"The Girl Scout program is an informal educational program designed to help girls put into practice the fundamental principles of the Girl Scout Movement as set forth in the Preamble. It is carried out in small groups with adult leadership and provides a wide range of activities developed around the interests and needs of girls."
- Constitution of Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Article III

In an effort to reach every girl everywhere, Girl Scouts - Illinois Crossroads Council program is delivered in 6 unique ways:

Troops
The traditional and most well known Girl Scouting experience is through the troops/groups, which represent about 70% of the Illinois Crossroads Council. These troops/groups are led by well-trained adult volunteers.

Trippers
Trippers is a way to provide Girl Scouting to girls who are waiting to join a troop/group if there is not a troop/group in the area, or if there is a shortage of adult volunteers. It is a great way for both girls waiting to join troops/groups and adults who only want a short-term commitment to participate. Trippers take trips locally with different adults once a month. Girl Scouts-Illinois Crossroads Council wants every girl to be able to participate without waiting.

Outdoor Education/Camping/Health
The outdoor education/camping/health program is an opportunity for those who enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Camper opportunities are available through a troop/group or individually, like at resident camp. It’s a great way to get out and make new friends in the great outdoors.

Collaborations
Girl Scouts also serve girls by joining forces with other community based groups to provide Girl Scouting opportunities. These joint ventures allow us to pool our resources to make activities more accessible to girls in the community. In doing these collaborations we have a better chance to reach even more girls in the Illinois Crossroads area.

Contemporary Awareness Programs
Contemporary Awareness programs address significant issues that girls in the Girl Scouts - Illinois Crossroads Council area face such as bullying, discrimination, hate crimes, media messages, eating disorders, sexual harassment, conflict, violence, teen pressures and smoking, while promoting health and fitness. These programs are designed to empower girls and young women at a critical time in their lives.

Delivery of the programs is primarily during the school day or at community centers. These programs are reality-based and age appropriate and designed to help girls make informed value-based choices. In this setting, girls have the freedom to express their ideas and concerns as well as to ask questions in a small group setting. About 20% of the girls in the Illinois Crossroads Council participate in school based Contemporary Awareness programs. The programs allow girls the opportunity to have new insight into the choices that they face as adolescents.

Girl Activities Available:

• All About Us - Friendship, self-expression, personal awareness, gender equity, looking at positives, and listening skills.
• CentsAbility - Managing money, investment options, career choices, financial lifestyles, basic life plan book to help set goals.
• Choices I Make - Media messages, assertive communication, sexual harassment awareness, and personal safety.
• Expressions! - Faith based program to give girls the opportunity to interact with positive women in their communities.
• Girl Power - Stress management, creative expression, crisis management techniques, proactive behavior.
• GirlSports - Sports-readiness for ages 5-9 that teaches motor skills and agility.  Includes Fit & Fun, aimed at girls 8-11 that focus on fair play, cooperation, and skill progression.
• GoGirlGo! - Improving the lives of girls ages 8-18 through physical activity.
• Got Money? / ¿Quieres Dinero? - A bilingual financial literacy program providing skills and resources for girls to become economically self-sufficient.
• In the Zone - Drug-free, positive, and healthy living.
• Making Connections - Anti-bias curriculum all about you, race/ethnicity, class, gender, beliefs, sexual orientation, abilities, and prejudice.
• Making Choices© - Peer pressure, media messages, social action, self-expression, role models, healthy relationships, gender equity, assertive communication, sexual harassment awareness, violence in relationships, community resources, and celebration of choices.
• Mind Your Own Business/Cashin’ In - A program option for girls 11-17 for financial goal setting.
• Olympic Spirit - Competitive physical activities that build self-esteem, health, and fitness.
• The Penny Project - money-management concepts and skills for girls 6-8.
• Reviving Ophelia - Teen pressures/influences, assertive communication, and social action.
• ¡Soy Unica! ¡Soy Latina! - Self-identity, how to handle adversity, how to handle stress, relationship building, interaction.
• Sport Days - Athletic skills, flexibility, coordination, balance, self-esteem, teamwork, conflict resolution, assertive communication, health/fitness, and effects of smoking.
• Staying Safe - personal safety issues including, abuse, bullying, online safety, and safety resources.
• Strong Bones, Strong Girls! - lifelong healthy habits, emphasizing increased calcium consumption and physical activity.
• Uniquely Me! - Self-esteem, self-image, highlights the unique talents and qualities of each girl, decision making.
• Working It Out - Personal awareness, assertive communication, anger management, conflict resolution, personal safety, bullies, positive values, boundaries, and expectations.
  

STUDIO 2B
STUDIO 2B mirrors the interests of girls ages 11-17 and offers more options, flexibility, and an enriching focus on a by girls, for girls approach. STUDIO 2B offers girls an opportunity to develop real-life skills, learn from experts in a variety of careers, set and achieve goals, explore personal interests, and reach their full potential.