Girl Scouts of Central Illinois

The Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is a nonprofit organization that serves as a council within the larger Girl Scouts of the USA. It is committed to empowering girls by fostering leadership skills, confidence, and character development. This council aligns with the national mission of Girl Scouting, which aims to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who contribute positively to society.

Mission and Values

The Girl Scouts of Central Illinois aspires to be an organization that is anti-racist, inclusive of members' identities, and equitable, striving to make Girl Scouting accessible to all. It operates under the broader Girl Scout Promise, which encourages girls to serve their communities, respect others, and live by the Girl Scout Law. This law emphasizes principles such as honesty, fairness, and responsibility, guiding girls to be courageous, strong, and resourceful.

Programs and Activities

The council offers a variety of enrichment programs and activities for girls, including:

• Outdoor Education: Opportunities for girls to engage in outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
• Community Service Projects: Initiatives that involve helping others and contributing to social welfare, such as fighting hunger and promoting environmental sustainability.
• Patch Programs: Monthly activities focused on different themes, such as citizenship, science, and cultural exploration.
• Environmental Stewardship: Programs like the Girl Scout Tree Promise, which aims to promote environmental stewardship through tree planting.

Impact and Partnerships

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois partners with other organizations to enhance its offerings. For example, they have collaborated with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to raise awareness about food allergies. Additionally, the council engages in activities that emphasize civic duties, such as promoting voting and democracy. Through these efforts, girls are encouraged to become active, engaged members of their communities and global citizens.

Financial and Legal Information

As a nonprofit organization, the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois operates under EIN 370681529. It is structured to provide tax-exempt status for charitable contributions. Financial statements and governance details would typically be available through its annual reports or financial statements.

History and Legacy

While specific details about the founding and evolution of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois are not widely documented online, the organization is part of a nationwide network that began with Juliette Gordon Low's first troop in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. The national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA, was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1950. The legacy of Girl Scouts includes empowering millions of girls across the United States and contributing to the development of strong, capable women who are leaders in their communities.