those that have registered 2 weeks before the event. Please note that there is no outside food allowed inside the BOS Center.
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:
- In the Capitol, adults must wear the volunteer sticker given to them at check‐in.
- Be quiet (whisper) and respectful of others in the building.
- Always leave a place cleaner than you found it.
- Everyone must enter through security. Please be patient and if possible, limit the number of bags and items you bring into the Capitol.
- Parts of the Capitol may be under construction including the restrooms.
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.
