And the
Winner Is...

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

The voting is over and the results are in...no not for the presidential election...for the name of the new Girl Scout council in southern Illinois. After nearly a month of girl members, volunteers and other Girl Scout supporters suggesting possible council names and then voting on potential council names, the Girl Scouts of River Bluffs Council and the Girl Scouts of Shagbark Council will become the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois on Oct. 1, 2009. Full Story...

Dear Girl Scout Friends,

Welcome to our new website that will bring up to date information about the progress towards the joining of the Girl Scouts of River Bluffs Council and the Girl Scouts of Shagbark Council into the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, which is scheduled to be completed by October 2009. The Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will be a high-capacity council serving 16,000 girls and 4,800 adult volunteers in 40 1/2 counties located in southern Illinois. This is part of a national initiative to create councils that are well equipped to provide compelling, contemporary and relevant experiences that meet the needs of girls in today’s fast-changing world.

Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. As we approach the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting, councils nationwide are joining in an historic organizational transformation centered around the best leadership development program for girls in the 21st century, while ensuring the traditions and values that have been core to Girl Scouting since its beginning remain strong and relevant.

We are excited to begin our work together on the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois! By joining the resources, strengths, and talents of both councils, many new and expanding opportunities will be available to our girls and volunteers. We look forward to working together to ensure Girl Scouting in southern Illinois remains a place where girls can DISCOVER their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world, CONNECT by caring about, inspiring and teaming with others locally and globally, and TAKE ACTION to make the world a better place. We invite you to join us on this historic journey. Check back here often to watch our progress.

Yours in Girl Scouting,