Local families are invited to join the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois for a fun-filled celebration as the organization marks the first anniversary of its Build-A-Bear Workshop at the Glen Carbon Council Shop.
The free community event will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Council Shop, located at 4 Ginger Creek Parkway in Glen Carbon.
The open-house celebration is free and open to the public, and Girl Scout membership is not required to attend, making it a perfect family-friendly event for the community.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the event, including:
- Build-A-Bear Workshop fun
- Arts and crafts
- Cotton candy
- Photo opportunities
- Hair accessory making
- Rock painting
- Badge-earning activities for current Girl Scouts
Visitors who create a furry friend during the celebration will also have the chance to enter a drawing to win a free furry friend on their next visit.
Girls of Daisies through Juniors age, who are not currently members can sign up to become a Girl Scout during the open house. Families will have the opportunity to learn more about local troops, upcoming programs, and the many experiences available through Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.
The Glen Carbon Council Shop is located at 4 Ginger Creek Parkway, Glen Carbon, Illinois. Community members of all ages are encouraged to stop by and join in the celebration.
Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark (center) celebrated with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) at their grand opening event in 2025. Pictured with Clark are GSofSI Chief Operating Officer Jessica Upchurch (left) and GSofSI CEO Loretta Graham (right).