"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 of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana program is delivered in six unique ways:

Troops
The traditional and most well known Girl Scouting experience is through Girl Scout troops, which represent about 70% of the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. These Girl Scout troops 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 Girl Scout troops and adults who only want a short-term commitment to participate. Trippers take trips locally with different adults once a month. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana 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 hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities. Camper opportunities are available through a troop/group or individually, like at resident camp. It’s a wonderful 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 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 of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana 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.

Primarily during the school day or at community centers, Contemporary Awareness programs are reality-based and age appropriate.  The program is 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 Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Vernon Hills Regional Service Center 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 Program Curriculum Sample:

• CentsAbility - Managing money, investment options, career choices, financial lifestyles, basic life plan book to help set goals.
• Fit To BE ME! - Designed to educate and involve girls in sports, health, and fitness, while building self-esteem.
• Follow the Reader / Aventuras en Lectura - Reading literacy skill development using colorful, user-friendly, bilingual workbooks.
• 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 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.
• The Penny Project - money-management concepts and skills for girls 6-8.
• 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.
• STEM - Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math enrichment sessions held during and after school.
• 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.