The Crumbler
In This Edition
Older Girl Outdoor Overnight
10/3 to 10/4/25
Rock Hill Camp Cadette, Senior, Ambassador
Join in on the Fun!
Upcoming Older Girl Experiences
Girl Scouts is what you make it--and we offer a wide variety of programs for you to choose from to make the most of your Girl Scouting experience!
Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, flexing your entrepreneurial skills, or having fun with friends, there’s something for everyone.
Make sure to check out our full program guide to see everything we have to offer
Outdoor Adventure Day
11/4/25
Camp Wendy Cadette, Senior, Ambassador
College Planning 101
10/22/25
Fannie Fay Girl Scout Program Center
Senior, Ambassador
Think Like an Engineer Journey 11/23/25
Fannie Fay Girl Scout Program Center Senior, Ambassador Yoga 12/11/25 - Cadette 3/5/26 - Senior/Amb. Betty Taubert Girl Scout Program Center
Spatacular 2/12/26
Tuck/East Girl Scout Program Center
Cadette, Senior, Ambassador
By Sarah Diaz
Careers Through Girl Scouting:
Turning Passions into Possibilities
From camping adventures to cookie sales, Girl Scouting is more than just badges and uniforms; it's a resource to help you explore future career opportunities. Whether you're drawn to solving problems, leading a team, or expressing yourself creatively, the activities you explore in Girl Scouts can shape your path.
If you’re passionate about what you do in Girl Scouts, there is a good chance that you can turn that passion into a future career, maybe even within the organization.
If you love planning events, creating badges, and being hands-on, consider careers like:
Program Designer: Create new badges and activities for Girl Scouts across the country
STEM or Arts
Program Coordinator: Partner with schools or community organizations to lead fun, engaging programs
Event Coordinator: Organize major council-wide events, such as award ceremonies, leadership summits, or fundraising events.
If you love promoting Girl Scouts, telling stories, and spreading the mission, consider careers like:
Communications or Social Media Manager: Tell the story of Girl Scouts through photos, videos, and campaigns.
Public Relations or Advocacy Specialist: Represent Girl Scouts at community events and legislative initiatives.
Brand Designer or Content Creator: Develop materials for badges, books, uniforms, and guides.
If you want to stay close but not work directly for Girl Scouts:
Youth Development or Education: Afterschool programs, education nonprofits, or teaching
Nonprofit Leadership: Working for causes like equity, girls’ education, or mental health
Social Work or Counseling: Helping young people feel seen, safe, and supported
Policy or Advocacy: Fighting for issues that matter to girls and their futures
Working with or near Girl Scouts means helping shape the next generation of leaders and that’s powerful. Whether you want to build the next badge program, run the next summer camp, or ensure every girl has access to the movement, there’s a place for you as a Girl Scout professional.
Creative Cookies:
Baking with Girl Scout Cookies
By Jahnai Joseph
Do you have extra boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the back of your pantry? Give them a burst of new life with these delicious dessert recipes!
Trefoil Pie Crust
Ingredients
1 box of Trefoil cookies
1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
Instructions
Crush Trefoils in a large ziploc bag until fine.
Combine Trefoil crumbs, sugar, and butter in a large bowl. Mix with a fork until the consistency resembles wet sand.
Press mixture into pan until compact. Place the pan into the refrigerator to chill for an hour before adding your favorite pie filling.
Lemon Bars
Ingredients
Trefoil pie crust mixture
Thin Mint Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 cups of heavy cream
2 cups of milk
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
½ teaspoon of salt
Thin Mint cookies (to personal taste)
Instructions
Combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and peppermint extract in a large bowl until fully combined. Place the ice cream base in the freezer until it begins to solidify. Crush the Thin Mints in a plastic bag and mix into a slightly solidified ice cream base.
Place the ice cream back in the freezer until ready to serve
16 ounces of softened, room temperature cream cheese
¾ cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon zest
⅓ cup of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 large egg
Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are combined. Beat the egg, then fold it into the mixture. Pour filling into crust and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until the edges are firm, but the center isn’t fully set. Leave cheesecake to cool in the pan, then refrigerate overnight. Dust with powdered sugar, then slice the cheesecake into bars.
Discover Our Programs:
Which aspect of the GSLE* should you explore?
While Girl Scouts are encouraged to explore the four pillars of the *Girl Scout Leadership Experience, many girls prefer one (or two!) aspects of our programming more than the others. Complete the quiz below to see which pillar is for you!
1.What is your favorite subject in school?
a. Math
b. Biology
c English
d. Chemistry
2.Which badge are you most interested in earning?
a. Business Startup
b. Eco Explorer
c Textile Artist
d. Digital Game Design
3.What is your favorite part of travelling?
a. Building a budget and raising the funds
b. Finding new places to explore
c. Making memories with friends
d Creating an agenda that lets us accomplish all our goals
4. Which future career appeals to you the most?
a. A marketing manager
b. A wildlife biologist
c A social worker
d. An engineer
5.Which famous woman inspires you?
a. Madame C.J. Walker: the first female self-made millionaire in the United States
b Dr Jane Goodall: a zoologist, primatologist, and anthropologist- she’s the world’s top expert in chimpanzees
c. Clara Lemlich: a labor activist who led a 20,000-worker strike in NYC
d. Bessie Blount: a physical therapist who invented a device to help amputees feed themselves
Mostly A’s
Entrepreneurship! Your business skills are ready to take the world by storm. Our Girl Scout Cookie Program will help you build confidence and learn about marekting, sales, and working as a team.
Mostly B’s
Outdoors! You enjoy spending time in nature, and with Girl Scouts, you can design your own adventure. Whether it’s earning badges, learning to kayak, or going camping, the world is yours to discover.
Mostly C’s
Life Skills! Girl Scout, you’re ready to change the world! Travel, arts, civic engagement, communication, and more will help you broaden your horizons, support your community, and more.
Mostly D’s
STEM! You’re a problem-solver! Your curiosity and ability to innovate will help you succeed with our science, technology, and math programs.
A Year of Discovery, Growth, and Fun!
Our Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts have a blast through specialized programs and partnerships designed to fit your interests and needs. We want you to join in on the fun!
1. The 2025 PepsiCo Million Women Mentors Program members pose for a photo with STEM mentors.
2.The GSHH Girl Advisory Team builds their communication skills on the Allen-Reeves Family Low Ropes Course at Rock Hill Camp.
3.Girl Scouts attend interactive workshops at the Girl Scouts L.E.A.D. conference at Marist University.
4.Gold and Silver Award recipients are honored and celebrated at the Highest Awards Ceremony.
5. Seniors and Ambassadors earn the Engineering Journey at our Journey in a Day program.
6.Girl Scouts have a blast with Camp Director Bones at a Murder Mystery Dinner.
Meet Our CEO
Interview with Dr. Kari Rockwell
By Eliana Lieber
This year, Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson entered a new era with Dr. Kari Rockwell as our new CEO! Since October, she’s been busy working with volunteers and Girl Scouts across our seven-county footprint and has established herself as a force for change in our community. To get to know her better, we asked some questions about her life, job, and advice for Girl Scouts as they continue with Girl Scouting during and after their high school experiences
Eliana: What is your role at GSHH, and what other Girl Scout positions have you held?
Kari: My current position at GSHH is Chief Executive Officer, which I’ve held since October 1, 2024. This is my only position with Heart of the Hudson and is the same position I held in my previous Illinois council.
E: Where did you go to college? What degrees have you earned?
K: I went to college for my undergrad in Southern California at Long Beach State University. I earned my teaching certification from the University of North Carolina. I went on to earn a Master’s in School Leadership. In 2017, I completed my doctorate in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.
E: How long have you been involved in Girl Scouts?
K: 14 years (11 as a girl and 3 as an adult).
E: What are your favorite things to do outside of Girl Scouts?
K: Travel! My husband and I are currently on vacation, and even though our flights were canceled and our trip started off with a huge hiccup, we pivoted and are having a blast.
E: What is your favorite Girl Scout Cookie?
K: For many, many years, it was the Tagalong. In the past few years, I’ve changed my go-to from Tags to Samoas. In the end, let’s be honest, they are all delicious!
E: Did your experiences as a youth Girl Scout member influence your current Girl Scout experience?
K: Yes! I first traveled as a Girl Scout, and this taste of travel encouraged me to see the world. Traveling is a topic I love to share and hear about with fellow Girl Scouts! Our programs offer a progressive and safe way to travel around the world with our best friends.
E: What is your favorite Girl Scout memory?
K: Horse camp was absolutely amazing for many years, and since my parents denied my request for a horse of my own, camp allowed me to have my “own” horse for a week every summer! My other favorite memory is, of course, travel-related. My mom (troop co-leader) and a few girls from my troop joined an older girl troop and traveled to Boston. This is the trip I tell everyone about, and it gave me a glimpse into all the fun travel can provide.
E: What is your favorite part about being the GSHH CEO?
K: I have many favorites! I love observing our youth Girl Scouts interact with new and old friends, challenge themselves with a new activity like canoeing, and speak in front of a large group of people, using skills learned and honed through Girl Scout
programming. With our adult Girl Scouts, I love to hear about new and growing friendships after becoming troop co-leaders, hearing long-time Girl Scouts talk about their amazing mentorship of their troop girls, and the years of memories and watching young Girl Scouts become independent and proud adult Girl Scouts.
Here at GSHH, I’ve had an eventful 10 months! A few memories are my very first Girl Fest, cookie booth visits, watching the Techno Teams in action, honoring our Silver and Gold Award Girl Scouts, the Camp Wendy Fundraiser, Operation Cookie Drop and so many Girl Scouts supporting our military, and dinner with the leaders of Putnam and Northern Westchester. There are many, many more and so many people to thank for including me!
D.r Kari’s love of travel started as a Girl Scout and has continued as an adult!
Left: Dr. Kari spent her Junior year of high school in Spain. Here she is with her host sister, Elena.
Top Right: Dr. Kari with her husband in Amsterdam.
Bottom Right: Dr. Kari with her daughters at Windsor Castle in 2023..
E: What does a typical workday look like for you?
K: One of the many things I love about working with Girl Scouts is that most days are not “typical,” meaning almost every day is different! I work, meet, and visit with many different people on a daily basis, varying from a volunteer with over 50 years of dedication and service to someone who has never heard of Girl Scouts and is learning about the experiences we offer for the very first time.
E: What is your leadership style? How do you see it applied in different parts of your life and job?
K: I’d say I am a people-first leader. This really leads back to the listening piece. When making decisions that affect others (in our case, 22,000 members), it is first and foremost very important to understand as many perspectives as possible and the reasons why as often as possible. I try in each and every interaction to get to know those I am talking with. Building relationships is essential to working together in our movement and in society.
This approach has worked in my personal life, having moved all over the country throughout my husband’s military career and in my career development and serving as a leader both in public education and in Girl Scouts. Understanding and appreciating humans can never be a bad approach!
E: What advice do you have for girls starting middle school, high school, or college?
Dr. Kari addresses volunteers, Girl Scouts, and families at the annual Awards & Recognitions Ceremony in March 2025.
K: Be yourself and be honest with yourself. Don’t follow the crowd, lead the crowd, or if that’s not your thing, forge your own personal path without the crowd. Find a career that you love and that keeps you feeling alive - you have to wake up and go to work for approximately 30 years, so it better be something you enjoy! Always include serving others. This keeps you grounded and helps you appreciate those around you.
E: How do you suggest girls leverage their Girl Scout experience after high school graduation?
K: Be proud and vocal about your Girl Scout experience. The general public thinks Girl Scouts=Cookies. This is such a small part of what we do, who we are, and what we believe in and advocate for. Yes, the Cookie program teaches incredible skills that I still use today, but we have this and so much more, like travel, service opportunities, meeting friends across the world, trying foods from far lands on World Thinking Day, and a support system like no other.
E: What suggestions do you have for Girl Scouts who want to stay involved with Girl Scouts after high school?
K: My suggestion would be to work with 2-3 friends to take on a troop! If a group of 4 friends could work well together and build incredible experiences for young Girl Scouts, what an opportunity for young girls to have a wonderful GS experience and an amazing way for GS alum to give back to the movement.
We are so excited to have Dr. Kari here at GSHH to work with us! It was a pleasure hearing from her, and the Girl Advisory Team is looking forward to seeing all the change for good and new experiences she will bring to our council.
10 Tips for Interview Success
By Jahnai Joseph
As you grow into adolescence and early adulthood, you will have to engage in multiple interviews. Whether it’s to be part of the Girl Advisory Team, to gain admission to your dream college, or to get a summer job, interviews are a major part of becoming involved with organizations or companies. These 10 interview tips will help you approach interviews with confidence and preparedness.
Be prepared: Before your interview, research the company you are interviewing for and learn the requirements for the specific position you’re applying for. Mentioning specifics during your interview will show the interviewer that you’re serious about involvement with their organization
Make a good first impression: Dress professionally for your interview, whether it’s online or in-person. For in-person interviews, ensure that your hygiene is up to standards, and if wearing perfume, ensure it’s not too strong.
Arrive early: Being early for your interview ensures that you appear well-prepared, timely, and organized, which will make a good impression on the interviewer. Remain professional: While you should show some personality in your interview, try to avoid speaking too casually, as it may negatively impact the interviewer's perspective of your professionalism.
Think carefully about what you want to say before speaking: A confident tone without filler words will help you appear more thoughtful and prepared during any interview.
Ask questions: Come to your interview with at least two questions about the organization. If any concerns arise during the interview, ask your interviewer. Asking questions shows you’re invested and curious.
Listen to the interviewer: Actively listening to the interviewer and mentioning details they said when you speak shows you’re a good listener and willing to take input from others.
End on a positive note: Wrap up the interview with a positive story, express your gratitude, or offer a genuine compliment. This approach helps leave a favorable impression and increases the likelihood that you will be remembered positively.
Follow up: An email or a thank-you note to your interviewer expressing your eagerness to work with them will help you stand out and seem professional and well-mannered.
Remember your worth: Even if you have a stellar application and interview, there is unfortunately always the chance you won’t get the opportunity you applied for. It’s important to remember that, as valuable as the opportunity may be, not getting the opportunity isn’t the end of the world. Celebrate your victories and accept defeats with grace, as other opportunities will arise further down the line.
Meet the Writers
Sarah D.
Jahnai J.
Sarah is a 10th-grade student at Notre Dame School of Manhattan. She is on an Open Juvenile synchronized Figure Skating team and plays left defense in soccer. She’s been a Girl Scout for 10 years. This is her first year on the Girl Advisory Team.
Jahnai is 17 and has been in Girl Scouts for 10 years. She is serving her second term on the Girl Advisory Team. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and observing nature.
Eliana L.
Eliana is an Ambassador Girl Scout serving her second year on the Girl Advisory Team. She is the outreach captain on the GSHH robotics team, The Techno Chix, and a National Delegate representing GSHH at the 58 National Council Session in summer 2026. th