By Mary-Jane Strom, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California
In a time when many people are searching for connection, resilience, and purpose, Girl Scouts of Northern California (GSNorCal) is offering transformative opportunities that empower girls and gender-expansive youth from Gilroy to the Oregon border.
With a membership of over 46,000 girls, volunteers, and adults, the 2024 GSNorCal Impact Report paints a vivid picture of a movement driven by service, outdoor adventure, leadership development, and community.
A year of achievement
Last year, Girl Scouts across the region earned an astounding 45,505 badges, including nearly 10,000 in outdoor skills and over 9,000 in STEM. Eighty Girl Scouts achieved the prestigious Gold Award, one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting, by leading impactful projects that address pressing issues in their local communities, from environmental restoration to mental health awareness.
The iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program remained a cornerstone of entrepreneurship, with nearly 15,000 Girl Scouts selling 3.7 million packages of cookies and generating $3.6 million in proceeds. These funds go directly back to troops, fueling everything from local service projects and STEM workshops to outdoor adventures and community celebrations.
The power of the outdoors
Outdoor adventure has long been central to the Girl Scout experience. With 945 acres of camp properties across Northern California, GSNorCal offers unparalleled access to nature. Whether hiking coastal trails, learning to build campfires, conquering ropes courses, or stargazing under the open sky, Girl Scouts develop resilience, teamwork, and a love of the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.
For families in Mendocino County, camp experiences offer youth a chance to unplug from daily routines, forge lasting friendships, and push themselves through new adventures. One of the year’s most exciting milestones reflecting this commitment to outdoor exploration is the phased reopening of Skylark Ranch. Severely impacted by the 2020 CZU fires, this beloved coastal camp has undergone significant recovery work, including removing more than 2,000 hazardous trees. This summer, Skylark Ranch will welcome family and group camping, with overnight camps returning in 2026.
Girl Scouts thrive in Mendocino County
From small towns to big cities, local Girl Scout volunteers are creating inclusive spaces where young people can grow. In Mendocino County, new troops have launched in Willits, a reminder that Girl Scouts is expanding across all parts of our region.
Dedicated troop leaders organize creative events like Pinewood Derbies and summer campouts, often tailoring badge activities to the unique interests of their youth. Many bring experience from other youth programs, helping introduce fresh ideas and energy.
Whether welcoming members of all ages or ensuring every child feels included, these volunteers show how the Girl Scout spirit thrives through community, care, and commitment – wherever you are.
Celebrating volunteers and community
While the 2024 Impact Report celebrates remarkable progress, it also underscores the importance of continued investment. None of this would be possible without the dedication of GSNorCal’s volunteers. Last year, troop leaders across Northern California contributed an estimated 525,000 hours to mentoring, organizing activities, and creating spaces where youth can grow and thrive. These volunteer leaders are role models, cheerleaders, and mentors, embodying the Girl Scout spirit of service and community.
Our gratitude also extends to the Giving Circle, a network of Girl Scout alums and supporters who not only contribute financially but also dedicate hands-on time to improving Girl Scout properties. From trail maintenance and facility upgrades to camp revitalization projects, Giving Circle members roll up their sleeves to ensure that every troop, from Mendocino to Marin, can enjoy safe, welcoming outdoor spaces.
Looking ahead: Join the movement
As GSNorCal looks to the future, the organization remains committed to creating new opportunities for leadership, adventure, and learning. From the opening of our new HUB at Camp Bothin to the return of our iconic Golden Gate Bridging event, there’s much to be excited about. We invite families, volunteers, and supporters to join us in shaping the next generation of leaders. To learn more about local programs, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, visit gsnorcal.org.
Together, we can prove that when young people are empowered, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
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