April is best known as National Earth Month and Tax Day, but Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) is honoring another celebration - National Inventor’s Month - by hosting the “Make the World a Better Place Maker Faire” on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium in Bridgeport, CT.  The inaugural event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., challenges Girl Scouts of all grades and levels to create inventions that uphold the organization’s underlying mission of making the world a better place. 

Specific activities include using Stanley Black and Decker tools to build bird feeders and candy dispensers, competing in a Frankentoy challenge, racing robots, firing rockets, designing airplanes, and creating Girl Scout uniforms of the future in the Recycle Runway Laboratory. There will also be a variety of inspirational sessions led by young women in STEM careers and informational booths throughout the venue.

“Our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place has not changed, but our organization’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and math has exponentially increased in recent years as more females are exploring and entering careers within STEM fields,” said Diana Mahoney, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut.  “Our organization introduces girls of every age to unique STEM experiences relevant to everyday life. Whether they're discovering how a car's engine runs, how to manage finances, or how to build an airplane, girls are reaching new heights as they fast-forward into the future!”

Attendees will also have the opportunity see a planetarium show, learn about upcoming Girl Scouts programs, and projects within their local communities. 

GSOFCT’s “Make the World a Better Place Maker Faire” is open to Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Seniors, Cadettes, and Ambassadors, as well as volunteers, Troop Leaders and the general public.  Previous Girl Scout Gold Award winners will also be present.

Tickets to the event are $10.00 for GSOFCT members and $55.00 for non-members, which includes a $45 1-year membership that gives access to all Girl Scout events and offerings.

Girl Scouts must be supervised by an adult at the event and troops must have correct Girl Scout ratios for supervision. No tagalongs are permitted.  For more information contact Customer Care at 800-922-2770 or [email protected]. 

“There is always a spirit of collaboration and excitement at our original STEM events for the entire Connecticut community and it’s truly awe-inspiring to see how girls from the various grade levels approach each challenge and create a sophisticated solution,” adds Mahoney.

For more information about STEM programs and activities offered by GSOFCT, please visit www.gsofct.org.

About Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsofct.org.