Rock Healthy Habits The Girl Scout Way With Free Downloads And The #TogetherCounts Campaign #HealthyHabits #Sponsored #GirlScouts

Check Out 

The Together Counts Campaign 

Via The Girl Scouts 

of the Nation’s Capital 

Here at ChiIL Mama, our family has 3 generations of Girl Scouts. My mom was a scout back in the 40's, when the only kind of Girl Scout cookies were Trefoils. I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout in the 70's, and now my 12 year old daughter has been a Brownie, Junior and now a Cadet over the past 6 years. That's why we were more than happy to be asked to join with The Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital to promote their Together Counts Campaign. 

ChiIL Mama's daughter, Sage, as a Brownie

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is a proud member of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network and we're pleased to partner up with Together Counts/Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital for this sponsored post. We have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Most people instantly think cookies, like the iconic Thin Mints, when they hear the name Girl Scouts. But Girl Scouts also provide STEM training, multicultural and cultural events, and camping. Sure the cookies are pretty great, but Girl Scouts troops are also pretty awesome at encouraging girls to develop leadership skills and healthy, balanced living.

In partnership with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, Girl Scouts developed three "healthy habits" booklets to easily incorporate energy balance into meetings, outings, events and adventures. The free booklets help guide girls as they learn to lead active, healthy lifestyles. 

Through the use of these free resources for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, Girl Scout volunteers and families can guide girls in fun, easy ways to achieve "energy balance." 

My daughter's Cadets troop just did both the Get Moving! with Healthy Habits workbook and the WOW! Wonders of Water with Healthy Habits. We highly recommend both. Check out these fabulous resources right here as a free download.

• Between Earth and Sky with Healthy Habits - girls learn about the many plants, trees, and animals that flourish in nature, and also build important leadership skills.

• WOW! Wonders of Water with Healthy Habits - girls discover the many forms and paths that water takes and how to protect it. They also learn how to engage in teamwork, speak effectively to convey a message, and inspire others

• Get Moving! with Healthy Habits - girls learn how to use their energy to protect Earth’s energy and build important leadership skills.

The Together Counts™ campaign is a nationwide program by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation to inspire active and healthy living via physical activity and nutrition, a fundamental underpinning of efforts to reduce obesity. The principle behind the program is called Energy Balance, which just means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we expend. 

Achieving Energy Balance outdoors is easier than ever during the warm summer months. It's a pretty easy concept to follow Energy In is the calories you get from eating and drinking. Energy Out is the calories you burn from physical activities.

*Health and fitness have been part of Girl Scouting since girls ran foot races in 1912!*

Camp Out
Camping is essential to Girl Scouts mission. It is about the outdoors, and developing a deep appreciation for nature. Girls enjoy camping with their troop or attending a Girl Scout day and evening or resident sleep-away camp. From high adventure with kayaking, archery and rock climbing to traditional camps with crafts, singing, hiking and cooking over an open fire, Girl Scout camps give girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun under the guidance of caring, trained adults. 

Find your local council to enroll girls in camp programs.
Girl Scouts’ leadership program is girl-led. And Girl Scouts sure do a lot with guidance from caring adult mentors! From national badge programs to council-wide events, each council offers a variety of exciting program opportunities for girls of all ages.

Help Out

I've been a volunteer for my daughter's troop for the past 6 years. Volunteers are supported with program level and subject training courses online and in classroom settings. There is a lot of peer-to-peer support and mentoring, and quality publications to support the delivery of high quality programs. 

Get Social With Girl Scouts Social Media, Free Downloads & Handy Links Below:

• Healthy Habits booklets download: Here you’ll be able to download three free booklets for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors.  Girl Scout volunteers and families can guide girls in fun, easy ways to achieve "energy balance." 
• Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Twitter: On Twitter, GSNC shares council information including awards, resources, highlights from council events and volunteering opportunities. 
• Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Facebook: Similar to Twitter, the GSNC Facebook page shares photo albums of troop activities, news from around the region, and partner content from Together Counts. 
• Together Counts Website –The website is consumer friendly—aimed at parents and educators and provides resources, tips, recipes and more.
• Together Counts Blog – The Together Counts blog is the main source of all consumer-friendly news including HWCF campaigns, announcements and content from HWCF partners around the topic of healthy eating habits and incorporating more physical activity. 
• Together Counts Twitter – On Twitter, Together Counts shares everything from digital assets (video, infographics) to industry or conference news related to food in addition to campaign and partner news.
• Together Counts Pinterest – Together Counts’ resource for sharing recipe inspiration from across the network, family activity ideas and pins from partners that relate to family eating and activity including Girl Scouts, Healthy Dining Finders, etc.

Disclosure: Once again, ChiIL Mama is a proud member of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network and we're pleased to partner up with Together Counts/Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital for this sponsored post. We have been compensated for sharing this information with our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Winners Announced & ChiTAG is HERE This Weekend at Navy Pier

Big congrats to ChiIL Mama's Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) Family Pass Winners from the past 3 weeks via Flash Giveaways on our social media sites alternating with our traditional blog form where we had 290 entries. Our winners have been e-mailed passes. Contact us ASAP if you are listed and did NOT get your pass.





Winners are:
Nicole Lynn
Jill Boysen
Westin & Alina Hahn

As always... all our readers are winners. If you didn't win a freebie this time, we still have a printable discount coupon for everyone. 

Click here and scroll down for years of our past original Chicago Toy and Game Fair coverage (more than 20 features).

Then check back with us early and often for our photo filled recaps of ChiTAG 2014, more great giveaways, news, reviews, and video interviews.

We'll be up bright and early Saturday for a press/blogger brunch and early preview of ChiTAG. Follow along on our social media outlets below for real time updates, flash giveaways and photo fun.

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara's Facebook Stream
ChiIL Mama's Facebook Page
ChiIL Mama's Twitter
ChiIL Mama's Pinterest
ChiIL Mama's Instagram
ChiIL Mama's Google +

ChiIL Live Shows' Twitter
ChiIL Live Shows' Facebook Page 



Come on out and play at the 12th annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG), arriving in the Windy City on Saturday, November, 22, 2014 and Sunday, November 23, 2014. As the only fair of its kind in the United States open to the public, ChiTAG Fair returns to Navy Pier in Chicago, the world’s top city for toy and game inventors, for a weekend of fun-filled discovery, interactive events, and of course, play.



ChiTAG 2014 Highlights & Happenings

Discover the top trends in toys and games this year at the 12th Annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair, a two-day, fun-filled celebration of the power of play and creativity. Founded in 2003 as the only U.S. fair of its kind also open to the public, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair provides a unique outlet for fun-seekers from far and wide to preview, play, and purchase the hottest toys and games, rediscover classics, and meet the inventors behind the ingenuity. The memorable weekend kicks off holiday fun with contests, live stage entertainment, interactive exhibits, tournaments, and more. Revel in the fun of the ChiTAG fair, the global toy and game hub for consumers, inventors, trade, and media.

ChiIL Mama's Favorite:

Revel in the opportunity to meet the inventors of some of your favorite games, including Nick Grisolia and Pete Greenley the inventors of Boomer, Zoomer and Zuppies, Laura Robinson the creator of Balderdash, Dan Klitsner the inventor of Bop It and Simon Swipe, Tom Quinn the inventor of Game of Things, and many, many more!

November 22 & 23, 2014
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Navy Pier, 2nd Floor Festival Hall A (far east end of the Pier)
Chicago, IL

Bringing together inventors, designers, manufacturers, retailers, the public and the media, the TAGIE Awards are hosted in conjunction with the Toy & Game Inventors Conferences, the playCHIC toy inspired fashion show and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair weekend. In praising creative minds from around the world, the evening also pays homage to masters of invention who differentiate themselves with an exceptionally innovative spirit for fun, philanthropy, inventor advocacy, creativity, and humanitarianism.

Founded in 2003 by the Chicago Toy & Game Group, the ChiTAG Fair commemorates the toy and game industry as the global hub for consumers, inventors, trade, and media to preview, play, and purchase the hottest new toys and games, while rediscovering the classics and meeting the inventors behind the ingenuity of play. For $10 per adult ticket and $5 per children’s ticket, fair attendees can explore the booths of more than 150 toy and game exhibitors, participate in engaging contests and tournaments, enjoy live stage entertainment, and much more.

ChiTAG Doors Open

The first 1,000 attendees through the doors on Saturday, November 22, will receive a free copy of the acclaimed book, About Jenga, by author and Jenga creator Leslie Scott. Leslie Scott will also be attending the Fair and autographing copies of her book during the Fair.

Young Inventor Challenge (YIC)

Open to boys and girls ages 6 to 18; this showcase exhibits imaginative original toys or games from aspiring inventors. Prize packages are awarded to “Best in Show” in junior and senior categories, along with two runners-up and one “People’s Choice” recipient. Judging will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00p.m., and the winners will be announced at 5:00 p.m. 

Official Illinois State Yo-Yo Contest on ChiTAG Stage

Perfect your technique with a dynamic performance competition featuring hands-on tips for all skill levels. The immensely entertaining contest is open to all ages with the longest standing yo-yo participant taking home the title of champion.

Legoland Discovery Center Girl Scout Program

Make your own scene using LEGO® bricks and mini figures and snap photos for each frame of your comic. Edit each photo to make your visual story come to life. http://www.chitagfair.com/girl-scouts-and-boy-scouts/

Star Wars Character Luncheon in the Lakeview Terrace Room

Meet and eat with your favorites from Star Wars 501st Legion: Vader’s First. Registration required. | Cost: $30 per child, $36 per adult | Tournament for children ages 6 to 14.
http://www.chitagfair.com/star-wars-luncheon/

  

12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Catan National Championship - US Qualifier
Take a chance at becoming a Catan Worldwide Champion by competing in the CWC

USA Pre-Qualifier a ChiTAG.

http://www.chitagfair.com/settlers-of-catan-national-championship-us-qualifier/

12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rummikub USA Championship Presented by Goliath Games

Participate in the first U.S. Rummikub Championship event for the opportunity to win a trip to Germany to attend the 2015 Rummikub World Championship event!

Dino Zoo Live sponsored by Spin Master

Get ready for the ultimate playdate – 65 million years in the making – as Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE guides your family on a breathtaking pre-historic tour. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world.

Grandparents Day

ChiTAG celebrates fun at all ages and on *Sunday grandparents get in for free! Bring your grandchildren along and enjoy the fun together.

Legoland Discovery Center Girl Scout Program

Make your own scene using LEGO® bricks and mini figures and snap photos for each frame of your comic. Edit each photo to make your visual story come to life. http://www.chitagfair.com/girl-scouts-and-boy-scouts/ *Boy and Girl Scouts in uniform get in free to ChiTAG!

Frozen Parade starting at the ChiTAG Stage

*Sunday-Come dressed as your favorite character from Disney’s “Frozen” and receive free admission to the ChiTAG Fair. All ages are invited to participate.

Adventure Sandwich Performance on ChiTAG Stage

Watch Adventure Sandwich perform live action cartoon scenes that combines music, art, & storytelling to encourage the imagination to run wild.

Mayfair Games Boy Scout Badge Design

Join Mayfair Games for a special workshop on Game Design. Participants will receive a special design kit from Mayfair containing components. http://www.chitagfair.com/girl-scouts-and-boy-scouts/

ABOUT THE CHICAGO TOY & GAME GROUP

The Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc. is a family of toy industry initiatives designed to encourage and promote the power of play and invention in social, educational, and professional environments. The Chicago Toy & Game Group consists of the Chicago Toy & Game Fair; International Toy & Game Inventor and Industry Conference; International Summit for Professional Inventors; playCHIC Fashion Show; Toy & Game Inventor Awards; National ChiTAG Networking Events; Games for Educators; and DiscoverGames.com. For more information, visit www.ChiTAG.com, join in the conversation on Facebook, or follow the fun on Twitter @ChicagoToyNGame.

To keep up with the latest news about ChiTAG, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoToyandGameFair and follow us on Twitter @ChicagoToyNGame and Instagram @ChicagoToyandGame. For more information please visit www.chitagfair.com online.

As always, check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. It's rewarding!

2 Helpful Hacks For Attaching Scout Badges

Are scout badges the bane of your existence too?! Don't get me wrong, I love that my daughter has been a Girl Scout for 5 years now, and I dig seeing her excitement over earning badges. But applying them is a different matter.

If you want a quick n easy way to stick it to your scout, read on. ChiIL Mama's got a couple cool hacks for you that'll make your life easier.

I'm not exactly Heather Homemaker over here. Our iron only gets dragged out to do dark t-shirt transfers and other assorted craft projects, not to actually press button downs or anything. We're a fairly casual bunch. So, I definitely don't have an ironing board and I don't know if I could FIND my iron if I had to. But that's a moot point because in the past when I did use it on alleged iron on scout badges, they came off fairly fast and took a looooooong time to apply when you're doing a lot of them. So much for convenience.

Then we started getting a slew of sew on patches and badges. Gaaahhhhh! Yes... yes I DO actually know how to mend and how to sew buttons. BUT... sew on patches are tough and time consuming. Are these things designed to test a scout's skills or a parent's patience?!

If you're over the ironing like we are, try a HOT GLUE GUN. Yes folks, they work wonders and are great for the sew on and iron on variety of scout trimmings. It's a much faster way to apply patches and badges and they tend to stay put longer too! We have had to touch up a few over time, but all in all, it's a big time saver.

In an entirely unscientific poll of other disgruntled scout moms, the 2nd favorite method for a quick stick for the iron on variety is a FLAT IRON made for hair styling. This way you get the one two punch of a front & back iron squeezing together so your badges can't escape. We haven't tried this method but many of our friends swear by it. They claim it's quicker and easier than using a clothes iron and the badges stay stuck.

Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often, for more HELPFUL HACKS so you can get back to doing FUN stuff with the family.

ACT OUT KIDS CLOSING: SPARK at Adventure Stage

We've been raving about SPARK at Adventure Stage on social media since opening day. We gave away 4 tickets to a lucky reader & we've had a sidebar link up with details to the show. Click here for our past coverage and full show details.

If by chance you've been living in a cave and still haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? Go already! If you have been living underground you'll particularly be able to relate to this production. Highly recommended.  We're very excited they are calling this chapter one, since that hints at more to come!

LAST CALL:
Final show Saturday 5/3 at 4pm

Tom Arvetis has really outdone himself with the world premiere of SPARK. We're also consistently impressed with Adventure Stage's commitment to the community via their home space at The Northwestern Settlement House. They live their mission statement of being there for their neighbors, with free and reduced tickets for the neighborhood, outreach programs and collaborations. 

My 10 year old daughter's Girl Scout trip partnered up with The Settlement House's program for the elderly, The Golden Agers. The girls made baked goods for the group and escorted them all to and from SPARK, then joined them for lunch. It was an incredible experience for young and old alike!

Pandora lives a regimented life within the underground tunnels of Sanctuary, a secluded community designed to outlast the raging violence outside its walls. Each inhabitant of Sanctuary has a purpose, a place, and a common enemy—the mysterious Outliers who live in the world above.  

But after Pandora personally encounters two young Outliers, she starts to question all that has been taught to her. Is Sanctuary the safe haven she has always believed it to be, or a prison built on fear? As sides are chosen and truths shattered, Pan must ultimately decide between the life she knows and the one that is calling to her. 

Using projections designed by Liviu Pasare to simulate the texting and gaming that is ever-present in Sanctuary’s techno-savvy world, this inventive adventure set in the near future is recommended for ages 9 (grade 4) and up.

ABOUT THE PROMETHEUS PROJECT

The Prometheus Project began when playwright Tom Arvetis and director Rives Collins visited several Chicago middle school classrooms and conducted a series of story circles with Adventure Stage’s West Town neighbors, utilizing the Greek myth of Prometheus as a starting point for understanding contemporary challenges within our community. Themes of power, violence, sacrifice and hope emerged as young people and families shared the daily struggles they experience. Out of these story circles, SPARK was born.

Relying heavily on the archetypes of the Hero’s Journey, ASC's goal with SPARK is to ask our audience to think critically about the responsibility we have to our neighbors and the courage it will take to move our communities toward a more imaginative, healthy and tolerant status quo.

Check out our performance schedule, press release, cast and crew, and special events sections for more information!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Click here for more information. 

YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU.

A dystopian sci-fi adventure that completely re-imagines 

the myths of Prometheus and Pandora.

"The talented, enthusiastic cast at Adventure Stage Chicago convey hope and perseverance." -Chicago Reader  

"The projections by Liviu Pasare do a lot to keep things exciting—simulating texting, gaming and built-in surveillance states. It's inspiring to see an array of kids excited about theater." -Time Out Chicago

"Fans of popular YA dystopian novels will love this original play. In a world filled with bloodshed and ruled by technology, this welcome return to the lessons found in mythology is both refreshing and exciting."  -centerstagechicago.com

"A heavily plot-driven story that contains a good amount of action and a wonderful closing tableau." -Chicago Tribune

"I think this is a very awesome show and I loved it!" -Ada Grey (nine-year-old reviewer extraordinaire)

FOODIE TUESDAY: REVIEW New Girl Scout Cookie Creamers by Coffee-mate #ad #OriginalVideo

“Scout The Girl Scout” 

Disclosure:  Thanks to Coffee-mate for sending us creamers for review purposes.

To celebrate the new partnership between Girl Scouts and Coffee-mate, the iconic creamer company launched a nationwide casting call titled “Scout The Girl Scout,” to discover an authentic Girl Scout to star in an upcoming Coffee-mate commercial.  They received a slew of great submissions, including my daughter's.  Don't worry--no votes, clicks, likes or jumping through hoops required!   Woo hoo.   Just watch it if you want to, cause it's cute and fun.   No pressure.

My own 10 year old, Sage, is beginning her 4th year as a Girl Scout, and she was one of the hopefuls who auditioned.   Check it out above and/or Click here to check out her entry on the site.   She's second line center on the second page.   I'm sure everyone thinks their kid is one in a million, but in this case, Sage was one of 300+.    Click here for more “sweet” casting call videos.  They also ran Los Angeles and New York castings in person.   They should be announcing the winner any time now.

Sage didn't get a call back, but we did get some tasty, full sized samples in the mail.  Coffee-mate won Brownie Points in my book by choosing my very fav flavors for the roll out.  At this point they have Thin Mint and Caramel & Coconut (Samoa flavor).   Get your cookie flavor fix now, year round!

Thin Mint is my ultra favorite, but C & C is a close second.   If you're a huge coffee fiend like me, check 'em out!   It was a great pleasure to meet their PR peeps at BlogHer13, where they were giving out tiny tastes, and then to have the chance to review a couple full sized bottles.   The easy open, flip tops rock, and the tapered spout makes it easy to hit the mark even when your mornings are "mom hectic".   These creamers make for a tasty treat, without all the guilt (and calories) of scarfing a whole sleeve of thin mints.   

  

Disclosure:  Once again, thanks to Coffee-mate for sending us creamers for review purposes.

HELP OUT: Girl Scout Cookie Time #onemorebox

It's my daughter, Sagezilla's 3rd year selling Girl Scout cookies.   She loved being a Brownie and now she's learning, creating and growing even more as a Jr.   We're huge advocates of the Girl Scouts and encourage everyone to help out a scout.   Through Girl Scouts, Sagezilla's gone camping and spent two overnighters with the scouts at The Museum of Science and Industry and Dozing With The Dinos at The Field Museum.   She's done community service to educate about the evils of puppy mills, learned to cook & ice skate, honed her archery skills, and so much more.   She's also formed close friendships with a great variety of girls.

Unlike the beleaguered boy scouts, the Girl Scouts are a separate organization and already embrace diversity.   They don't ban members based on their orientation, race or beliefs and they're all about encouraging girls to grow into their own unique talents and leadership skills.

February 8 is National Girl Scout Cookie Day #onemorebox 

Presale orders are in, but the scouts are just about to hit stores and set up on site sales all over the country.   If you adore GS cookies, buy some for yourself.   If you don't do sugar, are allergic to wheat or on a diet...buy some for your friends or donate them to our service men & women.   Girl Scout cookies are the tasty little primary fundraiser that makes so many great opportunities affordable and possible for our girls.    Please pitch in.

Here's what the Girl Scouts have to say:

Have you seen our new Girl Scout Cookie boxes? We've given them an overhaul to highlight the real purpose of our $790 million cookie program: teaching girls the 5 Skills essential to leadership, to success, and to life. "Everyone knows how tasty Girl Scout Cookies are," says Girl Scouts of the USA CEO, Anna Maria Chávez, "but many customers don't realize that they're also helping girls build money management and people skills. The girl who sells you Thin Mints today might be conducting the symphony, trying to make an Olympic team, or managing a successful local business in a matter of years."

Helping your local Girl Scout Cookie Professional build a lifetime of skills and confidence isn't the only way you're improving your community. Because all the revenue earned from cookie activities—every penny after paying the baker—stays with the local Girl Scout council that sponsors the sale. Councils then use that cookie revenue to supply essential services to troops, groups, and individual girls, providing program resources and communication support, training adult volunteers, and sponsoring events.

To celebrate this important program and the role it fills in the lives of millions of Girl Scouts, we've created a single day to galvanize cookie lovers across the nation. On February 8, National Girl Scout Cookie Day, the whole country will talk about the skills girls learn, participate in local events, compete in our #onemorebox photo contest, follow live-tweets throughout a day of events and talk shows (and an honest-to-gosh cookie food truck rolling through the streets of New York City), visit our relaunched Girl Scout Cookies website, download our apps (iPhone and Android), and buy or order cookies from local Girl Scout Cookie Professionals.

"When you go to your local grocery store or mall and see our troops, remember you can help a girl develop a skill that will serve her the rest of her life," says Chávez. "I cannot think of a more delicious way to support our next generation of leaders than by buying Girl Scout Cookies."
Don't you agree? Join the country on February 8 to purchase #onemorebox from a girl who will change the world.

You're Invited To A Ginormous 100th Birthday Party

Buckinghams, Savvy Headline 100^th Birthday Bash

Girl Scouts invites the public to Cookie Classic 5K and day-long festivities

We dig brownies and cookies, and Brownies who sell cookies, and Girl Scouts who sell Thin Mints.....   I digress.    If all those irresistible boxes of Thin Mints have you a little thicker around the waist, then join the Girl Scouts at The Cookie Classic, a 5K Run, Walk & Celebration!   

Best news is, you don't have to buy a beanie and a green dress and hope you'll pass.   EVERYONE is welcome to attend the biggest birthday bash for the largest council in the country, featuring The Buckinghams and pop group Savvy.

To celebrate its 100^th anniversary, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana will host its inaugural Girl Scout Cookie Classic 5K Run, Walk & Celebration in Grant Park on Saturday, Sept. 8.  

Participants can choose to run or walk the 5K USATF certified course.  After the race, the celebration continues with festivities, entertainment and interactive activities for the whole family throughout the day.  Registration for the race or walk includes admission to all activities, plus live entertainment from The Buckinghams, Savvy, singer/songwriter Melinda Caroll and The Dreammakers.  Activities will include science and cooking demonstrations, sing-alongs, dancing, fitness activities and many more family-friendly activities for all ages.  For information and to register, visit www.gscookieclassic.org.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Classic race and celebration is a 100^th birthday bash with a mission,” said Maria Wynne, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. “Every person who joins us to walk is joining us to raise dollars to give a girl opportunities to succeed and become all she can be. With every step, we invest in girls and their futures.”

Pop group Savvy, whose members are stars on the hit TV show "The Wannabes" and who are known for their high-energy concerts with positive, empowering messages, will perform and hold a meet-and-greet following their show.  

To date, Girl Scout Cookie Classic sponsors include BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Dean Foods, Little Brownie Bakers, Ashdon Farms/QSP, The Mash, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Parent Magazine, and The Palmer House Hilton.

Girls aren’t just attending the event – they have many opportunities to be part of the program as well.

·         From now until August 22, any Girl Scout who enjoys singing, dancing or has another talent is invited to submit an electronic video clip of her performance.  A panel of judges will select the top 10-20 acts to perform live on stage during the Cookie Classic. 

·         Melinda Caroll (singer/songwriter/composer/record producer/recording artist and lifetime member of Girl Scouts) is looking for the first 100 girls who have a sincere love of singing to be in her Girl Scout Choir, to perform during the event.

·         Girl Scouts are invited to join Melinda Caroll for a special pre-event workshop, where girls can learn to write their own songs. Girls must have strong interest in songwriting, singing and the performing arts to take part. Space is lim­ited to the first 25 girls registered; registration is $10 per girl. Two workshop times available at the Downtown Gathering Place (20 S. Clark St., Chicago).

Those not interested in running or walking can sign up for the celebration only.  All paid admissions include an inaugural Cookie Classic T-shirt. All who cross the finish line receive a box of Girl Scout cookies. Children under 4 are free. 

Event Details:

The Cookie Classic will be held in Butler Field at Grant Park at Columbus and Monroe (by the Petrillo Music Shell).  Parking around and near Grant Park is abundant. Public transportation is convenient and highly recommended.

9 a.m.                     Race begins

9:15 a.m.               Walk begins

9 – 5 p.m.              Celebration event

To register: www.gscookieclassic.org

                                                                                                 

My daughter's been a Brownie for two years and is now a new Girl Scout Junior.    I was a Brownie and Girl Scout back in the day, too, and it's fun to revisit the classic songs, ceremonies, patches and pins that haven't changed much in 30+ years.   And it's amazing to see how much the Girl Scouts have evolved.   There are stellar opportunities for Girl Scouts these days, from traditional camping activities, to computer programming, Journey World classes on myriad topics, and so many cool opportunities for empowering our girls and grooming them for leadership roles.    

Background:

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.4 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana impacts the lives of nearly 87,000 girls and 24,000 adult members in 245 communities in six Illinois counties (Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake, and Will) and four Indiana counties (Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter). For more information, visit www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org.

Happy 100th Birthday Today, Girl Scouts & Happy 11th to My Son!

2012 is a momentous year.   Today, March 12th, The Girl Scouts turn 100, and my oldest son turns 11!   

Happy happy birthday Du-Jay!!

Earlier this month, on my little sister's 40th birthday, March 4th, Chicago turned 175!   We'll have loads of Girl Scout features throughout the spring at ChiIL Mama, including an exclusive video interview with our Girl Scout chapter CEO, and the director at Journey World.   We'll also have cookie updates, photo filled recaps of scout events including the Wolves Hockey Game, Snoozeum at MSI, Ice Skating at Skatium in Skokie and so much more!   So check back like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.


Tonight--100th Anniversary Promise Circles all over the world!


Here's the info on our closest.   For all locations and details click here or check 'em out on facebook and twitter.

Wish Field, DePaul University

900 W Belden Ave., Chicago

Monday March 12, 2012

6:45 – 8:12 pm

On March 12, 2012 at 7:12 p.m. (19:12 in military time) join your fellow Girl Scouts as we, together, participate in a Promise Circle celebrating the 100th birthday of Girl Scouts.

Bring

1) Family & friends! The more the merrier.
2) Each girl should have a flashlight for use during the celebration.
3) We would also like everyone in attendance to bring a written "wish for Girl Scouts future" to deposit in our time capsule as they leave.

Time

The ceremony will start PROMPTLY at 7:00 p.m. so be sure to arrive by
6:45 p.m.  The festivities will be over at 8:12 p.m. when we count
down to the 20:12 military time for our 100th year.

Cost

Free!  Bring the whole family!
Extra buttons ($1) and flashlights ($3) available for purchase at the event.

This event is an ALL WEATHER EVENT and will be OUTSIDE so please dress accordingly.  Parking is available for $6 in the Sheffield Parking Garage located at 2331 N. Sheffield or the Clifton Parking Deck located at 2330 N. Clifton. It is also easily accessible via CTA: just one block south of the Fullerton Red/Brown/Purple Line stop.

 

Play Locally: Lawrence Arms at Metro, Ice Cream Vendors at Beat Kitchen, Art Openings, Bike Films, Brownies, Wolves and More

Friday

Our friend, neighbor, and talented artist, Kathleen Roman has a gallery opening with reception from 6-9pm Friday.

Friday

If you like your art, a bit edgier, with music and writing......here's our link again to the Chicago Zine Fest Bene W/ WFFLF

 

A Benefit for CHICAGO ZINE FEST
January 6th
7-10pm

• Into It. Over It- (Wrote a song about a previous zine fest organizer) Here is his music - intoitoverit.com Here is a comic about him - http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/comic/ramsey-beyer/an-evening-with-evan-weiss/

• Creaturely Features- (Something you may want to see)

• Gunshy-  www.myspace.com/thegunshy

• XLions of TsavoX- Features some Zinesters? Hardcore (sorta)

• When Flying Feels Like Falling - http://www.facebook.com/whenflyingfeelslikefalling

The Spaceship
1804 S. Racine
7pm
$5

Saturday 

It's Cookie Kick Off Time again!   Why eat a brownie when you can buy cookies instead.   

There's an app for that:   The tech savvy tots and teens in brown and green have an iphone app for Girl Scout Cookies.   Check it out here.  Or, even better, go lo-tech and hit up your favorite girl sprout for everyone's favorite once a year treat.   When they're gone, you have to wait till next January to order more!


Check out our photo filled coverage from last year's big kick off right here 1 and here 2 and stay tunes for 2012's version after Saturday.


The big kick off happens at All State Arena again, culminating in a Chicago Wolves Game--one of our other all time favorite winter things to do.   We love hockey and watch The Chicago Wolves and our beloved Chicago Blackhawks as often as possible.


Here's the scoop:

More than four thousand Girl Scouts will gather prior to the Wolves game to participate in fun, hands-on activities designed to help girls build their leadership skills, a key component of the overall Girl Scout Program.

When:  Saturday, January 7, 2012
 
2 – 4:45 p.m.  Cookie Kickoff; Family Fun Festival
Following the educational portion of the kickoff, the Girl Scouts will enjoy a Family Fun Fest featuring face painting, games and pictures with Skates the Wolf, as well as a pep rally just prior to the game.
 
5 – 5:45 p.m.        Pep rally and entertainment
                               
7 p.m.                    Chicago Wolves vs. the Lake Erie Monsters
 
 
Where:                  Allstate Arena, Rosemont
                                                                                                

Background:
 Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.4 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana impacts the lives of nearly 86,000 girls and 23,000 adult members in 245 communities in six Illinois counties (Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake, and Will) and four Indiana counties (Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter). 

For more information, visit www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
 
If you don't know any Brownies or Girl Scouts, visit  www.girlscoutcookies.org to find cookies available in your area. 
 

Saturday--Bikes on Film...or is it films on bikes?

If you can't pass yourself off as a Girl Scout, check out a fun, little one day, FREE Bike Winter Film Fest at Facets Multimedia-1517 W. Fullerton at Ashland.  
The annual Bike Winter Film Festival, founded by Bob Matter, will take over the small theater at Facets this Sunday.  A series of documentaries and shorts related to the bicycle will begin at one and go on to eleven.  No charge.
 

 
And once again-here's the prior scoop on WFFLF's Occupy Chicago Bene at Empty Bottle (*all ages welcome w/ accompanying adult) 11am-4:30pm.
 
Saturday Night- Lawrence Arms at Metro




Here's ChiIL Mama's prior coverage of local Chicago boys, The Lawrence Arms with the Fat Wreck Chords label, when they opened for The Dead Milkmen.   They got the fans well warmed up and good to go.   I've gotta admit, the bodies were dropping into the photo pit at The Congress Theater at good pace and I've never seen so many punk rock girls crowd surfing.   Fun times!

The Lawrence Arms
Metro- Chicago, IL
3730 N. Clark
January 7, 2012 7:00 PM 
All Ages.
Doors open at 6:00 PM.
Also appearing: The Holy Mess and Lords.
$20.00 advanced
 

Sunday

Fun for the waaay underagers at Beat Kitchen.   We've been talking this one up for weeks, giving away tixs and putting up save the date notices for upcoming shows.   Remember we give away a family 4 pack of tickets every week to every show, and announce our winners on Free Ticket Tuesdays.  Winners will be contacted by e-mail (so check your spam filters) and the winners' names will also appear in the original Rafflecopter entry form, so check back early and often.

Ice Cream Vendors, Jan. 8 (click here for videos and our prior coverage)

Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids says:  If you've never seen ICV, think Devo for kids and grown ups.  Pack up the family van and come to Beat Kitchen. Our weekly Concerts for Kids series kicks off 2012 with the Ice Cream Vendors. Hailing from Westmont, IL, ICV is a little bit weird, a little bit new wave, a little bit rock, a little bit rap, a little bit funk and a whole lot of fun. 

As always, shows start at noon. Doors open at 11am and the kitchen is open. Beat Kitchen's signature brunch with everything from pancakes to pizza is sure to please even the pickiest palate.



Up next:  Little Miss Ann Band, Jan 15

CD Release Party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Little Miss Ann's 3rd album, Walk with Me, is hot off the press arriving just in time for our Sunday, January 15th show. We were able to catch up with busy kindie rocker, Little Miss Ann, and ask a few questions about the new album.



What are you excited about on the album?  
     Most of the songs are originals, and I've got a couple really talented guest back-up vocalists, Brooklyn-based, Suzi Shelton and Seattle-based, Charlie Hope. I've also got some great guest instrumentalists that play fiddle, flute, and more.



Which are your current favorite songs on Walk with Me? 
     Waltzing Matilda and Walk with Me. (The interviewer here loves the last track, Honey Bear Ham.)

  

How long was the album in the making? 
     I started it in February of 2011.

  

Carefully crafted and fun to hop, jump and jiggle to, come hear new tunes from Walk with Me as well as some old favorites. 

Beat Kitchen. January 15th. Noon.

Check out our hot and happening Concerts for Kids! lineup

Save the Dates...
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont

shows at noon on every Sunday, 
Just $6



Jan 8: Ice Cream Vendors

Jan 15: Little Miss Ann Band, CD Release Party!!!

Jan 22: The Boogers

Jan 29: Winter Fest, 11am-3pm, $8: 
Featuring Mary Macaroni, Sarah Parker, The Storybook Mom and Istvan & His Imaginary Band with activities included: facepainting, crafts, ChiIL Mama's rock star photo booth and instrument petting zoo. 


Feb 5: Okee Dokee Brothers

Feb. 12: Mr. Singer & the Sharp Cookies
 
To keep up to date with Concerts for Kids, become our Facebook friend at
www.facebook.com/kidsshowschicago.

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