Girl Scouting has always been an important part of my life. My Senior leaders used our weekly troop meetings to practice leadership skills, building confidence and character through troop government, planning and implementing many trips and activities. As a growing teen I would describe myself as a follower, but my leaders skillfully guided me through those challenging years. The confidence and courage instilled in me during my Senior Girl Scout experience led me to many roles in adult Girl Scouting: Junior and Cadette troop leader, Service Unit Manager, Council Trainer, Trainer of Trainers, and Council Board Member.
The most significant impact of confidence and courage that I attribute to my Girl Scout experience is the role it played in when I divorced and as I started single parenthood. My confidence was shaken. It was my Girl Scout friendships that were always with me. I threw myself into something I knew and loved, Girl Scouting, and it gave back to me. I was able to restore my confidence and courage and I continued to grow.
One of my fondest memories of Girl Scouting came during a sad time in my life. My father had become unexpectedly ill and had to have surgery out-of-town on the day of the 80th Anniversary Girl Scout Thinking Day. A national Thinking Day Friendship Circle event was planned but I was disappointed because I was going to miss our service unit's program. My mother knew how important Girl Scouting and this event were to me. She saw a poster for the local Thinking Day event happening in the hospital courtyard. I was welcomed into their circle and passed the Girl Scout friendship squeeze among “sisters” around the world. I was thrilled and still get teary-eyed as I relive that event now.
Judi Zeamer
Binghamton, New York
54 years a Girl Scout
Courage to Grow
As a girl, I couldn’t WAIT until I could be a Brownie! My Aunt bought me a Brownie Handbook for Christmas before I was old enough to be one. I learned the promise so I would be all ready.
I stayed in Girl Scouts until I was in 10th grade. It was not until years later when my daughter was old enough to be a Girl Scout that I got back involved. I had no idea at that point the way it would change my life. It gave me confidence to be a leader, to volunteer, to discover I really was good at crafts and had skills that I had never tapped. I found friends locally and began to make friends in other councils and then across the world.
I have gained the confidence to speak up for what’s right. I’ve learned about how governance works from attending conventions and listening to the debate. I’ve felt the warmth of organizing a huge service project and watching it come to life, seeing the smiles it brought to the recipients. I know that wherever I am, if I find a Girl Scout, I’ve found a friend who will help me out.
Bev Crim
Parish, New York
37 years a Girl Scout