Embracing Cultural Identity

Embracing Cultural Identity Through Family and Travel

By Darian Cruz

From Mexico City, Josselyn Islas traveled to her mother’s hometown, Santiago Patlanalá, nestled in the green hills of Silacayoápam in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The eight-hour drive took her family through a steep and mountainous region that was covered in rich vegetation. As she looked out the window, she began to think about her family and her mother’s early childhood. Though the trip was part of her aunt’s birthday celebration, it transformed into a journey of self-discovery that reconnected Josselyn with her cultural heritage and identity.

In 1988, when Josselyn was three years old, her family immigrated to the United States where she encountered a clash of cultures and began to question where she came from; but as she was entering her teenage years, talking about Oaxaca was like opening a wound.

“My mom’s memory of El Pueblo was filled with struggle because she was reminded of the poverty her family experienced,” said Josselyn. “When she spoke about her hometown, she didn’t speak with love or care, she spoke with a lot of difficulty.”

While living in Mexico, her mother’s braided hair was mocked, and childhood memories became painful to remember, which was reflected in the way she spoke to her children about her indigenous roots. These conversations later strayed Josselyn and her siblings away from embracing their Mexican Indigenous culture, especially growing up as immigrants.

“I remember she would speak about Oaxaca in a very denigrating way, and would say things like, ‘we’re too short and our skin color is too brown’, said Josselyn. “The same comments I was hearing from her, I was also hearing from other people, so when others asked where I was from, I wouldn’t answer with pride.”

Something else that impacted Josselyn’s perception about Oaxaca, was her immigration status that limited her ability to travel. Since she couldn’t leave the country, it was easier for her to block off the idea of even visiting. She stopped asking questions and disconnected herself from her culture, until her father started to teach Mexican history during family dinner. As she began to put together the different pieces of her family’s story, Josselyn was also taking a Mexican history class and a folklore storytelling course when something in her clicked.

“I realized how much similarity there was all around the world in the way we story tell and experience things,” said Josselyn. “That’s when I began to think ‘I want to go’, ‘I want to go to the pyramids’, ‘I want to learn about these stories’— ‘I want to know where I come from’.”

After years of not having a great interest in learning about her culture beyond what she was experiencing at home, Josselyn’s unexpected trip to Oaxaca was a time of healing and rediscovery. Being there answered so many questions and doubts that were carried into her adulthood. Out of all the amazing things she lived this past summer, her favorite part was visiting her late grandfather’s home and hearing her 17-year-old son express how grateful and complete he felt after learning more about his family background.

Like Josselyn, her mother also changed the way she spoke about her origins and replaced hurtful words with those of love and encouragement. Together, they learned how to dispel stereotypes, and truly embrace who they are and where they come from.

Josselyn Islas is a Member Recruitment Executive at Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus – Pine Council. Through her role, she supports council recruitment events and works towards establishing relationships with bilingual Spanish speaking families. Channeling her experience as an immigrant and woman of color, she hopes to shine light on Girl Scouting by welcoming girls of all backgrounds, especially Latinas, to the Girl Scout Movement.

Here’s her advice for you: “Know your culture, your history, and ask questions. [When traveling] immerse yourself in the everyday life of the local community, and if you’re unable to travel, asking questions can help just as much because it sparks interest and helps us understand what our place in the world is and how we can help.”

Photo by Jhovani Morales

Photo by Edgar Rodrigo

Explore the World with GSUSA Destinations

Girl Scout Seniors - Ambassadors can visit different parts of the world through GSUSA’s Destinations Program which offers multiple programs, some tailored to fi t a specifi c area of interest.

Flip to page 26 to learn more about summer 2023 experiences available for Girl Scouts

Leading with Courage: GSACPC Girl Scout and Camp Manager Receive Honorable Awards

The Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards signify a girl’s commitment to her community. Additionally, there are other leadership and service awards that can be earned through exceptional courage during diffi cult, and sometimes, life-threatening events.

The Girl Scout Medal of Honor is a national award that is earned by saving someone’s life or helping them through an emergency, similar to the Citizen of the Year Award delivered by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Offi ce. Last fall, two of our amazing council members received recognition for their selfl essness and bravery, and we are honored to share their accomplishments:

In September, GSACPC Girl Scout, Arabella from Troop 1624 received a Medal of Honor by helping her grandfather survive a stroke. While she was home alone with her grandfather, Arabella called 911 and guided the paramedics to her grandfather where she informed them about his symptoms and helped save his life.

That same month, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Offi ce presented Karen Hill, Camp Manager at Camp Willow Springs with the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award for her compassion and empathy as she helped a missing woman experiencing a mental health crisis. Karen worked with deputies and fi rst responders to ensure the woman was receiving the care she needed.

Responding in a time of crisis is extremely challenging, but Arabella and Karen responded to each situation in true Girl Scout spirit – fearlessly and ready to take action. We admire their courage, and the way they stepped in to make a difference in someone else’s life!

Above: Girl Scout Arabella with her grandfather. Below: Karen Hill, Camp Manager of Willow Springs

GSACPC Receives $2.25M Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

Our council is the grateful recipient of a $2.25 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to expand outdoor programming throughout the year. This generous investment marks more than $10 million in support that The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has invested in local girls in the past 10 years alone.

“Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council continues to think outside the box and create innovative programs that young women need,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “We believe in supporting the outdoor programming because we know it will help young women build selfconfidence, improve overall well-being and become better leaders.”

While GSACPC has consistently provided outdoor summer programming at camp properties across northern and central Arizona, our three-year expansion plan will emphasize leveraging these campsites and providing enhanced outdoor adventure opportunities for Girl Scouts throughout the year. In addition, the plan includes strengthening transportation and bus stops routes for members in extended areas and redesigning our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs by adding a paid Junior Counselor for Girl Scouts who are 16-17 years old.

MacKenzie Scott Donates $2.8M

In October, our council received a $2.8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Our gift was part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to GSUSA and 29 local councils selected by Scott, making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history.

Scott is a champion for girls and women who, through her philanthropic efforts, has looked to make a long-term impact on girls’ futures. She selected the 29 recipient councils, including Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, based on donor criteria that has not been made public. By selecting Girl Scouts as a recipient, not only will individual council regions throughout the nation be impacted, but the donation will directly impact the nearly 2 million girls and adults participating in Girl Scouting nationwide.

This gift will expand access to Girl Scout programming across central and northern Arizona, including all of the Navajo Nation. Our funding vision includes supporting membership retention and growth, upholding Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice (DEIRJ) and Wellbeing Commitment, and expanding access to Girl Scout programming (GSLE) across our jurisdiction.

GSACPC History Committee Corner

Early Girl Scout Camping in Arizona

By Julia McKee-Ostos

Every summer, thousands of Girl Scouts look forward to camp, but when did it all start? From the beginning of Girl Scouts in 1912, camping and other outdoor activities were a centerpiece of Girl Scout life. In Arizona, Girl Scouts used different camping facilities across the state, before purchasing their own camps, starting with Camp Maripai in 1942.

1923

Girl Scouts were camping at Sulphide del Rey in the Pinal Mountains near Globe, Arizona. About 30 Girl Scouts camped on privately owned land in Iron Springs, Arizona in the Prescott National Forest. Girl Scouts used facilities at Hassayampa Mountain Club in Prescott for camp sessions known as Camp Fiesta. They enjoyed horseback riding, backpacking, swimming, and lifesaving training.

1928 1929-1939

1929 – Camp Counselors pictured (left to right) are Mary Shivvers, Peggy Bradford and Jean Clark. 1930 – Jean Clark bent over showing the campers at Camp Fiesta how to skin a rattlesnake. 1936 – Camper on a horseback ride.

As interest in camping began to grow, Girl Scouts in Arizona were seeking new camping spots to gather with troops and spend time in nature. These sites gave girls an opportunity to learn from one another, expand their skillset and explore their passion for the outdoors. Camps held at Hassayampa Mountain Club in Prescott through 1929 and 1939 became known as Camp Fiesta where Jean Clark, the first recipient of the Golden Eaglet in Arizona, was the head Camp Counselor and instructor. The camp sessions featured horseback riding, swimming, and lifesaving training, as well as a Pioneer Unit.

In 1940, camp was held at the Dunning Big Pine Mine site, run by Camp Director and Property Owner, Maxie Dunning, one of the first Girl Scout leaders in Arizona. That year, girls learned about gold panning, hiked Mount Tritle, and experienced the visit of a Mountain Lion. A year later in 1941, camp took place at Kendall Mine, another deserted gold mine on Mount Tritle. Now, both sites are part of the Prescott National Forest.

In 1942, Maxie announced that the city of Prescott was willing to lease the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) site in Groom Creek for two years at $1.00 per year. Later on, eighty adjoining acres were obtained, and became what we now know as Camp Maripai, named after Maricopa and Yavapai County.

The Goldwater family from Phoenix did a lot to make the camp possible with money from Goldwater’s Fashion Shows.

1934

The first Day Camp was held in Phoenix. Privately owned property called Big Pine Mine was available to 74 girls for three, one-week sessions. Privately owned site called Kendall Mine, became available to 104 girls for three, one-week sessions.

1940 1941

1940 – Girl Scouts swimming at Big Pine Mine Pond in Prescott, Arizona, property of Charles and Maxie Dunning. In 1916 Maxie Dunning started an unofficial Girl Scout troop in Prescott as a teenager and later became President of the Council, known at the time as the Maricopa Girl Scout Council. 1993 – Flag raising ceremony at Camp Fiesta located at Hassayampa Mountain Club in Prescott, Arizona. Jean Clark, Lead Camp Counselor, is on the far left. The bugle belongs to Jean and can be found at the Barbara Anderson Girl Scouts Museum.

The 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program

Can you believe the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program is right around the corner?! We are excited to welcome new and returning Girl Scouts to the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. During these seven weeks, girls will step into an entrepreneurial role and harness new skills as they raise funds for adventures and service projects.

You (Girl Scouts) will have the opportunity to experience the inner workings of what it takes to run a small business and in the process dive into five key areas of learning:

Money Management – Learning to create a budget and handle money. Learning how to manage both physical and digital sales will be incredibly helpful as you age through the program. Managing your personal allowance, bills, and even college funds are all tasks that require basic money management skills.

Business Ethics – Learning to act ethically, both in business and in life. Ensure that you are managing your booth honestly and treat your customers respectfully. TIP: If a customer is not interested in eating cookies (believe us, it happens) offering a Cookies for the Community option is a great alternative.

Decision Making – Learning how to make decisions individually and in a team setting. Everything from managing inventory to marketing techniques all require decisions that will affect your overall sales. No need to worry though; you are prepared to make all of those with confidence.

Goal Setting – Learning how to set goals and create a plan to reach them. Setting goals will help you stay on track and give you perspective with each passing week – it’s super satisfying to see your progress with each passing week in the program!

People Skill – Finding your voice and building confidence through customer interactions. It’s okay to feel nervous about speaking to customers. Public speaking is a skill that is best learned through practice. If you are shy, start by simply greeting your customers, and slowly you’ll feel comfortable in your environment and be able to make sales pitches like a pro!

All these areas contribute to the foundation of entrepreneurship. We know, without a doubt, that every Girl Scout can not only master each area but thrive within them.

Cookies Creating Leaders of the Future

When a girl begins her Girl Scout Journey, she signs on to a lifechanging experience that opens doors to various opportunities that will give her the necessary tools to become a strong leader.

Whether you’re an alum and know Girl Scouts like the back of your palm, or perhaps didn’t have access to Girl Scouting, but now your daughter does, you have probably experienced the rewards of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Not necessarily the plush toys or adventure gear that girls can earn through sales but the lifetime skills that girls develop as they navigate the program.

As members of our Arizona communities excitedly await the announcement of the start of the cookie season, troops and IGMs have been preparing for weeks – coordinating booth slots, finalizing sales goals, creating marketing strategies for online and in-person sales, and deciding how their earnings will further enrich their Girl Scouting experience. Although the foundation of the cookie program can appear standard across all Girl Scout Levels, we can see that each year girls nurture a deeper understanding of the key pillars of the program.

As girls grow from Daisies to Ambassadors, they learn new things according to their age group and Girl Scout Level. During their first cookie sale, Daisies learn about money, the basics of financing, and how to keep track of their earnings, represented by their My First Cookie Business and Cookie Goal Setter patches. At an early stage in life, Daisies are already learning about the significance of money, which is a great way to start making sense of the world.

When they become Brownies, girls are more inclined to make decisions, outline goals and communicate with their troop about their budget to better prepare for their next cookie sale. If a troop has only been participating in the program for a couple of years, Brownies might organize a plan to raise more funds, and meet their set goal. Additionally, this is a great age for girls to foster public speaking skills; fueling their confidence to take on greater challenges.

Once girls reach their Junior – Senior levels, what they’ve learned so far in previous years becomes an addition to the wonderful learning experiences that await! Now that they have an understanding of money, budgeting, and planning, they start to look at the cookie business through a different lens. While they’re still coming up with creative customer pitches, girls progress into innovators, and begin to use technology and other marketing resources to sell their product and support their goals. Selling cookies is not an easy business, which is why it’s important for girls to communicate with friends, family and leaders about new ways they can reach potential customers in their community or beyond.

During their final year as Girl Scouts, Ambassadors who participated in the Cookie Program since they were Daisies, will begin to realize that they’ve collected a long list of skills that will help them blossom into successful and confident leaders. Similar to how they earn badges and patches to display on their vest or sash, the skills they’ve learned will also become something they’re proud of. Even though Ambassadors are preparing for their next step in life, they will continue to lead with a curious mind and a suitcase full of amazing experiences and expertise. Their strong speaking skills will help them ace their college interviews, their finance knowledge will make budgeting for their class books and essentials a breeze, and the confidence they’ve built throughout the years will help them create lasting connections.