Girl Scouting is meant to be a low cost program where girls earn their own way.  There are a number of items that may be purchased or taken on loan.  A financial assistance program is available.

Individual Supplies
Girl Scout Handbooks
Girl Scout Handbooks help girls explore their own personal interests, work on leadership skills, provide community service project ideas, and more.  Handbooks are written for each Girl Scout grade level to guide the girls in age-appropriate projects.

Each handbook, for sale at the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana shop outlines activities that, once completed, provides achievement awards such as:

• Girl Scout Daisies earn their Promise Center and Learning Petal Insignia or Daisy Journey Award Patch Set
• Girl Scout Brownies earn their Try-It Insignia or Brownie Journey Award Patch Set
• Girl Scout Juniors earn their Badge Insignia or Junior Journey Award Patch Set
• Girl Scout Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors earn their Interest Project Insignia or Journey Award Patch Set

Girl Scout financial assistance, if approved, can be made available for a handbook.

Girl Scout Uniforms, Membership Pins, Achievement Awards, Accessories
All Girl Scout members wear the Membership Pin when participating in Girl Scout activities.

Since Girl Scouting is a uniformed organization, girl and adult members are entitled to wear the Girl Scout uniform appropriate for their grade level.  New, contemporary styled uniforms by grade level come in a variety of combinations and are available, along with the Membership Pins, achievement awards, and accessories at the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana shops or through GSUSA.

Although the wearing of the uniform is encouraged, it should be understood that it is not required for Girl Scout membership.  Financial assistance, if approved, is available for a sash, vest, membership pin, I.D. strips, a Daisy tunic, and troop numerals.

Troop Supplies
Leaders Guides, Recruitment Materials, Training Materials, and More
Girl Scout adult volunteers, new and experienced, can be assured that age-appropriate Girl Scout Leader’s Guides, training materials, GSUSA guidelines and standards, activity books, recruitment materials, Girl Scout history books, to name a few, are available through a variety of sources at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.  VISTA Managers have a wealth of information for adult volunteers working with girls.  The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Shop also offer valuable resources for working with girls and working with adults.

Flags, Audio/Visual Equipment, Computer/Internet Access, and ...
Flags and stands, audio/visual equipment, videos, song and dance cassettes, ceremony logs, books, and more are available to borrow through your VISTA’s Program Equipment and Library Materials.  Requests can be made through your VISTA Equipment Manager or your VISTA’s Manager/United Way Ambassador; visit your VISTA’s website / Leader Resources section for more details.  The Vernon Hills Regional Service Center's Mission Explore! Laboratory extends to both adults and girls computer programs and Internet access to ensure that math, science, engineering, and technology opportunities are available to all Girl Scouts.

Outdoor Equipment Depots
At the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana program centers, troops can check out the equipment in the following categories at no charge while at the program center site.  The equipment is available on a self-serve basis.  Equipment varies from program center to program center.  You are responsible for "pulling" your own equipment and returning items in clean and good condition.

• Sports Equipment
• Camping Equipment
• Outdoor Cooking Equipment
• Ceremonial Equipment

Personal eating utensils, dishes, sleeping bags, and toiletries are NOT available.