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Welcome to the 2026 Girl Scout Membership Year!
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The new membership year began on October 1. We're looking forward to spending another badge-earning, outdoor-adventuring, community-serving, friend-making, Girl-Scouting year with you and your troop.
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Apply to Serve on the *NEW* CSA Girl Advisory Committee
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The CSA Girl Advisory Committee is a group of Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador-level Girl Scouts who contribute to key initiatives, participate in leadership programs, and provide insight on council programming. Girl advisory committee members develop leadership skills, collaborate with decision-makers at the Council level, and grow necessary skills for postsecondary education and future leadership opportunities. They can also earn the Silver Torch Award (Cadette) or Gold Torch Award (Senior and Ambassador) through their service on the girl advisory committee.
Deadline to submit applications is 11:59pm on Oct. 17.
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Join Our CEO for "Current Conversations"
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Girl Scout volunteers are invited to join our CEO Lynne Fugate as she shares information on our Council, as well as GSUSA’s multi-year strategy for the Girl Scout Movement. This is a gathering to keep you updated and excited about the wonderful things happening in Girl Scouts and to reinforce the benefits of our program.
Please RSVP for the talk you wish to attend. All talks begin at 6:30pm:
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Where in the world are Girl Scouts headed next?
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Adventure is on the horizon, and we need your help deciding where to go! In summer 2028, GSCSA will set out on another international trip, and the destination is up to you. Will it be a traditional high tea in England? A walk through Germany’s Black Forest, home to the tales of the Brothers Grimm? Or an unforgettable trip to Japan for sushi, culture, and anime?
If you’ll be 14 or older by June 1, 2028, your vote counts! Even better—you can earn cookie rewards during the 2027 and 2028 cookie programs to help cover the cost of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The world is waiting. Cast your vote today and help us choose our next great journey!
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Kristian Lewis takes on new role as Director of Volunteer Services
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Kristian Lewis has transitioned from being our Director of East Tennessee Region to being our Director of Volunteer Services. In her new role, Kristian will be coordinating and strengthening our volunteer training, development, appreciation, and awards. She will also manage episodic volunteers as we work to grow our community support base in this way. She will also be working closely with lead placement, making sure new girls and volunteers have a smooth transition into Girl Scouting.
Kristian said of her new role, “I’ve been with the council since 2017 in various roles, and now I’m excited to be strengthening volunteer support, training, and appreciation. As Director of Volunteer Services, I’ll be able to revamp how we serve our volunteers so that we provide the best experience possible.”
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National Accident Insurance Upgrade & Safety Activity Checkpoints Reminders
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Effective October 1, 2025, Activity Accident Insurance will be completely automatic with no additional cost to troops or service units. In addition to accident/injury coverage for Girl Scout events, the new policy will automatically include sickness coverage for all overnight Girl Scout stays (including camp) and Girl Scout international travel. This change, effective for trips occurring on and after October 1, 2025, eliminates the need for manual individual insurance requests entirely. GSCSA will start updating the accident insurance language during October after the new coverage is effective.
Safety Activity Checkpoints Reminders: For all activities (visit the SAC webpage via the button below for details) that are considered higher risk by Girl Scouts and the national insurance vendor, an Activity Approval Form must be submitted prior to the event.
A few reminders:
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The activity approval form should be submitted no less than 2 weeks before the activity to allow staff sufficient time to review requested activity/vendors, volunteer ratio, and age appropriateness under the Safety Activity Checkpoints. For travel, early submission is always better to allow for additional background checks and motor vehicle checks if needed.
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Troops with younger girls (e.g., Brownies and Daisies) in particular should always check the relevant Safety Activity Checkpoint very early in the planning process for age appropriateness of an activity, particularly for travel. This may minimize disappointment.
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Staff are available to assist during your planning stages through info@girlscoutcsa.org.
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Meet Goldie: Our Fall Product Mascot
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The winning name was GOLDIE, closely followed by Gracie, then Gretta, and finally Griselda. Thank you to everyone who voted. Follow Goldie (pictured here enjoying the last bit of summer) and her adventures on our social media!
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Partake in the Fall Product Program Scavenger Hunt!
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Now Through Oct. 22: Work towards your goals and earn exciting prizes by tackling the Fall Product Program Scavenger Hunt Challenge. (Entries due Oct. 31.)
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Log In & Learn with gsLearn
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Volunteers, in order to be assigned and complete important training, you must first log into gsLearn through your myGS account!
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The gsLearn tab can be found at the bottom of the column to the left of your myGS account home screen.
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You should be able to access your training library within a few days of signing-in for the first time.
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Even if you have completed training before, it's good to check gsLearn every so often as new training may have been assigned to you.
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If you are having trouble logging in, please reach out to us at 800-474-1912.
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Vol Resource: How to Talk to Girls About Opioids
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Conversations about opioid misuse can be difficult, but they are essential. Girls in our communities may have family members struggling with addiction or may face peer pressure to experiment with substances. Creating a culture of conversation—where discussions about tough topics happen openly and without judgment—helps girls feel safe coming to you for support. Not sure how to start? The Opioid & Mentoring Resource Guide offers practical tips for discussing substance misuse in an age-appropriate and supportive way.
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You are invited to Clearing the Air: Recognizing the Warning Signs of Youth Vaping
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Troop leaders, parents, and caregivers of youth are welcome to attend. This free training will equip caring adults with the knowledge to understand how vaping impacts health, recognize subtle warning signs that a young person may be vaping, and learn strategies for starting supportive and effective conversations.
Tues., Oct. 28 | 5:30pm-7:00pm
Regas Building, 318 N. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37917
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Shop Talk
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Heat Pressing Available
The shop offers heat pressing for a fee of $12.00 for all insignia for the front of a vest. $5.00 for 10 badges or patches anywhere else on a vest or sash.
We'll Bring the Shop to You
Is your service unit hosting an event and would like us to come and host a pop-up shop? Email us your request at Retail@girlscoutcsa.org. Please include the event type, location, date, and estimated number of attendees.
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Do you know why October is so important to Girl Scouts? Our Founder, Juliette Gordon Low, was born on October 31! Many troops and service units have Founder's Day celebrations -- like a birthday party for our own Juliette. Juliette designed her own costumes as a child for various parties and would love the creativity of costumes today. You can make it a service project party too, putting together Birthday Boxes of treats and toys for children in shelters; the shelter can keep these on hand for any of the children that need them.
The weather is getting much better for outdoor activities! Our library has many suggestions for things to do outside, that can be done with any age level. Try taking a Color Hike - how many colors can you find? Or how many insects you can find? (Be careful not to squash them!)
Or get really creative - take a hike looking for "Accidents or Untimely Ends"; find a rock split by a tree root, a tree blown down by a storm, a stream dammed by a landslide or a pile of leaves, or a leaf partly eaten by an insect. There are many more "untimely ends" in nature if you learn to use your eyes. Happy hiking!
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Tickets Now Available for our 2025 Trefoil Society Luncheons
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Members of the Trefoil Society commit to support Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians through generous annual financial support, so girls can discover their leadership potential and take action in their communities. Each fall, Trefoil Society Luncheons are held in each of our Council's regions to honor a woman who exemplifies the spirit of Girl Scouting. We hope you'll consider joining us at one of our two remaining luncheon this year!
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Be Seen in Your Community
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Brooklyn of troop 22195 in Harriman took up donations at a local craft shop and put together hygiene bags for the local homeless and needy. She donated the bags to a local church where less fortunate people in the area often seek help.
Please share your stories and photos with us at socialmedia@girlscoutcsa.org! Please include a brief description (including date/location) of the event and/or project depicted, as well as the troop number(s).
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Patch Pick: Get Out & Play!
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Fall is the perfect time to Get Out and Play in the Knoxville area! We have an abundance of great places to play in the Knoxville area. Legacy Parks Foundation with Visit Knoxville developed the Get Out and Play Guide to make it easy for you to locate parks, trails, greenways, and blueways in Knoxville and surrounding areas. For patch requirements, email info@girlscoutcsa.org. Patches available in the shop or by ordering.
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Program Partner
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Chattanooga Zoo—where wildlife conservation and year-round fun come together! Calling all Scouts: join us for a fun-filled workshop and earn badges while having a great day at the Zoo. Visit Chattanooga Zoo website for more information about badge workshops.
Coming up on Nov. 1: Girl Scout Appreciation Day at the Chattanooga Zoo
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More Upcoming Partner Events:
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Girl Scout High Awards
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Upcoming trainings:
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Joyce Maienschein Leadership Grant
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Cadettes, Seniors, or Ambassadors who are working on a community service, take action project, or High Award can apply for a Joyce Maienschein Leadership Grant to help make their dream a reality. Not only can the girls receive funding for up to $500, but they gain life skills like writing, budgeting, organization, and teamwork. It's a win-win!
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Have Fall Fun at a Council Harvest Festival
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Activities include: Pumpkin Creations, Monster Slingshot, Seasonal Snacks, Gobbling Gab Contest, and a Cornucopia Design Contest. All Girl Scout levels welcome. These are not drop-off events. Registration required.
Camp Wildwood - Oct. 11
Chattanooga area - Oct. 25
Camp Tanasi - Nov. 15
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Oct. 11: Museum at Daisy's Place Girl Scouts Sewing Club - Knoxville
Oct. 12: Hiking Club: Seven Islands State Park - Kodak
Oct. 14: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Knoxville
Oct. 16: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Chattanooga
Oct. 18: Climbing Adventure Day at Camp Tanasi
Oct. 18: Hiking Club: Glen Falls on Lookout Mountain
Oct. 18: Beyond a Brick: Daisy/Brownie/Junior Automotive Badge Workshop-Knoxville
Oct. 18: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Knoxville
Oct. 23: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Johnson City
Oct. 25: Beyond a Brick: Daisy / Brownie Robotics Badges - Johnson City
Oct. 25: Kumihimo for Beginners - Chattanooga
Oct. 25: Beyond a Brick: Junior / Cadette Robotics Badges - Johnson City
Oct. 25-26: Girl Scout PJ Party with the Penguins - Gatlinburg
Oct. 26: Junior Detective Badge Workshop - Alcatraz East
Nov. 1-9: Scout Appreciation Days - Gatlinburg
Nov. 1: Kumihimo for Beginners (B/J) - Chattanooga Area
Nov. 1-2: Girl Scout Sleepover - Alcatraz East
Nov. 1-2: Girl Scouts Sleep with the Sharks D/B/J - Gatlinburg
Nov. 2: Cybersecurity Basics Badges 2&3 for Juniors - VIRTUAL
Nov. 7: Girl Scout Night with UTC Mocs Volleyball - Chattanooga
Nov. 8: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Johnson City
Nov. 8-9: Girl Scout Glamping - Sevierville Area
Nov. 11: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Knoxville
Nov. 15: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Knoxville
Nov. 15: Hiking Club and Letterboxing - Enterprise South Nature Park
Nov. 15-16: Girl Scouts Sleep with the Sharks C/S/A - Gatlinburg
Nov. 16: Girl Scout Day with the Atlanta Falcons - Atlanta
Nov. 20: First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children - Chattanooga
{Please refer to our online Activities Calendar for the most up-to-date event information.}
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