In a world increasingly shaped by social media and unrealistic societal expectations, many girls struggle to find their place. This troubling trend is exacerbated by norms equating attractiveness with passivity, hindering girls’ intellectual growth and leadership development and adding fuel to the growing mental health crisis faced by girls in America. Through patch programs, partnerships with local organizations, training, and resources, Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York is committed to providing Girl Scouts, and the volunteers who support them, the tools they need to develop into strong, courageous, young adults ready to rise to any challenge.
Patch Programs
Life isn’t always easy, but dealing with tricky emotions doesn’t have to be so hard. Try activities from the Girl Scouts: Resilient. Ready. Strong. program to unlock a patch and strengthen your mental wellness. Nobody can snap their fingers and make the world all sunshine and lollipops, but you can take steps to be ready when things get tough. Go get ‘em, Girl Scout!
To get your patch complete the requirements for your Girl Scout level HERE.
NEW Mental Wellness Patches
See how Girl Scouts are learning to care for their mental wellness.
Designed for Girl Scouts in 4th to 12th grades, our new mental wellness patches help girls learn about self-care, build healthy habits, safely explore their feelings, and to seek support and resources in a safe and intimate setting. From learning about their emotions (Knowing My Emotions for Juniors), to advocating for themselves (Finding My Voice for Cadettes), and learning to cope with difficult situations (Showing Up For Me and You for Seniors and Ambassadors), Girl Scouts gain the confidence to show their strength. Along the way, they learn what mental health is, how to combat stigma, and how to take care of their own mental wellness as they navigate today's complex and challenging world.
Girl Scout Volunteers: Download the patch program facilitator guides to get your troops started. Detailed choice activities, meeting tools, and additional resources and materials can be found within the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) on my.girlscouts.org
Explore these programs with FREE activities.
Celebrate YOU in all your individual awesomeness with our Motivational Monday coloring book!
We made this coloring book just for you to celebrate Girl Scout week and as a reminder of how amazing you are. From Daisies to Adults, Girl Scouts make the world a better place every day, for each other, and for their entire communities. That can be hard work, and everyone has days where they don’t feel like sunshine and rainbows. We hope that you will use these pages to remind yourself of how amazing you are, and help you to spread that motivation to the people you care about.
Get the coloring book HERE
Our Partners
GSNENY is pleased to partner with the Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS) and the New York State chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI-NYS) to provide connection to resources and training to year-round and summer camp staff, volunteers, caregivers and Girl Scouts.
Whether you're searching for free mental health information, resources, or services, or simply need someone to listen, hold space, and provide emotional support, the team at NAMI-NYS is ready to offer support. You can reach out the NAMI-NYS Helpline by calling or texting (518) 245-9160, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm https://naminys.org/resources/nami-nys-helpline/
Training
Girl Scout volunteers are on the front line of the youth mental health crisis. They're often one of the first people to recognize when a Girl Scout is in need and, as trusted adults, they can contribute to a positive outcome. We're working with our partners to give volunteers, caregivers, summer camp and year-round staff training to support the mental health needs of your people. Check the Events Calendar for more information or choose trainings on demand in GSLearn.
Youth Mental Health First Aid 
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Talk Saves Lives
GSLearn Courses
Resources
Mental Wellbeing Factsheet
Want to support your child’s wellbeing? Check these tips out, developed with the National Council on Mental Wellbeing.
