Girl Scouts is all about peer power, with seasoned Girl Scouts showing other girls the ropes. Examples of girl leadership abound, especially within our outdoor programs:
Certified youth backpacking instructor Isabella and fellow members of her Ambassador Troop 3292 hosted a hands-on high adventure trip training for young Girl Scouts in March. Most recently, the teens completed a girl-planned backpacking trip, where they all summited to Mt. San Jacinto—the third-highest peak in California—funded with Girl Scout Cookie Program earnings.
Girl Scout camp is another place where girls shine as leaders. As day camp assistants, counselors-in-training, or just experienced campers, they inspire girls around them to try new things and overcome challenges.
Past campers serving as counselors-in-training this summer include 15-year-old Nyah. A Girl Scout since kindergarten, she is discovering how to apply what she learned in her new leadership role.
Group camping trips are another place where Girl Scouts inspire and encourage each other. Just ask Junior Girl Scout Coral how she found the courage to literally leap out of her comfort zone! To get the scoop, read her story below.
Thank you to everyone who helps us build leaders through camp and other outdoor programs!
Yours in Girl Scouting, Carol M. Dedrich, MBA, CFRE Chief Executive Officer
Zipping Her Way to Confidence
Girls thrive in a girls-only, girl-led setting—as evidenced by research…and the following anecdote.
During a recent weekend camping adventure organized by our Poway-area Blue Sky Service Unit, ten-year-old Coral experienced a moment of triumph. When it was her turn on the zip line, Coral momentarily set aside her fear of heights.
Perched at the top of the structure—harness and helmet securely strapped on—she looked down…and burst into tears. Calling it quits, she climbed down the ladder to her Girl Scout sisters, who showered her with kind words: “There’s always a next time!” Later, after watching more and more girls and adults (some just as anxious as she was) successfully take the leap, she decided to go for it. Her troopmates’ calls of “You can do it!” helped propel her back up to the launching spot. And although Coral’s eyes teared up again, she felt confident. The zip line facilitator further bolstered her courage. “I know you’re scared,” said the former Girl Scout-turned-coach. “But it’s totally safe, and easy. All you have to do is jump.” So she did! Seconds later,
grinning from ear, she whooshed from one end to the other...greeted by wild cheers and applause. Her friend Sophia declared her the best zip-liner she’d ever seen. Coral’s response: “I loved it! Can I go again?”
Now that’s the power of Girl Scouting!
Lani Longacre Named Chief Mission Delivery Officer
Girl Scouts San Diego has promoted Lani Longacre, MBA to the position of Chief Mission Delivery Officer. Lani oversees a comprehensive, multifunctional, integrated plan for program enrichment, membership growth and retention, and volunteer engagement and development.
“Girl Scouts has unparalleled expertise in girl-focused programming and countless opportunities for girls to experience adventure, inspiration, mentoring, and skill building,” Lani said. “I’m proud to be affiliated with it.”
“Lani’s passion for our organization and its mission, wide-ranging experience, familiarity with our board and staff, volunteer relations and management skills, and commitment to inclusivity are tremendous assets to our council,” said CEO Carol Dedrich.
Lani’s previous position was director of retail and product program. She increased gross sales by more than fifty percent during the 10 years she played a leadership role in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. In addition to initiating or overseeing innovations like Cookies Now and Cookies on Tap, Lani significantly improved business processes for staff and volunteers. She was also in charge of the fall product program and Girl Scout stores, and recently assumed responsibility for the outdoor and adult learning programs.
Lani was project manager for the 2017-2018 strategic alignment plan and staff committee chair for the 100 year Girl Scout anniversary. She holds an Executive MBA and B.A. in communications, both from San Diego State University. In 2013, the San Diego Business Journal named her as an “Emerging Generation: 25 in their 20s” honoree.
Urban Campout Honorary Co-chairs Barbara Groce (left) and EA Stewart have just the formula for a perfect event!
Urban Campout 2018
Discounts Available Until July 31
Save up to 20 percent on your table or tickets for Urban Campout: Mad About Science until Friday, Aug. 10! Honorary Co-chairs Barbara Groce and EA Stewart (a mother-daughter duo) alongside Event Co-chairs Rita Datko and Tange Gavin invite you to join us on Friday, Sept. 14 for our 21st fun fundraiser for grown-ups. Wear STEM-inspired or TGIF casual attire for an exciting, science-infused evening of games, gourmet food, dancing, and bidding.
Many thanks to our Silver sponsors (Barbara and David Groce, Southwest, and Qualcomm) for making this year’s festivities possible. Proceeds will help fund Girl Scouts San Diego leadership programs focused on STEM, life skills, outdoor, and entrepreneurship. The “Mad About Science” event theme reflects our organization’s ongoing dedication to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming for girls.
Did you know that the U.S. needs to add a million more STEM professionals by 2022, yet women currently hold just 25 percent of jobs in those fields? To transform the STEM workforce of the future, we pledge to provide 10,000 local Girl Scouts with STEM activities each year.
Earning the Gold Award—our organization’s highest honor—is the culmination of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Last month, 58 Gold Award Girl Scouts attained that prestigious ranking, earned by less than six percent of eligible Girl Scouts nationwide.
The ceremony began with Troop 4069 presenting the colors. Guests included Girl Scout alumna Mary Jean Anderson of Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air; emcee/speaker 2015 Gold Award Girl Scout Shreya Huilgol; and Girl Scouts San Diego Vice Chair Liza Crisafi.
Earlier that day, we honored girls and troops who earned the Silver Award, the highest recognition for Cadette Girl Scouts. Recipients included Troop 3803 (article).
Girl Scout Sophie loves having her mom, Stephanie, as her troop leader.
Volunteer Spotlight: Stephanie Kwiatkowski
It’s not too late to register for Girl Scout camp; all girls in grades K-12 welcome! Adult volunteers making summer camp possible include Stephanie Kwiatkowski, director of the July 23-27 Nature Ninja Adventure session at Lake Poway.
Part of a three-generation Girl Scout family, Stephanie leads her daughter Sophie’s Cadette troop, among other volunteer roles. The troop members enjoy exploring the great outdoors, and are currently working on their Silver Award.
Stephanie contributes to our organization in many other ways, including managing the Mira Mesa Service Unit. In 2017, she accepted the President’s Award on behalf of her service unit in recognition of the team’s deep commitment to delivering quality Girl Scout leadership experiences to girls and adults. She and her mother, Helen Bloomfield, are generous supporters of our organization, and serve on the honorary committee of Urban Campout: Mad About Science
. Helen was also Stephanie’s troop leader, led our board of directors, and belongs to our Juliette Gordon Low Society.
Why Girl Scouts Matters: The Gold Award
Girl Scouts provides the best leadership development program in the world—one that is designed with, by, and for girls (The Girl Scout Difference). Cumulative Girl Scout leadership experiences prepare girls for the highest achievement in Girl Scouting—the Gold Award—and to become future leaders as adults.
Gold Award Girl Scouts:
Earn college scholarships
Jump to higher military rankings when enlisted
Demonstrate high educational and career outcomes
Are active in their communities
Access a powerful and supportive Girl Scout network
