Girl Scout Day at the Capitol
Girl Scouts from all over the state converged on Springfield to celebrate Girl Scout Day at the Capitol.
Girl Scout Day at the Capitol is a unique opportunity for Girl Scouts throughout Illinois and surrounding states to assemble while learning about our government and community. This event also gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to discover downtown Springfield and the history of our State Capitol.
You don't want to miss this incredible event and the famous march to the capitol!
Girl Scout Day at the Capitol
May 2, 2025
Bank of Springfield (BOS) Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
Cost is $15 per gir, $13 per adult
Optional event t-shirts are available for pre-order for at $18 each.
Agenda for GSD@C
- 9:00 a.m. - Check in
- 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. - March to the State Capitol to kick-off the day followed by Inspirational Rally at the Lincoln Statue
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Girl Scouts are encouraged to explore the Capitol, observe legislators and discover all that downtown Springfield has to offer.
- 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Community partners, as well as Girl Staff will organize a variety of activities for girls to participate in at the Bank of Springfield (BOS) Center for the Girl Expo. Girl Scouts will work towards their Democracy Badges during the Girl Expo.
- 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremony at BOS Center
Who can attend Girl Scout Day at the Capitol?
Registered Girl Scouts and their families. Parents/guardians and siblings are welcome to register to attend this event. Registration for the event must be made in advance through gsEvents. Click here for registration.
Is there a shirt we can order for this evet?
Yes! Shirt orders can be placed when registering for the event up until April 11th. Shirts are $18 each and are available in sizes youth small to adult 4XL. After April 11th shirts will no longer be available for pre-order. A limited number of shirts will be available for purchase the day of the event at the pop-up Trefoil Boutique at a first-come, first-served bases.
How many adults should attend with our troop?
Adults are responsible for meeting the girl to adult ratio and MUST be registered for the evnt in order to attend.
| Program Grade Level | Two unrelated adults (at least one female) for each number of girls | Plus one adult for each additional number of girls |
| Daisy | 6 | 4 |
| Brownie | 12 | 6 |
| Junior | 16 | 8 |
| Cadette | 20 | 10 |
| Senior/Ambassador | 24 | 12 |
Adults are responsible for meeting the girl to adult ratio and MUST be registered for the event to order attend
This event takes place on a school day, how can we have the absence excused?
Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, provides a letter that you can share with your school. Once we receive this letter it will be added to this page.
How can we have a banner in the march to the Capitol?
Each year we have a Banner Contest and the troop with the winning banner is able to be at the start of the march and help lead our group to the Capitol steps along with our CEO and other special guests! Even if you are not the winning troop you are still encouraged to bring your banner.
2025 Girl Scout Day at the Capitol Banner Contest
Get those creative minds working! The annual Girl Scout Day at the Capitol Banner Contest is upon us. Create a banner with your troop to display at GSD@C on May 2. The troop that creates the winning entry will proudly carry their banner and kick off the march in Springfield on Friday, May 2, 2025!
Contest Rules:
- You must be a currently registered Girl Scout troop.
- Your banner should be created using the 2025 theme: Helping Grow Our Communities!
- A pcture of the completed banner must be email by April 21, 2025 to Sara Tate at state@girlscouts-gsci.org. Please include troop number and the troop leader's name and phone number.
- Physical banner must be brought by the troop on the event day!
How long is the march?
The march begins at the BOS Center and ends at the Lincoln statue in front of the Capitol Building. The walk is about ¾ of a mile and takes 15-20 minutes to walk.
What badges will the girls work on at the Girl Expo?
This year Girl Scouts will complete steps towards their Citizens badges. Badges can then be purchased at the pop-up Trefoil Boutique at the event!
- Daisy- Good Neighbor
- Brownie- Celebrating Community
- Junior- Inside Government
- Cadette- Finding Common Ground
- Senior- Behind the Ballot
- Ambassador- Public Policy
Can we bring SWAPS?
YES! Girl Scouts throughout Illinois and surrounding states will be attending our event and lots of them bring SWAPS to trade. Many of our Girl Scouts meet near the stage after checking in to trade SWAPS.
Where do we park?
There is a parking garage next to the BOS Center. Estimated parking for the entire day will be about $7. Meter parking is also available downtown, but time limits still apply and are often a 2 hour limit. GSCI and the BOS Center are not responsible for any parking fees, tickets, or towing expenses.
Where can we stay?
GSCI has secured a hotel block at Wyndham Springfield City Centre, which is right across the street from the BOS Center, for Thursday and Friday night. Standard Queen (2 beds) rooms are available at a special rate of $108 (plus tax) and includes one complimentary parking pass per occupied room. This rate is only available through this booking link that will remain active until 11:59 p.m. on April 17, 2025. https://bit.ly/GSA2025Capday
Where can we eat?
Several downtown Springfield restaurants off specials for Girl Scouts the day of our event. Check back soon for a list of those locations. Please note that there is no outside food allowed inside the BOS Center.
Can we visit the State Capitol building?
Yes! Visiting the Capitol is an exciting time, but we have to be attentive that it is a public office building with government employees at work and be respectful at all times. Tours are self-guided unless you have set up a tour beforehand.
Rules and Courtesy When Visiting the Capitol:
- In the Capitol, adults must wear the volunteer sticker given to them at check‐in.
- Be quiet (whisper) and respectful of others in the building.
- Always leave a place cleaner than you found it.
- Everyone must enter through security. Please be patient and if possible, limit the number of bags and items you bring into the Capitol.
- Parts of the Capitol may be under construction including the restrooms.
You can find out more about visiting the Capitol Building here: https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/com18.pdf
Can we meet our State Representatives?
If you would like to meet with your local state representative, we strongly encourage that you reach out to their office on your own to arrange a meeting.
I still have more questions, who can I speak to about this event?
Questions can be directed to Sara Tate state@girlscouts-gsci.org.
