Build-A-Bear Workshop

Girl Scouts can build a bear or furry friend as unique as they are. They’ll have the opportunity to pick their bear or furry friend and stuff it with the help of our staff, including Build-A-Bear’s iconic Heart Ceremony.

Then, they can choose from a variety of vests and tunics with matching troop numbers, outfits, accessories, and so much more!

Girl Scouts can enjoy this as an activity on their own, with their troop, or even have it be part of a special celebration like a birthday party or bridging ceremony!

Our Build A Bear Machine lives in our Des Moines Leadership Center full time however it occasionally makes trips to our other council shops and camp locations! If you have questions about upcoming travel please check back to this page or reach out to us at info@gsiowa.org.

Build-A-Bear experiences are available for all during regular shop hours. If you would like to guarantee a specific time or have 4+ individuals please submit the GSGI Build-A-Bear Experience Request Form below. If your request is for outside normal business hours please submit at least two weeks prior to your requested appointment. Once your form is received, we will review the request and reach out to you to finalize scheduling and obtain a deposit of $50 if the request is for a party (4+ individuals).

Adult First and Last Name 0/50

Email Address 0/75

Phone Number 0/12

Shop Location

Des Moines

Mason City

*Subject to availability, during regular shop hours as outlined on our website.

Troop Number (if applicable) Reminder: Troops need to adhere to the adult-to-girl ratio requirements as outlined for Outings, Activities, Camping and Travel. These requirements are outlined in the Safety Activity Checkpoints, located on The Bridge. 0/25

Requested Date *The GSGI Build-A-Bear Experience is available at our Des Moines shop location during our open days and hours! Weekday experiences are not available between 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. and will end by 4:00 p.m. Select Saturday opportunity experiences will end by 12:00 p.m. Please reference our shop hours and select Saturdays on our Hours/Locations page! 0/0

Start Time Requested *Please use a.m./p.m. format. The GSGI Build-A-Bear Experience is available at our Des Moines shop location during our open days and hours! A group of three individuals will take around 30 minutes to complete their Build-A-Bear experience, with parties taking longer depending on the number of participants. 0/50

Please note we will do our best to honor your first requested date and time, that align with our available weekday business hours and select Saturdays, but requests will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. We appreciate your understanding.

A Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa staff member will be in touch to confirm your scheduled Build-A-Bear experience date and time. A Party experience is 4+ participants and requires a $50 deposit. A Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa staff member will take the deposit at the time of experience confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions, please email info@gsiowa.org using the subject: Build-A-Bear Question

Will the GSGI Build-A-Bear Workshop be in any other locations, or can we schedule the experience to come to our events? toggle arrow

Currently, we are offering the Build-A-Bear Workshop exclusively in our Des Moines Leadership Center. Any questions regarding additional opportunities can be sent to info@gsiowa.org. Please include “Build-A-Bear Question” in the subject line.

What is the GGSI Build-A-Bear Workshop Return and Exchange Policy toggle arrow

We want to make sure each of our guests is beary happy with their purchases. If for some reason you would like to return an item, we will be happy to assist you according to the terms of our Satisfaction Bearantee.

View the GSGI Refund/Return Policies for the Retail Shop online.

We cannot accept returns from other Build-A-Bear Workshop locations.

Please note that shipping fees are non-refundable.

Can I purchase a GSGI Gift Card to use at the GSGI Build-A-Bear Workshop? toggle arrow

Yes, absolutely!

Does GSGI price match with Build-A-Bear Workshops? toggle arrow

All Build-A-Bear pricing is determined by the Build-A-Bear Corporation. We are unable to match or offer discounts that you may find on the official Build-A-Bear website or location. Our merchandise selection is subject to change based on availability or season.

What is the maximum capacity for a Build-A-Bear Party? toggle arrow

Up to 25 guests can be accommodated per event.

How long does the Build-A-Bear experience take? toggle arrow

Typically plan for 5-10 minutes per individual.

Will Build-A-Bear accessories be available for purchase outside of scheduling a Build-A-Bear experience? toggle arrow

Yes! Absolutely! While the Build-A-Bear experience is by appointment only – Shoppers can choose from a variety of vests and tunics with matching troop numbers, outfits, cookie merchandise, accessories, and more to purchase during our regularly scheduled shop hours.