Want a chance to go to Washington, D.C.? Enter in the Girl Scout essay contest for Cookies to the Capitol. Your essay must describe “Why it is important to engage in our government process.” All girls 4th grade and up are eligible to enter. Junior (4th-5th grade) and Cadette (6th-8th grade) essays must be 150-175 words. Senior and Ambassador (9th-12th grade) essays must be 285-300 words. All entries must be submitted by 9:00am EST on Friday, December 14. Visit gsnim.org/cookiestothecapitol to submit your essay and fill out the necessary paperwork. Girl Scout staff and administration will pick two winners to fly to Washington, D.C. for a two night stay. January 2-4. One Junior or Cadette essay will be a winner and one Senior or Ambassador essay will be a winner. Flight and accommodations will be paid for by GSNI-M for each Girl Scout and her female chaperone. Winners must have a female chaperone, and will share a hotel room.
Girl Scouts will be visiting the Congressional offices of: Congressman Pete Visclosky (IN 1), Congresswoman Elect Jackie Warlorski (IN 2), Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN 3), Congressman Fred Upton (MI 6). They will also visit the Senate offices of: Senator Carl Levin (MI), Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), Senator Dan Coats (IN), Senator Elect Joe Donnelly (IN).
In addition to the office visits we will be attending the Inauguration of Indiana Senator Elect Joe Donnelly and a reception with him on January 3rd. Girl Scouts will need to be in uniform for visiting elected officials. Parents and Girl Scouts will need to sign a waiver for photographs to be published. Copies of the two winning essays will be given to each elected official and published on our website. All essays are the property of GSNI-M and may be used for promotional purposes.
Winners will be announced December 15. At the time of travel the girls and their female chaperones must be registered GSNI-M members. If they are not members, they must fill out a membership application form and pay the $12 membership fee. Membership financial aid is available.