More than 1500 Girl Scouts participated in the 2026 Girl Scout Day at the Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. We kicked off the event with a traditional Girl Scout Flag Ceremony. Followed by opening remarks from Misty Buscher, Mayor of Springfield. Then came our highly anticipated balloon drop! Everyone gathered for our historic march to the Capitol steps. We were honored to have the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, Bonnie Barcyzkowski join us. The day was dedicated to history in action as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
What's New at GSCI
Girl Scout Day at the Capitol 2026
Build-A Bear™
Thank you to WCIA for allowing us to showcase our collaboration with Build-A-Bear™. Our partnership with Build-A-Bear™ and the Girl Scouts, where scouts get to design and create their own custom stuffed animals. The experience combines creativity, hands-on learning, and teamwork, while also teaching important lessons about confidence, community, and giving back. It’s a fun and memorable way for Girl Scouts to express themselves and make a positive impact.
Learn what's new at Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. Bookmark this page as your go-to to learn all about the new happenings at GSCI.
Girl Scouts Unite
The 58th National Council Session (NCS) will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, from July 20–22, 2026.
NCS is the business meeting where delegates from every council across the nation and from USA Girl Scouts Overseas meet to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement and elect national leaders for the next triennium. It’s democracy in action, as girl delegates vote alongside adult delegates and have a direct voice in shaping the future of Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is our host council. We are grateful for their hospitality and support in preparing for and carrying out this important event for our Movement.
America250
Observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with Girl Scouts.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Girl Scouts of the USA has partnered with America250.org to mark this milestone—and you can earn a special five-patch collection if you participate.
You can join an event, take part in a national project, or create your own project. Explore history, discover diverse stories, and give back through service!
Be part of the conversation about our past, present, and future. Click here to learn more and download resources.
Daisy and Brownie Experience Boxes
Girl Scout Experience Boxes for new Daisy and Brownie troops are here to support you every step of the way!
New Daisy (K–1) or Brownie (2–3) leaders in participating councils can receive monthly Girl Scout Experience Boxes—delivered to their door! Each box includes simple scripts, easy instructions, and ready-to-use supplies for fun, stress-free meetings. Start with a Welcome Box, followed by up to seven themed boxes, depending on when the troop begins.
- Form your troop by registering more adult volunteers and your Girl Scouts!
- Complete the council training required and your background check.
- Redeem your Girl Scout Experience Boxes and explore all Girl Scouts has to offer!
Click here for more information.
Let Us Know All the Wonderful Things Your Troop is Doing!
Girl Scouts around our council are always active – camping,
traveling, doing serviceprojects, and making the world a better place.
Girl Scouts of tCentral Illinois invitesall Girl Scouts in our council
to share photos of their adventures, achievements,projects, and
more.
Share your story by completing a short form and uploading your pictures. Be sureto complete all the questions with details so we can highlight your troop and theiradventures. We'd love to feature it on our GSCI social media platforms and our website
