The t-shirt and teddy bear celebrating the Great Girls Gathering 100th Celebration.
In her personal life, Terry has learned courage and confidence! She says, “I am a shy person by nature. Girl Scouting has given me the strength to do public speaking comfortably. It has also given me the strength to stand on my own and explore new things. Girl Scouts (and my first Girl Scout troop) walked me through the training and experience of my first Boundary Waters canoe trip. This year, I used those skills to guide a personal trip with a group of friends. That’s what Girl Scouting is about!” I’m really glad I got to become a Girl Scout again with my niece. She enjoys the adventures she has at day camp and learning new things like karate. Both of us loved the Great Girls Gathering celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts with different stations learning how to tie knots, sing songs, and make SWAPS (SpecialWhatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere). My niece even got to give China Anne McClain of Disney’s ANT Farm a SWAP after seeing her in concert. That was her favorite thing about the whole weekend. There are 35 troops in the Brainerd/ Baxter area, which is part of the Girls Scouts
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of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines. Girl Scouts focus on science and technology, financial literacy, healthy living, environmental leadership, and global citizenship – all areas that help girls thrive in an ever changing world. There are several camps, programs and events that help girls grow and develop the philosophy of discover, connect and take action. For me, it’s been fun seeing the girls engage in different activities and learn new things; to expand their horizon. Yeah, corny, I know, but so true. If you ever get a chance to help a troop in your area, give it a try. It really is rewarding! For more information about a Girl Scouts troop in the area, contact Monica Husen at 218-270-4859 or visit www.gslakesandpines. org.
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Terri Henrikson
Terri Henrikson lives and works in Brainerd. She volunteers her time with a variety of groups that help young children grow. When she is not working she likes to travel, kayak and spend time with friends and family.