Schedule Your Own programs are terrific resources for Girl Scout troops as well as families, offering a wide array of opportunities for members. The following Community Partners offer programming that can be scheduled to meet the needs, individual interests, and availability of your troop or group. Contact the following Community Partners directly with your questions and to schedule.
Remember to:
Girls need and want financial literacy skills to help them achieve their dreams, with 90% of girls saying it is important for them to learn how to manage money. However, just 12% of girls surveyed feel "very confident" in making financial decisions. Thanks to the TD Bank Charitable Foundation, girls who participate in our K-12 Financial Literacy FREE Badge Program and the largest girl-led business (otherwise known as the Cookie Program) will learn financial empowerment and develop important skills.
After you have completed a badge, visit our survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FinancialLiteracy2024
With special thanks, this free patch program is funded in part by the League of Women Voters of Amherst and is available for Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts throughout Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts
The Election Connection Patch Program is designed to engage and empower Girl Scouts to understand the voting process in a patriotic - not political - manner, to eagerly anticipate their right to vote, and to encourage and enable everyone to exercise their right to vote.
-Activities for Girl Scouts in all grade levels with each level completing a specific number of activities.
-Activities focus on general election issues and provide age appropriate, non-partisan interpretation of the election process and encourage Girl Scouts to become informed citizens and be the change they want to see in their communities and country now and in the future.
-Materials support members in learning about their federal, state, and local government.
All details of our 2024-2025 Election Connection FREE Patch Program are available here.
Election Connection is a nonpolitical and nonpartisan program designed to increase civic participation. As a tax-exempt, § 501(c)(3) organization, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts cannot take sides in elections or support or oppose any political candidates. Material will not be used to target a particular political party or individuals on any one side of an issue. The focus is on encouraging everyone, regardless of political party, affiliation, or beliefs, to participate in the democratic process.
From one-minute challenges to LEGO games, to badge work, to full structure builds, to team-building exercises, to open-ended fun, your troop can use our space to let your imagination run wild! Our large conference rooms offer plenty of creative space for your troop to enjoy our never-ending supply of LEGOs for your never-ending fun! Along with the LEGO bricks, our Leadership Centers also have LEGO Challenge cards and building ideas for your use.
To reserve a LEGO Drop-In at either the Worcester or Holyoke Leadership Center, contact info@gscwm.org for availability. Bring your own imagination and build something fun! Our Program Team has put together some really great program opportunities using the LEGOs throughout the year, like LEGO Stop Motion Movie Making, Intro to LEGO Robotics, and MakerZone programs. More information on these can be found throughout the Program Guide.
Printable Flyer for LEGO Drop-Ins
Fun Facts
The United States is home to about 60 million Latino and Hispanic people. That's a lot of culture (and people) to celebrate! You can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your family and friends by recognizing all the histories, cultures, and contributions that Hispanic and Latino people have made. Take this opportunity to learn more about the 21 Spanish-speaking countries and territories’ cultures honored during these four weeks. And with plenty of activities to choose from, the discovery and fun are endless. Get the Hispanic Heritage Month Patch!
Fun
Patch Activities (PDF)
Actividades
en Español (PDF)
The United States has 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, and native villages).
You can celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing with your family and friends the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Native American communities that were the first inhabitants in the United States. Take this opportunity to learn more about the cultures of the Indian Nations in your state and across the country. We’ve got plenty of activities to choose from, so you can make new discoveries and have tons of fun while earning your patch!
Fun
Patch Activities (PDF)
Actividades
en Español (PDF)
February is Black History Month, where we honor the incredible contributions, the Black and African American communities have made throughout U.S. history — from civil rights leaders to artists, politicians to inventors. Take this opportunity to learn more about the community’s central role in U.S. history and the world. We’ve got plenty of activities to choose from, so you can make new discoveries and have tons of fun while earning your patch!
Fun
Patch Activities (PDF)
Actividades
en Español (PDF)
The Girl Scout Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Fun Patch is designed for Girl Scouts of all levels and their leaders, to celebrate the cultural richness of all people in the U.S. whose ancestors came from the Pacific Islands or the Asian diaspora, and to acknowledge the many contributions of the AAPI community to our nation. Girls and leaders have plenty of activities to choose from to earn this fun patch, and we encourage girls from all ethnic backgrounds to participate.
Fun
Patch Activities (PDF)
Actividades
en Español (PDF)
The Girl Scout LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration Fun Patch is designed for Girl Scouts of all levels and their leaders to honor LGBTQ+ history, to celebrate the diverse cultures and identities of LGBTQ+ people, and to acknowledge the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community has made and continues to make across our nation. Girls and leaders have plenty of activities to choose from to earn this fun patch, and we encourage girls of all identities to participate.
Fun
Patch Activities (PDF)
Actividades
en Español (PDF)
Exfoliate & Elevate: Sugar Scrub Crafting, Beyond Happiness (Gr 6-12)
$15 per girl, $15 per adult
Beyond Happiness LLC
367 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035
Embrace the beauty of nature with our Exfoliate & Elevate: Sugar Scrub Crafting workshop! In this hands-on experience, you'll discover the art of crafting your own sugar scrubs using all-natural ingredients and pure essential oils. Perfect for exfoliating and nourishing your skin, these scrubs offer a luxurious and eco-friendly addition to your skincare routine. Join us for a session that celebrates the power of nature and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth! You'll take home your handcrafted sugar scrub to enjoy. Work toward your Science of Happiness or Science of Style Badge (not included). Group size is limited to 12 participants.
Open to troops
To arrange your program, contact thesocialbreakthrough@gmail.com at least two weeks prior to your date.
Period Positivity Workshop, Your Location (Gr 4-8)
$100 per pair, minimum 4 pairs OR group flat rate fee of $600 for 5-12 pairs
Wise Gal Period Mentor
359 Turner Falls Road, Montague, MA 01351
Imagine a positive and affirming introduction to menstruation, to have a sense of confidence and assurance that periods are normal and healthy, and to have a community of support and wisdom. Join us to explore your body's superpowers! We'll dive into understanding your body, sharing helpful tips, playing games, storytelling, intergenerational connection, arts & crafts, and exploring ways to make your period a positive experience. This is a space to learn, ask questions, and feel supported. Together, let's celebrate what makes each of us unique and strong! This three-hour workshop is designed to be fun and engaging for both parent and pre-teen, to share body literacy education, and intended to empower pre-teens with the knowledge they need to have a positive relationship to their menstrual cycle. Participants will receive a resource guide for parents, a workbook for the pre-teens, and an unforgettable experience. There may be a travel fee that will be determined at time of booking.
Open to troops, and girls with an adult.
Reach out to Julia at wisegalperiodmentor@gmail.com with questions and curiosities at least 14 days prior to your date.
True Robotics Workshop, Whitinsville or Your Location (Gr K-10)
$750 per hour per group of up to 30
True Robotics, Inc.
670 Linwood Ave, Suite 5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
Join us for an exciting and interactive True Robotics Workshop, designed specifically to help Girl Scouts earn their Robotics Badge! Led by two experienced facilitators, this workshop combines a blend of learning and fun. You will participate in an engaging presentation to learn the basics of robotics, get hands-on experience with robot kits to include building, coding, and driving robots. Tackle exciting challenges to test your robots and problem-solving skills. You will proudly complete the requirements of the Robotics Badge! This fee is for up to 30 participants so you may want to invite a sister troop to join you! We're happy to adjust the structure to meet your specific needs and goals—just let us know how we can tailor the experience for your group!
Open to troops
Contact Carla at carla.jachimczyk@truerobotics.org or visit www.truerobotics.org today.
Badge Blast WPI APO, Virtual (Gr K-12)
Virtual
When their popular in-person Badge Blast day of programming wasn't possible, the WPI APO students did more than just pivot! The members, along with outside organizations, have created short STEM related videos to help girls work on their badges at home or during their troops meetings. From learning how to make alien friends as part of the Space Science Explorer Badge, to designing robotics games, to even exploring different STEM majors to help earn the College Knowledge Badge, you will find short videos to assist you. Make sure to visit their channel often-videos are being uploaded on a regular basis! The WPI APO students will be back to delivering Badge Blast Days in person when they can but until they do, visit their YouTube channel created just for you!
Open to troops, girls with an adult, and individual girls.
Visit our WPI APO YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIXbLrHZcoLXJF6hilerXjA often-videos are added regularly!
Be Red Cross Ready, On Your Own (Gr 6-12)
Various locations
Everyone knows the Red Cross helps people during emergencies. But you may not know that it’s also part of our mission to help you help yourself! Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following our simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably. Being prepared may not prevent a disaster, but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge. It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Getting prepared may sound difficult or time consuming but – with a little help from the Red Cross – its actually very doable. Find all the information and resources you'll need to make a Survival Kit, to Make a Plan, Be Informed, learn Hands-Only CPR, and more! Do this all on your own time, or together with your troop.
Open to troops, individual girls, girls with an adult, and families.
Visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html for information and resources.
Cabot Patch Programs, Zoom (Gr K-12)
Virtual
Cabot Creamery is proud to offer eight free patch programs to use at home or in your troop. The program and the patch is free! Patches include topics like Pollinators, Farm Love, and Sustainability.
Open to troops, girls with an adult, and families.
Visit https://cabotcreamery.com/pages/patch-program for more information.
Character Does Matter, Virtual (Gr 2-12)
Virtual
Our Character Does Matter program can be individualized and flexed to a particular troop's needs and grades. Join us for a virtual program, including guided talks about character strengths like gratitude, kindness, teamwork, and perseverance. We'll have leadership lessons, panels, and Q&A as well. For our younger girls, we'll facilitate story readings to teach about character strengths through read-along videos of children's stories.
Open to troops only.
Contact Rebecca at rebecca.forbes@travismanion.org to set up your presentation.
Environmental Experiences and Outdoor Education (Gr K-12)
Mount Grace
If you are interested in exploring the outdoors, Mount Grace can offer nature-focused programming that can also help you earn your Girl Scout badges and journeys. Options include hiking, outdoor skills (fire starting, shelter building, campfire cooking, edible plants, compass use, etc.), nature art and nature journaling, letterboxing and geocaching, canoeing and kayaking with Adventure East, and activities focused on specific topics like trees, tracking, animal habitats, pond line, and more.
Open to troops and girls with an adult.
Contact May Grzybowski at grzybowski@mountgrace.org today!
Friendship & Boundaries, Zoom (Gr 6-8)
Virtual
Learn the 10 signs of what an unhealthy and healthy friendship looks like. You'll learn how to resolve escalated conflict, communicate boundaries, how to help a friend who is in an unhealthy friendship, identify who your trusted adult is, how to navigate an unhealthy friendship that ends, and lastly you will be given various self-care tips. This program teaches the importance of creating healthy relationships with friendships, as well as teaching tips to help you know if you or anyone you know is in an unhealthy friendship. This virtual presentation will meet some of the requirements toward your Journey: aMaze! (not included).
Open to troops, girls with an adult, and individual girls.
To schedule a virtual presentation, please contact Hope at hope.rudzinski@mass.gov at least one month prior.
Friendship & Boundaries, Zoom (Gr 9-12)
Virtual
Learn the 10 signs of what an unhealthy and healthy friendship looks like. You'll learn how to resolve escalated conflict, communicate boundaries, how to help a friend who is in an unhealthy friendship, identify who your trusted adult is, how to navigate an unhealthy friendship that ends, and lastly you will be given various self-care tips. This program teaches the importance of creating healthy relationships with friendships, as well as teaching tips to help you know if you or anyone you know is in an unhealthy friendship. This in-person program will meet some of the requirements toward your Mission: Sisterhood! Journey (grades 9-10), and Your Voice, Your World (grades 11-12) Badge (not included).
Open to troops, girls with an adult, and individual girls.
To schedule a virtual presentation, please contact Hope at hope.rudzinski@mass.gov at least one month prior.
Girl Scout Ranger Program, Locations Vary
National Parks
The National Park Service and Girl Scouts of the United States of America have partnered to create the Girl Scout Ranger Program. Girl Scouts are invited to participate in a variety of existing, organized educational or service projects at national park sites, or design their own experience or project to align with Journey work, badge activities, or a Take Action or Highest Award project. Girls can participate in the Girl Scout Ranger Program through a troop, event, travel, or camp experience. Upon completion of the program, Girl Scouts will be awarded a certificate and/or patch.
Open to troops, girls with an adult, and families.
Visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/girlscoutranger.htm?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2wxpruKCfxAoWK1Nulrjw25lE-b_CXJgJPMEx2xblxzvUf1VTapCfvIgs_aem_AcHMDNn9e3p19i1sKd8x6z7_Rn9vqkyydpUn8GP2JT0MhHEE0Zu-UYd-q_CN_MXQmF2e7-XGa5THiTwkbnEYZi1V for more information and to find a National Park near you!
Good Skin Knowledge, Virtual or UMass Medical School Campus (Gr 2-5)
UMass Medical School Dermatology Interest Group
20 Taft
Hill Park, Unit 10A, Boston, MA 02131
Know the skin you're in! Join us as we learn more about skin health through hands-on crafts. Learn about the layers of your skin, what pimples actually are, and what to do when you touch poison ivy through painting, making bracelets, and other activities! We'll talk about how to take care of your hair, skin, and nails, and build healthy habits. Work on your My Best Self and STEM Career Exploration Badges by level (badges not included). For more information, contact umassdermgsk@gmail.com or visit https://umassdig.wixsite.com/goodskin.
Open to troops and girls with an adult.
Register for your program at https://forms.gle/tjk8Fy79XKiQwPDU6 or email umassdermgsk@gmail.com at least 48 hours before your program.
Good Skin Knowledge, Virtual or UMass Medical School Campus (Gr 6-8)
UMass Medical School Dermatology Interest Group
20 Taft
Hill Park, Unit 10A, Boston, MA 02131
Know the skin you're in! Join us as we learn more about skin health through hands-on activities. Learn about the layers of your skin, what pimples actually are, what happens when you get a bug bite! We'll talk about how to take care of your hair, skin, and nails, and we'll explore how social media can change the way we think about our body. Work on your My Best Self and STEM Career Exploration Badges by level (badges not included). For more information, contact umassdermgsk@gmail.com or visit https://umassdig.wixsite.com/goodskin.
Open to troops and girls with an adult.
Register for your program at https://forms.gle/tjk8Fy79XKiQwPDU6 or email umassdermgsk@gmail.com at least 48 hours before your program.
Hannaford's Healthy Shopper Patch, Lunenburg (K-12)
Hannaford
Lunenburg, MA
Learn all about how food ends up on store shelves and the role Hannaford team members play in helping shoppers make healthy choices. Learn about the importance of eating a variety of foods from all food groups and how to build a healthy meal. Learn how the Hannaford Guiding Stars Program can help shoppers make healthy choices in the store, how to create a healthy snack, and why a healthy lifestyle is important. You can even have the Hannaford registered dietitian help you in making these choices! This free, in-store activity is approximately 45 minutes to an hour in length and ties into so many of the healthy living badge requirements. You will receive the Hannaford Healthy Shopper Patch. Not local to the Lunenburg Hannaford location? Check with your local store to see if they offer this program as well.
Open to troops only.
Reach out with any questions and to register to Britany at brittany.wujek@hannaford.com 4-6 weeks prior to when you would like to visit.
Hike at Cutthroat Brook Tree Farm (Gr K-12)
Cutthroat Brook Tree Farm, Athol
Our trails are made with kids in mind, from short .5-mile trails to 5 plus mile trails. Our trails have gnome fitures, an educational trail loop, and storybrook trails during the summer. On the property, you can hike for 1-3 hours, exploring the forest and brook. You can picnic and play games in the fields, or do crafting and nature journaling outside. You can even include a trip over to Harvard Forest’s Fisher Museum, which is only a 4-minute drive.
Visit https://www.mountgrace.org/visit/conserved/cutthroat-brook-tree-farm for more information.
LEGO Drop-In, Holyoke AND Worcester Leadership Centers (Gr K-12)
Holyoke and Worcester Leadership Centers
From one-minute challenges to LEGO games, to badge work, to full structure builds, to team-building exercises, to open-ended fun, your troop can use our space to let your imagination run wild! Our large MakerZone spaces offer plenty of creative space for your troop to enjoy our never-ending supply of LEGOs for your never-ending fun! Along with LEGO brings, our Leadership Centers also have LEGO Challenge cards and building ideas for your use.
Open to troops only.
To reserve a LEGO Drop-In for your troop, contact info@gscwm.org for availability.
NASA's First Woman Graphic Novel Series, Virtual (Gr K-12)
Virtual
Fictional astronaut Callie Rodriguez continues exploring space as the first woman to walk on the Moon in a new issue of the First Woman graphic novel series. Now available digitally in English and Spanish, First Woman: Expanding Our Universe follows Callie and her crewmates as they work together to explore the unknown, make scientific discoveries, and accomplish their mission objectives. Through the First Woman series, NASA is inspiring the next generation of explorers – the Artemis Generation – as it works to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under the Artemis program. The website and immersive app allow audiences to explore a new virtual 3D environment, technologies, and objects related to lunar exploration. Fans also can explore updated First Woman content, including videos, interactive games, and other materials related to ongoing and future NASA missions. Whether you are working on your Space badges, STEM Career badges, or just want to learn more about space-this is a great opportunity to do that from home!
Open to troops, girls with an adult, and individual girls.
Visit https://www.nasa.gov/calliefirst/
Operation Valentine, Virtual (Gr K-12)
Virtual
Our Rett Angels love personal, funny and colorful cards. Volunteers will receive the names and addresses of their Valentine buddies who live throughout New England and will be asked to mail their card in time to be received for Valentine’s Day. Most of our angels are nonverbal and require round the clock care. Some do use communication systems to speak. Individuals with Rett are often very visual and enjoy the fun of receiving and, with assistance, opening their cards. Help make some smiles and deliver Valentine’s Day happiness. To learn more about Rett Syndrome Angels, please visit our website at www.rsangels.org.
Open to troops, girls with an adult, individual girls, and adults.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Irene at irene@rsangels.org.
Skype a Scientist, Virtual (Gr K-12)
Virtual
Working on a badge and want to find a REAL scientist to talk to? We can help you find a scientist matched to your interests and even to the badge you're working on! We have a database of thousands of scientists and we can connect you with scientists all over the world. Get to know a real scientist and get the answers to your questions straight from the source! This non-profit is run by a former Girl Scout whose goal is to make science feel approachable, accessible, and less intimidating.
Open to troops, girl with an adult, and individual girls.
Visit https://www.skypeascientist.com/ to invite a scientists to YOUR troop!
The Pillowcase Project, Your Location (Gr 3-5)
Your location
Learn how to stay safe during emergencies, ways to prevent and stay safe during a home fire, how to manage stress during an emergency, and gain confidence in your ability to be prepared for emergencies through hands-on activities. You'll use your knowledge to act as advocates for emergency preparedness and discuss the role science plays in emergency preparedness. You'll go home with a fun emergency preparedness item too! *This program is geared for grades 3-5.
Open to troops and families.
To learn more about the program or to schedule a presentation, please contact Luca at luca.calvani@redcross.org.
Virtual Farm Tours, Zoom (Gr K-12)
Virtual
Learn more about life on Cabot dairy farms and how our farmers care for their cows, their communities, and the planet. Want more? Take the fun patch Farm Love program while you're there and earn a free patch!
Open to troops, girls with an adult, and families.
Visit https://cabotcreamery.com/blogs/health-education/sustainability-patch to take the tour today!
Virtual Nutrition Events (Gr K-12)
Virtual
Looking to learn more about nutrition, food, and cooking? Schedule a Virtual Nutrition Event with Big Y! We offer dietician-led virtual store tours, cook-a-longs, and educational presentations based on your interests and learning needs! We can coordinate badge requirements with your leader too!
Open to troops only.
Email livingwell@bigy.com to sign up at least 30 days prior to book your event.
Volunteer at Mount Grace! (Gr K-12)
Mount Grace
Are you working on your Girl Scout Community Service Bar or the President’s Volunteer Service Award? Maybe you love the outdoors and would like to work on your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award in it! There are many opportunities for you to help your local Land Trust! You can help us keep our trails clear so everyone can enjoy them. You can remove invasive plants to help our native plants flourish. You can become a citizen scientist and join us for birding or observing plants and animals. You can help keep our kiosks and benches looking good. Or you can talk with us to find another way you can match your passions with our needs.
Contact May Grzybowski at grzybowski@mountgrace.org today!
Worcester Sustainability Community Room, National Grid (Gr K-12)
Worcester Sustainability Hub
912 Main Street, Worcester,
MA 01610
Our community room offers a meeting place for local organizations to utilize. It’s also a space we use for interactive learning on our in-person tours. In the community room we have a flat screen TV and audio bar for presentations, a conference phone, and a phone charging station along with tables and seating. Book a tour and book the room after to complete your badge requirements.
Open to troops only.
Visit https://www.nationalgridus.com/worcester-sustainability-hub/ to reserve the community room.
Worcester Sustainability Hub Tours, National Grid (Gr K-12)
Worcester Sustainability Hub
912 Main Street, Worcester,
MA 01610
Our in-person tour takes groups through a 45 minute to 1 hour walk through of our Sustainability Hub. The Hub is laid out like a house, showcasing how consumers can reduce their energy use through smart grid technologies, smart meters, and Energy Star certified appliances. During the tour, groups will learn how these technologies work, hear a little background information about electricity, and discover other easy tips to reduce energy usage and live a more sustainable lifestyle. We also discuss renewable energy, such as the solar panels we installed on the Hub’s roof, and the benefits of electric vehicles. Each tour concludes with a Q&A session where we answer any questions our guests have about sustainability, energy, or any of the other material covered on the tour.
Open to troops only.
Visit https://www.nationalgridus.com/worcester-sustainability-hub/ to reserve the community room.
Worcester Sustainability Hub Virtual Presentations, National Grid
(Gr K-12)
Worcester Sustainability Hub
912 Main Street, Worcester,
MA 01610
Our virtual presentations can be tailored to your group’s interests and therefore vary quite a bit. We’ve given presentations focusing on everything from climate change to food systems. Generally, we give a bit of background about what we typically do at the Hub before discussing many of the same topics covered in our in-person tours such as renewable energy, ways to reduce your energy usage, and electric vehicles. If this service is of interest, we would love to hear from you. We’re always eager to collaborate to make our virtual presentations fit the unique needs of each group we work with and can tailor a badge program.
Open to troops only.
Visit https://www.nationalgridus.com/worcester-sustainability-hub/ to reserve the community room.