Yes, there is a Build-a-Bear Workshop right here in Champaign — you just have to know where to find it
Earn your ‘Make a New Friend’ patch at Build-a-Bear Workshop, inside the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois offices in Champaign
Gone are the days of traveling to Springfield or Peoria for a bear-building experience. Nestled inside the Girl Scouts Champaign Service Center on Round Barn Road in Champaign is our local Build-a-Bear Workshop, which is run by — and financially supports — the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.
Open to the public, regardless of gender or Girl Scout affiliation, the local Build-a-Bear has all the classic hallmarks of the experience, including a variety of stuffable friends from which to choose, plenty of outfits, and the heart ceremony. Anyone is welcome; you don’t have to be a Girl Scout to build your bear, have a birthday party, or visit the store.
While the Girl Scouts Build-a-Bear Workshop operates much like the ones in malls across the country, there are a few specific differences to note. While a variety of stuffies are available, most character collections are not carried at the Girl Scouts workshop. There are plenty of classic bears and animals to choose from, plus one or two popular characters; on our recent trip, one chambanakid picked out a Bluey stuffy. Additionally, Girl Scouts Build-a-Bear Workshop does not honor the Birthday Pay Your Age bear, nor does it accept Build-a-Bear gift cards (though Girl Scouts shop gift cards are available and do work for Build-a-Bear).
In addition to the regularly available clothing and accessories, bear builders can have fun dressing their new friend in scout vests with matching troop numbers and cookie-themed merchandise. Every bear also comes with a special patch, whether or not their builder is a scout. Grown-ups will also be happy to know that because of the partnership between Build-a-Bear and the Girl Scouts, every dollar you spend at our local workshop stays here in our community to support our local troops.
Build-a-Bear Birthday Parties
Looking for a place to host your kiddo’s next birthday party? The Girl Scouts Build-a-Bear Workshop is available. Check out its website for all the details and to book your party. Parties are available for 5-20 builders, and are open to all, regardless of gender or Girl Scout affiliation. Parties are a two-hour experience, and include a a bear, Cub Condo, patch, and adornments, and an activity in the large party room. Add-ons are available.
Where is Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Build-a-Bear Workshop located?
Within the Trefoil Boutique at the GSCI Service Center, 1808E Round Barn Road, Champaign
Walk-in and public hours:
- Tuesday 3-7 p.m.
- Wednesday 2-5 p.m.
- Thursday 3-7 p.m.
- Friday 9 a.m.-Noon
- 1st and 3rd Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cookie Dough and council gift cards are accepted at this location.
