On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout
Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Carolyn Pittman GSCCC Board Chair
Congratulations, Girl Scout volunteer awardees!
Our Girl Scouts face many challenges as they navigate their formative years. These challenges require guidance and support from trusted, caring adults. While caregivers and their peers play a crucial role in their lives, Girl Scout volunteers, too, are key influential figures. Their impact extends far beyond troop meetings and service unit activities.
Girl Scout volunteers accept the big responsibility of modeling positive behavior and values that are based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law. You agree to be part of a team that inspires excellence. Thanks to you, youth and adults in Girl Scouting get the support they need to take healthy risks, ignite their sense of curiosity and try new experiences, setting the stage for life-long happiness. With your guidance, Girl Scouts are learning to show respect, be kind to themselves and others, and find ways to make the world a better place. What a tremendous impact you have on these individuals’ lives and on your community as a whole!
In addition to the chaos and fun of the start of a new Girl Scout membership year and all the planning it entails, it is also a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and all that you have done. Thank you for the time you have spent shaping the future, in micro and macro ways, and for all that you do behind the scenes. As we look ahead, I know each of you will continue to bring your own unique flare, fun, values, priorities, experiences and talents to Girl Scouts.
While all of you come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences with different perspectives on life, there is one thing we share in common. That is the commitment to our Girl Scout mission. Thank you for that commitment and for volunteering! Let’s continue to be the role models our Girl Scouts need!
Again, I want to congratulate you and wish you the very best for the upcoming Girl Scout year!
Carolyn Pittman Board Chair, GSCCC
AMAZING YOU! Adult Awards Celebration
October 12, 2024
Welcome
Opening Flag Ceremony
Girl Scouts from Troops 306 and 382
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Board Chair Message
Carolyn Pittman
Dorothy Barber Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation
Carolyn Abron McCadden
National Girl Scout Awards & Volunteer Years of Service
Vice President of Membership Engagement
Terri Washington
Closing Remarks
Tracy Keller
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast
Thank you Adult Recognitions Committee!
Thank you to the Adult Recognitions Committee for their time reviewing nominations for the awards presented today.
JoAn Berry
Christine Holmes
Dina Crewe
Eileen Livick
DeLevay Miner
Dorothy Barber Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honors a woman who has achieved success in her personal and professional life, has contributed to her community and to the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, and is a role model and mentor to other Girl Scouts. The award is named after former Council President Dorothy Barber, who served from 1993-1997, and is the highest adult award sponsored by Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast.
Melissa Burroughs
Melissa Burroughs recalls when she first became part of our great Movement and was pinned as a Girl Scout Brownie. That was while in first grade in the 1970s in northern Virginia. She experienced her first Girl Scout camping trip during those years.
Melissa and her mother stayed involved when her father, an Army officer, was transferred to Germany. Girl Scouting overseas included all the fun things she had become accustomed to, like selling cookies and camping. She remembers having good times outdoors with friends and a unique ceremony.
“It is pretty vivid in my memory, because I was blindfolded outdoors and the girls assigned to walking me to the fly-up bridge got distracted and I bumped into a tree,” she said. “I had a huge bump on my forehead for what seemed like weeks.” Some of my fondest memories of recent years are those of traveling with our adventurous girls, like the trip to London. It was a thrilling experience, Girl Scouting with the girls!
She stayed in Girl Scouts through middle school. It wasn’t until 2004 when she became reacquainted with Girl Scouts. She saw an announcement of Tracy Keller’s appointment as Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast (GSCCC) CEO in the Virginia Wesleyan Alumni News. Melissa wrote her a note of congratulations and the rest is history. Tracy invited Melissa to serve on GSCCC’s Board Finance Committee and Melissa said yes. After serving on the Board for several years, Melissa stepped up to become Board Chair. She served in that role from 2011 to 2015.
After serving two terms as Board Chair, Melissa has continued to be active with GSCCC. She has volunteered on several Council travel experiences, served on task groups focused on strategic alignment, and supported many philanthropic efforts. She is currently serving on the Board’s Development and Investment Committees. GSCCC has greatly benefited from Melissa’s dedication as a Girl Scout and the talents she brings as a professional in the banking and finance industry. She is currently Vice President of Business Finance Group, Inc. that has offices in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.
Years of Volunteer Service
The Volunteer Service Award Pin recognizes an adult member registered with the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. for their years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals.
Years of Service Recognition
20 Years
Rachel Barnett
Kimberly Brown
Dawn Bush
Alyssa Dunphy
Vivian Hance
Amanda Kendzierski
Sheila Luta
Jamie Massart
Cathy Moore
Kim Nettles
April Rodgers
Kelita Smith
Mei Stukes
Amie Talk
Jennifer Tatro
Kristina Thompson
Nikki Touchton
Jennetta Twitty
25 Years
Metina Baucom
Tammy Carlson
Laura Hart
DeLevay Miner
30 Years
Ruth Altman-Burnett
Carolyn Engler
Elizabeth Farabaugh
Deborah Trate
35 Years
Denise Mann
Terri Washington
Nancy Zienkiewicz
40 Years
Kim Lincoln
45 Years
Tracy Keller
Sonia Kessler
50 Years
Veronica Thomas
55 Years
Elizabeth Kessler
“Leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge.”
~Author Unknown
Volunteer of Excellence Pin
The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the National Program Portfolio, or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the Council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members.
Bernadette Amalla, Service Unit 360, Troop 946
Bernadette became a volunteer with Troop 946, a multi-level troop, five years ago when she registered her daughter as a Girl Scout Daisy. She has gotten more and more involved as a volunteer over the years and stepped up to be the leader of the Girl Scout Juniors in Troop 946 this year. She also holds the position of troop treasurer and coordinates the troop’s Fall Product Program and Cookie Program! She is known for being well organized with a calming demeanor. Bernadette is also very creative and adds dazzle to projects and badge work, such as using fun themes like Harry Potter!
Kesha
Angus,
Service Unit 330, Troop 81
Kesha is a “can do” volunteer. She stepped up to be a leader with Troop 81, as well as serving as the troop’s cookie coordinator. She was eager to learn all about troop finances and met with the service unit’s finance coordinator to do some one-on-one trainings to ensure the troop finances she took over were in order. Kesha also volunteered at nearly every troop cookie booth and worked tirelessly to ensure every girl had a successful experience. She is dedicated to quality program no matter what the activity, and she plans months in advance when it comes to badge and patch work.
Tom
Archambeau,
Service Unit 330, Troop 2515
When you ask Tom what role he serves in Girl Scouts, he’ll tell you he is a Girl Scout dad, first and foremost. However, he is also a treasured volunteer in Troop 2515 who helps with product program and anything else he is asked to do; “no” is not in his vocabulary! His wife, Brooke, is a Fall Product and Cookie coordinator, and Tom supports her and the service unit with tasks, such as helping distribute resources at the service unit Cookie Rally and setting up for the service unit’s Me and My Guy Dance. Tom is a role model for all the dads and male caregivers of our Girl Scouts!
Leslie Atkins, Service Unit 350, Troop 553
As a service unit coordinator, Leslie used her communication talents to develop new strategies to welcome and onboard new volunteers this year. She makes sure all new volunteers have a mentor and has extended her support to attending troop parent meetings, assisting with the dissemination of information and recruiting troop helpers. Her actions have resulted in a successful year for many volunteers who plan to return. New and seasoned volunteers appreciate her well-planned monthly information sessions. She has supported the service unit as a troop leader, delegate and event planner, organizing and carrying out activities such as the highly successful swim assessment event!
Elizabeth Burtner, Service Unit 110, Troop 1260
Liz is a giving volunteer who is a valuable member of the service team. She has shared her talents generously, such as being the art instructor for the service unit’s paint night and volunteering to help lead the service unit’s World Thinking Day event. She also gave a hand to the service unit’s fall and spring encampments held at Camp Skimino, where she provided the Girl Scouts Own Worship Service on Sunday. She is upbeat and a friend to all, and known for her amazing kindness.
Jessica Davenport, Service Unit 440, Troop 4039
Jessica helps lead Troop 4039 and embraces all things Girl Scouts, especially the value of inclusiveness. She describes her troop as a full tapestry of members from various backgrounds with a variety of interests. She ensures all members are encouraged to take on leadership and be part of decision-making. Jessica strongly believes in Girl Scout led program, so troop members are at the helm when it comes to choosing badge work and activities. With wonderful leadership, the troop has tripled in size over the past few years! In addition to working with youth in Girl Scouts, she helps other Girl Scout volunteers as a mentor and volunteers at her church to help with religious education and activities.
Ashley Heberling, Service Unit 330, Troop 994
Ashley has been a leader of Troop 994 for several years. This past year, she has extended her leadership skills to help plan and carry out service unit events, such as helping organize the holiday party and assisting with the holiday food drive. She maintains a positive attitude and is always uplifting to both the girls and adults she interacts with, and the activities she leads go beyond the basics. She is extremely innovative in fostering growth for Girl Scouts when it comes to using technology and incorporating all senses when completing activities. Ashley helped the girls make environmentallyfriendly window cleaner and air freshener, created digital mazes to enhance the coding badge, and makes learning fun so that the girls stay engaged and focused.
Volunteer of Excellence Pin
Stephanie Hogan, Service Unit 330, Troop 510
Stephanie is a dependable and valued member of Troop 510 She attends all meetings and is prepared to jump in and do activities with troop members. She also accompanies the troop on outings and to events, even when her daughter is not participating. She stepped up this year to be the troop’s cookie coordinator. In that role, she helped unload the troop’s U-Haul with almost 700 cases of Girl Scout Cookies! She then helped sort the orders, get them to the caregivers’ cars, and helped prepare the orders for multiple booths. With her support, over ten thousand boxes of Girl Scout Cookies passed from the hands of thirty Girl Scouts to customers!
Susan
Hogge,
Service Unit 230, Troop 648
As a lifetime Girl Scout member who has spent years volunteering, Susan has impacted many girls’ lives through her service. In the past, she took a group of Girl Scout Daisies and helped them finish Girl Scouting as Girl Scout Ambassadors. Now she is a leader with Girl Scout Brownie Troop 648. Her vast knowledge and dedication to quality Girl Scout program is greatly appreciated by girls, caretakers and other volunteers. It was wonderful to have a seasoned volunteer at the helm for this troop’s first cookie season! Her kindness and patience is widely recognized within the service unit.
Ashley Holloman, Service Unit 330, Troop 137
Ashley is a leader with Troop 137 and is known for being very patient when working with the younger members of the troop. She guides even the youngest Girl Scout through activities, ensuring they come out of the experience feeling self-confident. The girls are always excited to work with “Troop Leader Ash.” Since day one, she has volunteered with a smile and positive attitude, making the Girl Scout experience a pleasure for both girls and adults. She has also fostered a creative environment where girls feel free to explore and try new things. They loved working on the Dancer badge where every girl was asked to put a different piece of the choreography together for the performance. Her goal is always to give girls self-confidence in what they do in Girl Scouts, so they can take that with them when they walk out the door. She also encourages adults to volunteer and explore new skills. She has truly helped build a troop family.
VOE
Volunteer of Excellence Pin
Kimberly Hudson, Service Unit 330, Troop 772
Starting in 2016 when her daughter joined Girl Scouts as a Daisy, Kimberly has been an active volunteer with Troop 772. She has served as cookie coordinator, treasurer, and co-leader. While there have been some changes over the years, with some Girl Scouts leaving and new ones joining, Kimberly has been a dependable, constant force within the troop. This past year, her work has doubled due to the size of the troop doubling! She gladly took on extra responsibility and offered help with events, such as the Me and My Guy Dance.
Melissa Jimenez, Service Unit 120, Troop 1391
Melissa has been a true champion this year. She balances her obligation as service unit recruiter and juggles a lot of girls in her troop. She manages to engage the girls in unique programs and have their parents involved throughout the year. She also hosted an exciting roller skating party for our entire service unit to attend. Melissa embodies sisterhood and friendship. If you ever get the opportunity to work with her, you’ll find that she always has a positive outlook and great attitude. She’s one amazing volunteer.
Charmaine Johnson, Service Unit 210, Troop 216
When asked for volunteers to help with the troop, Charmaine was the first one to raise her hand and do it with a smile. That was two years ago. Troop 216 and the service unit have both greatly benefited from her service. She used her creativity this year to host a Girl Scout Birthday celebration for the service unit. She helps keep girls and adults engaged with troop, service unit and Council-hosted events, such as prompting participation in the Cookie Program, chaperoning at GSCCC’s Legislative Day, and encouraging collections for the 2024 Care Packages for the USO.
Aileen Joyner, Service Unit 210, Troop 216
Aileen is a volunteer who values community service. She serves as a role model to the girls and adults in Troop 216 and in the service unit. This past year, she spearheaded the Stockings for the Salvation Army service project. She is friendly and helpful and always willing to share her talents. When troop members wanted to learn more about volleyball, Aileen made time to teach them. She also encourages girls to take skills they have gained and pass them on, such as teaching other Girl Scouts in the service unit about volleyball or another skill they learned.
Kathleen MacCord, Service Unit 360, Troop 5292
Kathleen’s unwavering enthusiasm and positive attitude inspires girls and adults in the troop she leads, Troop 5292, and in the service unit. She is a mentor who shows others what it means to be a Girl Scout of courage, confidence, and character. Whether leading engaging meetings, organizing meaningful community service projects, or simply lending a listening ear, Kathleen does it using values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. She is well organized and always ready to give a helping hand. As a Master Gardener, she shares her knowledge and has led a Girl Scout tree planting project at Sleepy Hole Park. Thanks to her, Girl Scouts in the service unit took action as part of the Girl Scout Tree Promise campaign.
Ryann Macluskie, Service Unit 120, Troop 1539
Ryann has been a leader in Troop 1539 for five years and has done the job phenomenally. She is creative and is known for her sense of humor, engaging the girls in various ways to stimulate their own creativity. She encourages troop members to present badge work to their peers, so that they grow their communication skills and confidence levels. She is also a strong supporter of diversity and Girl Scouts’ multi-cultural patch program. For example, during their service unit encampment, she planned levelappropriate scavenger hunts for the participating Girl Scouts with fun and challenging activities to teach them about being more inclusive.
Victoria Meekins, Service Unit 440, Troop 4039
Victoria has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Girl Scouts of Troop 4039. She is passionate about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and the development of youth within Girl Scouts. She encourages participation in service unit and community events, such as World Thinking Day and Earth Day celebrations. Because of her strong leadership, the troop has raised funds through product programs that allow for quality activities, including a fantastic end-of-year travel experience! Thanks to Victoria, more Girl Scouts are engaged with a program that is well-rounded and full of fun and friendship!
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~Helen Keller
VOE continued
Volunteer of Excellence Pin
Susan Moore, Service Unit 330, Troop 137
Sue leads Girl Scout Juniors in Troop 137, a multi-level troop. She also helps lead special events for the service unit and has used her creativity for event program, such as designing and leading a scavenger hunt for the annual encampment. She also created bears which she awarded Girl Scouts caught “living the law” during the encampment. Sue shows excellence as a volunteer on a regular basis and encourages girls to look for ways to accomplish their goals outside of troop meetings. To help them make this happen, Sue is always available and ready to help girls identify the tools they need to succeed.
Vicki O’Neill, Service Unit 120, Troop 1041
Vicki has been a valuable Girl Scout volunteer for many years. She is always ready to help out and to ensure Girl Scouting is delivered in a safe environment. For example, she provided essential CPR/First Aid training for troop leaders and other adult volunteers. This year, she sponsored and led the service unit’s Paint Night event, the most popular program the service unit has sponsored! Vicki always inserts her creative talents in everything she is part of. She has the ability to think outside of the box and find unique opportunities for girls such as ways to give back to the community. Vicki is a friendly and helpful spirit to all that she meets and a promoter of Girl Scouts.
Sherryreed Robinson, Service Unit 420, Troop 333
Sherryreed has demonstrated outstanding leadership as a troop leader and within her service unit. Those who know her are well aware of her continuous efforts to achieve success for herself and those she leads. She is prepared to go the extra mile so everyone gets to the finish line! Sherryreed is always helpful and provides timely answers to the seemingly endless questions that come in from parents and troop members, and she provides answers with warmth and smiles! Everyone leaves troop meetings and activities feeling confident that their individual needs were met. She also handles all the financial paperwork along with other records, diligently ensuring reports are accurate and recorded in a timely manner. Sherryreed is a mentor for troop members, other Girl Scouts, and anyone who is looking for guidance on leadership.
Volunteer of Excellence Pin
Daniel Rowland, Service Unit 330, Troop 137
A volunteer with Troop 137, Daniel is a great asset when it comes to badge work. He readily shares his knowledge and skills. As a police officer, he led safety discussions and lessons with various age groups in the multi-level troop to help girls of all ages earn safety badges. He added a lot of fun activities, such as getting a glimpse into his police car and the technology it uses. Daniel has also shared his love for the outdoors, and skills such as canoeing and camping. He is looking forward to becoming an outdoor facilitator.
Cherish Timmons, Service Unit 120, Troop 1026
Cherish has been a committed and successful Fall Product and Cookie Program Coordinator for several years. She is well organized and dedicated to GSCCC and to Troop Leaders in Hampton. Cherish is also a cookie cupboard but she is beyond helpful with more than just cookies. She lends her time to help leaders who are new to Girl Scouts and its policies. She is passionate about the mission of Girl Scouts and is a very proud member.
Tiffany Tonnesen, Service Unit 330, Troop 2515
Tiffany has contributed countless hours and talents to Troop 2515 as one of the troop’s leaders. She also serves as the troop’s product program coordinator, assisting all girls and parents with planning and carrying out their entrepreneurship efforts, including being present at booth sales. In addition, she wears the hat of troop program consultant and leads activities for Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies. Tiffany focuses on being inclusive and planning for girls with all types of abilities. Her actions in this regard have helped this troop grow and thrive. She connects badge work based on abilities to real life situations, which helps keep girls extremely engaged.
Tomira Viviano, Service Unit 420, Troop 333
Tomira is known as an outstanding troop leader who will go beyond expectations when working with Girl Scouts on badges, Journeys and other awards. As one who leads a multi-level troop, she is a great planner and organizer, leading activities that run smoothly for all involved. She also supplies activity materials! Tomira makes sure that everyone is part of the decision-making and informed. As someone who strongly believes in making the world a better place, she encourages others to think of ways they can make a difference and explores options with the members of the troop.
Deirdre Wells, Service Unit 120, Troop 1539
Saying yes to give a helping hand is the norm for Deirdre. She said yes to troop leadership, and this past year she said yes to mentorship of new leaders. She is a natural teacher and one who people learn from with ease. She is also a very organized person and has the ability to coordinate events seemingly effortlessly. This past year, Deirdre came to the rescue and shared her skills on several occasions. She led and served as coordinator for the service unit’s spring encampment. With Troop 1539, a troop she leads, she created an excellent outdoor adventure for all age-level girls who attended. In addition to her many skills, she is very thoughtful and always strives to be inclusive.
Rebecca Wiley, Service Unit 330, Troop 137
Rebecca has been a dedicated Girl Scout volunteer spanning two generations. She was a troop leader when her daughter was a Girl Scout during her youth years, and now, as a grandparent, Rebecca is a volunteer helping lead Girl Scout Brownies in Troop 137. She has endless resources at her fingertips that include fun songs and activities. No Girl Scout is ever bored when Rebecca is around! In addition, she is always helping the girls, through fun ways, learn the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
~Rosalynn Carter
Girl Scout Appreciation Pin
This pin recognizes a registered adult Girl Scout’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This service, which has had a measurable impact on one geographic area, helps reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of that area.
Melissa Copeland, Service Unit 430, Troop 1607
Melissa is a volunteer who serves in several roles. She was the coordinator for Service Unit 430 as well as product programs. She championed recruitment and placement in the service unit. Thanks to Melissa, Girl Scouts has been represented at many community events such as Camden Heritage Festival and Coast Guard Day. With her years of experience, she has been vital in onboarding new volunteers. She encouraged all to attend service unit meetings by holding monthly drawings and giving out gifts she supplied! She also ensured that there are multiple opportunities for the Girl Scouts in the service unit.
Gary Coverston, Service Unit 120, Troop 5098
Gary is a real asset to Service Unit 120 and has served as the finance coordinator for many years. He has stayed loyal and committed to the mission while providing the best experiences for the Girl Scouts within the service unit. He is a great team player and will be the first to share ideas. Gary is mindful to be fair when it comes to program budgeting with an eye on protecting future expenditures. He is very approachable and keeps conversations cordial, engaging and lighthearted. His attitude helps make budgeting less stressful! As someone who knows spreadsheets, Gary is a person who can “balance” his volunteer responsibilities very well!
Nancy Finn, Service Unit 140, Lifetime Member
Nancy has been a volunteer for nearly two decades. She holds the positions of cookie coordinator and Individually Registered Girl Scout coordinator for the service unit. Her friendly and helpful attitude during cookie season is appreciated by all. She has the ability to make everyone seem as though their needs are top priority and focuses on customer satisfaction. She is knowledgeable about the cookie products, helps teach booth etiquette to both girls and adults, and steps in to sort out any conflicts when they arise, using her wonderful mediation skills! The needs of our Girl Scouts always come first with Nancy.
Girl Scout Appreciation Pin
Gayle Grubbs, Service Unit 440, Troop 2109
Gayle has been a troop leader for over 30 years! She has led many troops of all ages and has had an impact on so many lives. Gayle is described by fellow volunteers as friendly, someone who has never met a stranger and makes everyone feel at home within Girl Scouting. Gayle also serves as a service unit outdoor activities coordinator, helping plan, organize and carry out encampments, skills days, and working countless hours to make sure each event is safe and memorable for all. In addition, over the past two years she has organized the service unit’s Father/Daughter dance and participation in the local Christmas parade. Gayle is a go-getter who extends her volunteering outside of Girl Scouts as well to make the world a better place. A true ambassador for Girl Scouting!
Laura Hart, Service Unit 240, Troop 679
Laura makes sure Girl Scouts in her troop have a well-rounded program with encouragement to keep their experience girl-led. She empowers girls to make their own decisions and choices for badge work and supports their choices in program. Laura has been available for camping trips and outdoor activities, encouraged trip planning and participation, offered virtual meetings and activities, and supported community service projects such as working with the girls to survey their neighborhoods on environmental issues as part of a partnership they developed with the Lynnhaven River Project. The project resulted in the permanent addition of environmental labels on storm drains. She has shared her love of gardening and developing green spaces as well. Laura is a true example of the Girl Scout way of “learning by doing.”
Betrice (Bea) Hovey, Service Unit 230, Troop 231
Bea is an avid supporter of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). She enjoys providing program that supports the GSLE. For example, she provided a program about bees for several troops at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market and walked the girls through the learning garden there. She has been instrumental in setting up at least two Girl Scout Tree Promise programs with the help of her Norfolk Master Gardener friends at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach. She is also a GSCCC outdoor facilitator and has provided basic troop camping training to volunteers. Bea is always willing to learn and take on more for Girl Scouts. She recently completed the training to become an Axe Throwing facilitator so more adults can be trained to offer that exciting program to girls. Bea is a tremendous asset to our Girl Scout community!
Girl Scout Appreciation Pin
Alyson Pendyk, Service Unit 230, Troop 648
Alyson loves to travel and believes that offering traveling opportunities in Girl Scouting is very important. Traveling gives Girl Scouts a chance to develop decision-making skills, work collaboratively with their peers and adults, and build up the confidence to take on more advanced travel opportunities and challenges in life. As a volunteer who has served as a chaperone on three Girl Scout Destination trips, she has helped others understand how travel can be life changing. Her experience and ability in working with youth in all types of circumstances has been invaluable. No matter what the circumstance, a canceled flight or homesickness, she has been there for our young travelers!
Amy Raydo, Service Unit 140, Service Unit Program Consultant
Amy is Girl Scout strong. She is known to be a steadfast supporter of team work in the service unit. While her volunteer role as program consultant and coordinator of the individual girl member services is demanding, she is never unavailable or impatient. She always makes time for those who seek out her help or have questions. In addition, she is an archery facilitator and helps girls and adults understand safety guidelines and protocols. A person who can juggle several things and do it well — that describes Amy!
Hailey Smith, Service Unit 220, Lifetime Member
Hailey has always loved Girl Scouting, spending many of her youth years in the program. She has volunteered at Council events and most recently stepped into a leadership role when a leader was unable to fulfil the commitment. Hailey became a chaperone on a Council travel event, the England, Ireland, and Wales Destination during 2023. As a registered nurse, she provided assurance that the health and welfare of the travelers were one of the top priorities for adults involved. Hailey’s organization skills were also appreciated. She prepared a master list of travelers and their medical needs as well as a medication schedule for a group that included 30 Girl Scouts from 22 different councils. As a young adult and Girl Scout alum who had travel experience, she was an instant role model for participants!
“Volunteers wear working boots but leave a trail of angel footprints.” ~Author Unknown
Girl Scout Appreciation Pin
Kaye Vickerman, Service Unit 140, Troop 4261
Kaye has served in numerous Volunteer Service Team positions since becoming a Girl Scout troop leader approximately eight years ago. She has served as a Service Unit Delegate, service unit Fall Product Coordinator, and will be taking on the position of service unit Coordinator for the 2024 -2025 Girl Scouting year. This year, she has led our service unit to one of our most profitable Fall Product programs ever. Kaye’s dedication to our service unit and Girl Scouts goes unmatched. She takes her position as Volunteer Service Team member seriously and is always knowledgeable about protocols and procedures. She has also served the service unit alongside her troop by hosting events like holiday parties. Their service unit would not be as active or a successful support system for our leaders without Kaye.
Melinda Willis, Service Unit 330, Troop 53
Melinda has been an integral part of Service Unit 330’s Volunteer Support Team for several years. She always makes herself available to troop leaders and helps resolve issues before they become a problem. She has assisted with reorganizing troops and giving extra guidance and support through the process. She also worked tirelessly this year as treasurer, helping leaders “fix” their mid-year financials and educating them on the proper way to complete them, ensuring the girls’ money was being spent and allocated appropriately. Her creativity goes beyond volunteer management; Melinda has developed a fun patch program to recognize girls in the service unit who demonstrate that they are living the Girl Scout Promise and Law. She has also planned and co-led several service unit events, including a Gingerbread House contest as part of the holiday party, their encampment, and the service unit’s 2024 Cookie Rally. Melinda is a volunteer with many talents and skills whose role in the service unit is priceless!
Linsey
Wyne,
Service Unit 330, Troop 772
In addition to serving as the leader of Troop 772, a multi-level troop, Linsey is an outstanding member of the service unit’s volunteer support team and takes the lead on several projects. When the service unit was able to schedule an encampment after COVID, she stepped up to coordinate the large event. Recently, she and her troop planned the service unit’s annual Me and My Guy Dance and made it a truly girl-led experience. From the theme and food choices to the decorations, all were choices made by girls — including the event budgeting! She is a true role model of the girl-led experience that Girl Scouting promotes. Families and volunteers are comforted knowing that she is at the helm! Linsey is always willing to serve more girls; over the past two years, her troop has grown from a single level troop to a large multi-level troop and they remain busy going on frequent trips and attending events. Her dedication as a leader in and out of Girl Scouting is obvious and much appreciated.
Girl Scout Honor Pin
The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience; this support has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service to reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the council.
Denise Mann, Service Unit 440, Lifetime Member
Denise has been a volunteer for many years and currently leads Service Unit 440 as the coordinator. Volunteers in her service unit know that Denise is always there for them, available through emails, texts and phone calls to answer any questions or concerns they may have. New volunteers, especially, love her enthusiasm and patience as she mentors them to successfully managing their troops. She has extensive knowledge in many areas of Girl Scouting and is a community ambassador, known as “the Girl Scout lady” in the Outer Banks! While kind and understanding, she also takes seriously her responsibility within the service unit and ensures everyone is following guidelines. Her mentorship and leadership extends to stepping in whenever a troop needs special attention and help. Denise often goes out of her way to make sure our troop, girls, and caregivers receive every opportunity and are able to participate as much as possible.
Amy Meredith, Service Unit 440, Troop 2603
Amy is a longtime Girl Scout who has volunteered as a troop leader several times, leading Girl Scouts from Daisies to Ambassadors. At one time she helped lead a multi-level troop. Currently, she helps mentor other volunteers. She attends service unit meetings and is ready to answer questions and help new volunteers navigate their first experiences. For example, when a volunteer decided to go from a single grade troop to a multi-level troop, Amy helped give pointers and tips. She also steps up to give a hand when the service unit needs a position filled, such as serving as the adult awards coordinator. She also accepts extra responsibilities such as leading the service unit’s rededication ceremony and organizing a holiday collection from the troops for social services. Thanks to Amy, many families in need received trees, ornaments and gifts. Other events she has helped with include the service unit’s bingo event, an ice cream social, skills day, and fall recruitments. She has a great heart for Girl Scouts!
“Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Thanks Badge
The Thanks Badge honors individual, active, registered adult Girl Scouts whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission delivery goals and priorities of the council or the Girl Scout movement.
Jen Daniels, Service Unit 230, Troop 648
Jen is an adventurer. She loves all things in Girl Scouts, especially travel. Starting as a chaperone on a trip with her daughter in 2014, she has continued with GSCCC’s travel program and has marked ten years as a travel chaperone and leader. She has helped lead many trips with Girl Scout Destinations to places such as Costa Rica, England, Ireland, France and Italy. Her organization and communication skills have been invaluable on each and every trip she has been part of. From mediating conflicts to helping girls cheerfully try new things, she has been essential to our international travels. Last year when the travel coordinator fell ill and was unable to lead a trip already scheduled, Jen stepped up to take the lead to ensure the trip would go as planned. It did. However, a huge storm grounded travelers in New York upon arriving back in the U.S. and there were multiple calls and arrangements that had to be made. She did an excellent job meeting the demand! Jen also fulfills her responsibilities of meeting deadlines necessary for trips to happen and helping with a lot of pre-trip details. Travel program cannot happen without adults like Jen who are willing to step up to this type of responsibility.
“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Juliette Gordon Low Society
In March 1912, Juliette Gordon Low gathered just a few girls to begin Girl Scouts. Juliette’s outstanding leadership was matched by her stewardship when she converted the carriage house of her home into the first Girl Scout national headquarters, and she gifted the property to Girl Scouts in her will. Juliette’s bequest was the beginning of planned giving to Girl Scouts. In memory, the Juliette Gordon Low Society was established to thank and honor friends of Girl Scouting who choose to make Girl Scouts part of their legacies and a beneficiary of their estate plans.
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Juliette Gordon Low Society Members:
Anonymous (3)
Carolyn Abron-McCadden
Deborah Amatulli
Erik and Eva Andersen
Girl Scout Movement-wide Challenge
Planned Gift
Dianne Belk and Lawrence Calder
Girl Scout Movement-wide Challenge
Planned Gift
JoAn Berry
Melissa Burroughs
Sarah Delaney Butt
Norman Cox
Amy Coyne
Dina Crewe
Lila Davis
Thomas and Regina Duffy
Sandra Deloatch (D)
Luis Estrada
Claudia Flowers
Denise Frey
Kate Godby
Carolene Goodwyn-Harris
Jean Hodges (D)
Amanda Howie
Tricia Hudson
Amy Ledford
Helen Kattwinkel (D)
Dan and Tracy Keller
Elizabeth Kessler
Sonia Kessler
Andrea Kinnear
Lu Ann Klevecz
Lorraine Lees and William Rodner
Anna Lee Liverman (D)
Eileen Livick
Cheryle Thorne-Harris
Dale McClure
Cheryl McGrenra
Ashley McLeod
Susan Meek
Michael Mendelsohn
Jennifer Moose
Stacy Nixon
Camile Peter
Brad and Carolyn Pittman
Amy Reineri
Jann Schultz
Rich and Sunny Smith
Keith Snyder
Ericka Spratley
Nancy Staples
Tesi Strickland
Michael and Sally Swanson
Scott Taylor
Toni Taylor
Mary Ann Thomas
Barbara Tierney
Zachariah and Anna Goode Turner (D)
Deborah Verhofstadt
Dr. Melissa Warfield (D)
Nancy Welch
Barbara Wild (D)
Claire Winiarek
Beth Yates
(Deceased)
Adult Facilitators
Mara Bates
JoAn Berry
Melissa Copeland
Darrel Fann
Catherine Fox
Edwina Gonzalez
Erika Grasse
Christine Holmes
Bea Hovey
Linda Linke
Nicole Lonerson
Cheryl McGrenra
Lisa Mease
Shawn Mease
DeLevay Miner
Susan Ramsland
Georgie Raymond
Christine “Mei” Stukes
Bonita Taylor
Deborah Trate
Elizabeth White
Lindsey Gibson
Stephanie Waggoner
Because you said yes...
... a young girl will feel the pride of being someone special as she carefully puts on her uniform for the very first time
... a girl can move to a new town and have “instant friendships” with girls she might never have met
... parents will experience that special pride when they listen to their daughter say the Girl Scout Promise for the first time
... bright eyes will become a little brighter with excitement as the kindling finally catches on the first campfire
... nervous giggles will emit from tents as girls try to fall asleep their first night of camp
... the community, and the world will be richer because a girl has learned the importance of caring for her environment, and the warm feeling that comes from giving service to someone less fortunate than herself
... a parent will find a gold trefoil carefully tucked away in a drawer as their daughter packs to leave home for her first adventures as a young adult
... a young women will contact Girl Scouts one day and say, “I had so much fun when I was a Girl Scout, I’d like to try being a leader”
And the circle will continue because you said yes!
