In This Issue:
p3 – 2025 LOU Women of Distinction Luncheon
p4 – 2025 Trefoils & Trailblazers Luncheon
p6 - 2026 Volunteer Leadership Summit Events
Recap and 2024-2025 GSUSA & GSHS
Adult Award Recipients
p9 – Upcoming Program Opportunities
p10 – 2026 Cookie Program Resources
p12 – 2026 Summer Camp Session Line-up
p14 - Council Program Highlights
p18 – Troop Tales
…and MORE!
Cover Photo: Girl Scouts enjoy suiting up and getting to experience what it's like to be a real firefighter at HERo Day with the Memphis Fire Department! Find out more about this inspiring annual event on page 17! 4 14 6
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, GSHS was proud to host our annual Women of Distinction Luncheon to honor outstanding women in the Lafayette-Oxford-University area. This year's distinguished nominees included Marilyn Barnes, AVID Director and Gifted Coordinator, Oxford School District; Reatha Clark, Healthcare Consultant and Executive Coach; Mary Martha Crowe, Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education, Oxford School District & Alderman At-Large, City of Oxford; Diana Richardson, Senior Principal, Technical Product Management, Cotality; Sarah Siebert, Teacher, UM Willie Price Lab School, and Erin Smith, Executive Director, CASA of North Mississippi.
The event was graciously emceed again this year by longtime LOU-Area Women of Distinction committee member and former Women of Distinction nominee Katie Naron, and after an encouraging and empowering message from keynote speaker Oxford, MS Mayor Robyn Tannehill (also a former Women of Distinction nominee), Mary Martha Crowe was named the 2025 LOU Woman of Distinction.
You can learn more about Mary Martha and all of our amazing 2025 Women of Distinction Nominees by viewing the Event Program found HERE.
Thank you to all of these wonderful women for their unwavering commitment to service and to their community. Congratulations, everyone!
Thank you to our event sponsors.
Marilyn Barnes
Reatha Clark
Mary Martha Crowe
Diana Richardson
Sarah Siebert
Erin Smith
Mayor Robyn Tannehill
GSHS CEO Venus Chaney and OxfordArea Girl Scouts who presented the Flag Ceremony during the event.
Venus Chaney and Robyn Tanehill
2025 LOU-Women of Distinction Nominees
Mary Martha Crowe, 2025 LOU-Woman of Distinction Honoree
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Girl Scouts Heart of the South hosted our inaugural Trefoils & Trailblazers Luncheon. Held in the Goldsmith Room at the Memphis Botanic Garden, the Trefoils & Trailblazers Luncheon highlighted the transformative impact Girl Scouting has on girls’ lives and recognized those who illuminate the path for them to lead with courage, confidence, and character.
After a warm welcome from GSHS CEO, Venus Chaney, and GSHS Board 2nd Vice Chair, Reagan TaylorFondren, our event emcee, 2021 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship Recipient and GSHS Cookie Super Seller, Caitlin Archibald, invited members of Troop 10034 to present the Flag Ceremony and lead the audience in reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Afterwards she introduced keynote speaker, author and Gold Award Girl Scout, Erika J. Kendrick. Erika thoroughly inspired the crowd with her deeply personal message of courage and resilience, fueled by her years in Girl Scouts. After her moving speech, Venus presented her with the 2025 Trailblazer Award.
Venus then presented the 2025 Courage Award to the Memphis Fire Department for their continued support of HERo Day where girls experience careers in emergency services and learn what it's like to be a firefighter. The 2025 Confidence Award was given to AutoZone for their sponsorship of our annual Totally Trefoil expo where representatives from many of our Community Partner organizations offer activities that are the building-blocks to career-building trades and STEM careers. The 2025 Character Award was then presented to Vitalant for their "Girl Power: Saving Lives
Through the Science of Blood Donation" program which encourages girls to be real-life superheroes! Venus closed out the awards presentation by honoring GSHS Volunteer, Yolanda Bonner, with the 2025 Promise Award for her unwavering dedication to Girl Scouts and to our mission.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to bid on exciting items during the silent auction and each audience member was presented with a full box of the new Exploremores™ cookies to get them excited for 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program! The event closed with Venus, Caitlin, and the members of Troop 10035 encouraging the audience to consider being a S.P.A.R.K.Supporters Providing Access, Resources and Knowledge - and helping us to be able to sponsor more Community Troops and provide those girls with enriching STEAM experiences that make a real difference in girls’ lives. Learn more about this amazing event and how you can be a S.P.A.R.K. by viewing the event program found HERE.
Special thanks to our Trailblazer (Presenting) Sponsor FedEx, Innovator Sponsor Little Brownie Bakers, and Inspirer Sponsors Adams Keegan, Arkansas State University-Mid-South, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, Huey’s Restaurants, Lori Patton, Midsouth Solutions, Simmons Bank, Watkins Uiberall, LLC, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, and Younger & Associates. Thank you all for lighting the way for girls and for helping us celebrate trailblazing leaders—past, present, and future—who are making a difference and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
Erika Kendrick addresses the audience at the 2025 Trefoils & Trailblazers Luncheon
GSHS CEO Venus Chaney and Keisha Walker of Vitalant, recipient of the 2025 Character Award
Erika Kendrick signs copies of her books for members of Troop 10034
GSHS CEO Venus Chaney and Yolanda Bonner, recipient of the 2025 Promise Award
GSHS CEO Venus Chaney and event emcee, 2021 Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient, Caitlin Archibald
GSHS CEO Venus Chaney and (l) Amanda Bowen, Battalion Chief of EMS Training, and (r) Qwanesha Ward, Public Information Officer, of the Memphis Fire Department, recipient of the 2025 Courage Award
Erika Kendrick and members of Troop 10034
GSHS CEO Venus Chaney and Elle Lawhead, Director of Merchandising at AutoZone, recipient of the 2025 Confidence Award
Girl Scouts Heart of the South is committed to providing exceptional training and support for our hundreds of volunteers throughout our council region. To achieve this, each year, GSHS holds our Volunteer Leadership Summit events where GSHS volunteers, board members and staff gather to learn, lunch and live the ideal that Volunteering is a Work of Heart!
In addition to fun and fellowship over lunch, attendees enjoy a jam-packed day of learning and laughter. Each year, participants are given the option of several breakout sessions to attend in order to inspire and prepare them for the year ahead!
The events culminate with the annual Volunteer Recognition ceremony where volunteers, troops and service units from across each region are recognized for excellence in their participation in and service to Girl Scouts during the previous membership year. We invite
you to learn more about our 2024-2025 outstanding honorees on the opposite page!
Each year, the goal of the Volunteer Leadership Summit is not only to recognize volunteers for the fantastic work they do in our communities, but also to help them feel more educated, excited, and energized about participating in Girl Scouts. We are always excited to see everyone leaving with a smile on their face, invigorated and inspired for the new membership year to come!
Thank you again to our wonderful volunteers who give of their time and talents to help make Girl Scouts HAPPEN! Without volunteers, there would be no Girl Scouts, and we are grateful to all of you who continue to support our girls and our mission. YOU are making the world a better place by doing what you do! Thank you! Thanks again to everyone who attended! We can’t wait to see you at next year's events!
2024-2025
YEARS OF SERVICE PINS
5 YEARS
Holly Gray
Kristy Isom-James
Shelby Monroe
Tara Reyes
10 YEARS
Janessa Braswell
Tammy Long
Highest Per Girl Average – Service Unit Level
SU 169 ~ Downtown
Highest Sales Increase – Service Unit Level
SU 422 ~ Dyer/Lake
Highest Online Sales – Service Unit Level
SU 175 ~ Collierville/South Fayette
Highest Online Sales – Troop Level
Troop 10613 ~ SU 171
TN North Suburban
Fall Product Program Troop-to-Troop Troop 20381 ~ SU 239 Lee
SERVICE UNIT LEVEL
April Cardenas ~ SU 239
Heather Ciaramitaro ~ SU 181
Becky Joyner ~ SU 178
Connie Lesley ~ SU 240
Love Mason ~ SU 238
Deborah Mitchell ~ SU 240
Julia Underwood ~ SU 178
TROOP LEVEL
Meredith Brasfield ~ Troop 13912
Juanita Childress ~ Troop 10258
Shana Clesson ~ Troop 40212
Amanda Coke-Beaty ~ Troop 10613
Deona Davis ~ Troop 10258
Leigh Ann Eaton ~ Troop 20197
Holly Gray ~ Troop 23159
Skye Haggerty ~ Troops 13602/13607
Sara Moore ~ Troop 10739
Donna Neal ~ Troop 10602
Tara Reyes ~ Troop 10613
Charla Sparks ~ Troop 10380
Sonya Stone ~ Troop 50389
Joyce Watson ~ Troop 10380
Yolanda Bonner 25 YEARS
Angela Watson VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
Lorian Stewart
Adriann Wilson
Natalie Gilmore
Mary Beth Lasseter
Kathy Marsh
Brooke Yearwood
AWARDS
Highest Per Girl Average – Service Unit Level SU 179 ~ Crit-Ark
Highest Sales Increase – Service Unit Level SU 422 ~ Dyer/Lake
Highest Digital Cookie Sales – Service Unit Level
SU 178 ~ East Memphis
Highest Digital Cookie Sales – Troop Level Troop 13657 ~ SU 179 Crit-Ark
Cookie Program Troop-to-Troop Troop 10605 ~ SU 177 Midtown
Mikayla Boswell ~ Troop 20161
Claire Canale ~ Troop 10683
Amber Cornelius ~ Troop 10049
Emily Gannon ~ Troop 10613
Breauna Holley ~ Troop 20978
Sandra Johnson ~ Troop 43264
Misty Midkiff ~ Troop 40082
Denis Pounders ~ Troop 10634
901 POP
Petals of Purpose
Boys and Girls Club of Corinth
Higher Fitness Gym Lee Ann James
Memphis Rox Ripley Second
Baptist Church
Vitalant
Walls Public Library
Amanda Deason ~ SU 422
Zadie Dixon ~ SU 235
Helen Mackey ~ SU 239
Ashley Simpson ~ SU 424
Amanda Deason ~ SU 422
Ashley Simpson ~ SU 424
Mike Thompson & Anthony "Mo" Morrison
TROOPS
SU 239 Lee
Troop 20109 North Mississippi Area Troop 40212 West Tennessee Area Troop 50389 Greater Memphis Area
Angie Getz ~ SU 184
Throughout the summer, our GSHS Community Troops were "on fire" (figuratively…)! From bubbling lava experiments to stretchy, squishy SLIME and even DIY fireworks, our Summer STEAM nights brought science to life with hands-on fun and plenty of "oooohs" and "ahhhhs!"
Our Community Troop members have spent the fall reconnecting and being reintroduced to what it means to be a Girl Scout. They participated in activities centered around rediscovering the Girl Scout Promise & Law which helped girls reflect on the values that unite us. The girls also got creative and designed their own badge that represented who they are and what they love. This was a fun way to help them set personal goals for the year!
In October, they celebrated International Girls Day and explored their individual visions for the future. On October 27, our Trefoils & Trailblazers keynote speaker Erika Kendrick visited with Community Troop girls at both American Way Middle and Downtown Elementary in Memphis. She spoke to large assemblies of girls at both schools but met privately with Community Troop girls afterwards to chat with them and sign copies of her books, provided to each girl by the council.
The girls also learned all about Democracy and jumped into what the three branches of government looks like at their school: teacher, principal, and superintendent! In addition, they learned about first aid and hygiene by creating hygiene/first aid bags to take home.
Looking forward to 2026, girls are already getting excited about participating in the 2026 Cookie Program, exploring Space Science through hands-on activities that spark curiosity and imagination and learning about "My Great Day" - helping girls to build routines that inspire confidence and healthy daily habits!
Thank you for your continued support of GSHS Community Troops and our efforts to bring this life-changing and inspiring programming to more girls across our council. We can’t wait to explore, grow, and shine together—because when girls are empowered, amazing things happen.
2026 GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM QUICK LINKS
GSHS VOLUNTEER COOKIE RESOURCES WEBPAGE
GSHS 2026 TROOP COOKIE PROGRAM CALENDAR
GSHS 2026 SERVICE UNIT COOKIE PROGRAM CALENDAR
GSHS 2026 COOKIE PROGRAM FAMILY GUIDE
2026 COOKIE TRAINING SCHEDULE
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL SU & TROOP TRAININGS. PASSWORD FOR ALL TRAININGS: 2026Cookie
Cookies 101 - The Basics For New Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
Cookie Program Training For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
Cookie Program Training For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Sunday, December 14, 2025 - 3:00pm Click HERE to Register
SU Level eBudde Overview - Service Unit Service Unit Cookie Coordinator
Monday, December 15, 2025 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde - Starting Your Sale For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
GS PRODUCT PROGRAM POLICIES AND STANDARDS
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COOKIE ENTREPRENEUR PINS!
LITTLE BROWNIE BAKERS
The official website of our Girl Scout cookie baker - find girl activities and more here!
2026 COOKIE REWARD LINEUP
See all of the amazing rewards girls can earn by participating in the 2026 GS Cookie Program!
GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH
For everything you need to know about Girl Scouts - including the GS Cookie Programvisit www.girlscoutshs.org
DIGITAL COOKIE
Girl Scouts can set up their own personalized page, take payments, and ship cookies directly to their customers.
COOKIE RESOURCES
A Google Drive with additional resources for the 2026 Cookie Program are found here.
Monday, January 12, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde - Digital Cookie For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde - Entering Orders For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde - Booth Scheduler For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde - Cookie Delivery For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde Cupboard Training Cookie Cupboard Manager
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde - Allocating Cookies For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
eBudde - Finalizing Your Sale For Troop Leaders / Cookie Managers
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 6:30pm Click HERE to Register
WEAR YOUR Girl scout UNIFORMS TO YOUR COOKIE BOOTHS AND RECEIVE THIS FREE, FUN PATCH!
This Cookie Season, sell cookies in style and represent Girl Scouts with pride!
Much like our seasonal Wear Your Girl Scout Gear to School days, throughout Cookie Booth weekends in 2026, girls can earn a free, fun patch by wearing their Girl Scout Uniforms to their Cookie Booths (must be a vest, sash or tunic)!
Stay tuned!
More information - and how to enter - will hit member inboxes in January! NEW FOR 2026!
GET READY! CAMP REGISTRATION
OPENS AT 10:00 AM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026!
1: June 7-13, 2026
WEEK
Make New Friends at GSHS Summer Camp 2026!
Daring Daisies
June 7, 2026 2:00PM - June 9, 2026 2:00 PM
Members - $200 ◾ OOC - $275 ◾ Non-Members - $275
Adults - $75
Age Level: 1st* & Female Adults
Going into first grade? Interested in camp? Wanna give it a try but not ready to go alone? Grab your favorite female adult and come enjoy a two-night, three-day stay at camp!
Bold Brownies
June 10, 2026 2:00PM - June 12, 2026 2:00 PM
Members - $200 ◾ OOC - $275 ◾ Non-Members - $275
Adults - $75
Age Level: 2nd-3rd* & Female Adults
Are you excited about summer camp? Wanna give it a try but not ready to go alone? Grab your favorite female adult and come enjoy a two-night, three-day stay at camp!
Sampler 1
June 7, 2026 2:00PM - June 9, 2026 2:00 PM
Members - $200 ◾ OOC - $275 ◾ Non-Members-$275
Age Level: 2nd-3rd*
Want to go to camp? Not ready to spend a week away from home? Come enjoy this two-night, three-day stay at camp to get a sample of all the fun!!
Sampler 2
June 10, 2026 2:00PM- June 12, 2026 2:00 PM
Members - $200 ◾ OOC - $275 ◾ Non-Members - $275
Age Level: 4th-6th*
Going into fourth through sixth grade? Wanting to come to camp but not for a whole week? Then this two-night, three-day stay at camp is perfect for you!
Frolicking Foals 1
June 7, 2026 2:00PM - June 9, 2026 2:00 PM
Members - $250 ◾ OOC - $325 ◾ Non-Members - $325
Age Levels: 4th-5th*
If you are new, not sure, or just want to give horseback riding a try, then this unit is for you! Enjoy a two-night, three-day stay at camp.
Frolicking Foals 2
June 10, 2026 2:00PM - June 12, 2026 2:00 PM
Members - $250 ◾ OOC - $325 ◾ Non-Members - $325
Age Levels: 6th-8th*
Cowgirl Up!
June 7, 2026 2:00PM - June 12, 2026 2:00 PM
If you are new, not sure, or just want to give horseback riding a try, then this unit is for you! Enjoy a two-night, three-day stay at camp.
Members - $500 ◾ OOC - $575 ◾ Non-Members - $575
Age Levels: 4th-5th*
Love horses? Wanna ride? Then Cowgirl Up! and join us at camp!
Counselor-In-Training I
June 7th, 2026 10:00AM - July 3rd, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $500 ◾ OOC - $575 ◾ Non-Members - $575
Age Levels: 11th-12th*
Are you an older girl looking to move into a leadership role? The CIT I training program is excellent for older girls who are ready to expand their leadership skills!
Counselor-In-Training II
June 7th, 2026 10:00AM - July 3rd, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $0 ◾ Non-Members - $0
Age Level: 12th*
You've completed CIT I, now it's time to graduate by completing your CIT II training!
2026 GSHS Camp T-Shirt Design Contest
Calling All Creative Girl Scouts!
We know you can't wait to get started planning your summer camp adventure, so here's a sneak peek at our session line-up for GSHS Resident Camp 2026! YOUR DESIGN (COULD BE) HERE!
Get ready to paint, doodle, sketch, and shine! We want YOU to bring our camp "Make New Friends" theme to life! Whatever “Make New Friends” means to you, turn it into a t-shirt design that the whole camp can wear proudly!
Winner gets bragging rights and their design on our official 2026 camp tee! Grab your markers, your imagination, and your best camp spirit… Let’s make some new friends—and an unforgettable t-shirt!
More information and official contest rules COMING SOON!
WEEK 2:
June 14-19, 2026
Fairy Friends
June 14, 2026 2:00 PM - June 19, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $400 ◾ OOC - $475 ◾ Non-Members - $475
Age Levels: 1st-3rd*
Come learn about the Fairies that call Camp Tik-A-Witha home, make wings, and do so much more at this magical summer camp session.
All of Camp's a Stage
June 14, 2026 2:00 PM - June 19, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $400 ◾ OOC - $475 ◾ Non-Members - $475
Age Levels: 4th-6th*
Come learn how all of camp can be a stage at this theatreinspired session.
Hoofprints
June 14, 2026 2:00 PM - June 19, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $500 ◾ OOC - $575 ◾ Non-Members - $575
Age Levels: 6th-8th*
Alright now! Come make some tracks and join us this summer to ride and learn all about horses.
Change Maker
June 14, 2026 2:00 PM - June 19, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $400 ◾ OOC - $475 ◾ Non-Members - $475
Age Levels: 7th-9th*
Be a change maker, learn how to lead, and earn your Girl Scout Program Aid Pin!
WEEK 4: June 28July 3, 2026
Artventure
June 28, 2026 2:00 PM - July 3, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $400 ◾ OOC - $475 ◾ Non-Members - $475
Age Levels: 2nd-5th* Where creativity meets exploration!
Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Uniquely You
June 28, 2026 2:00 PM - July 3, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $400 ◾ OOC - $475 ◾ Non-Members - $475
Age Levels: 4th-5th*
Come explore new heights at the rock wall, express yourself through art in the craft hut, sing your heart out at singing logs, make new friends — but most importantly, be uniquely you.
Read, Relax, Rejuvenate
June 28, 2026 2:00 PM - July 3, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $400 ◾ OOC - $475 ◾ Non-Members - $475
Age Levels: 6th-8th*
Lay in a hammock, read a book, relax by the pool, make some lipgloss, and enjoy a week of reading, relaxing and rejuvenating.
WEEK 3: June 21-26, 2026
Messy Mayhem
June 21, 2026 2:00 PM - June 26, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $400 ◾ OOC - $475 ◾ Non-Members - $475
Age Levels: 3rd-5th*
Unleash your creativity and embrace the mess in this wildly fun, hands-on week of art, slime, and silly mayhem!
A Horse of Course
June 21, 2026 2:00 PM - June 26, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $500 ◾ OOC - $575 ◾ Non-Members - $575
Age Levels: 4th-5th*
GIDDY UP! Join us for a horseback experience at camp this summer!! Never ridden, new to riding, or have a little bit of experience, then this session is for you.
Saddlin' UP!
June 21, 2026 2:00 PM - June 26, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $500 ◾ OOC - $575 ◾ Non-Members - $575
Age Levels: 6th-8th*
What's better than getting to ride horses and work on your outdoor skills? Ride horses, sleep under the stars for a night, cook outdoors, and so much more!
Junior Counselor-In-Training
June 21, 2026 2:00 PM - July 3, 2026 10:30 AM
Members - $500 ◾ OOC - $575 ◾ Non-Members - $575
Age Levels: 9th-10th*
Are you interested in leadership, but not old enough to be a CIT? Join us in the JCIT program. These Junior CITs get a little more leadership experience, but also still get to do the fun activities around camp during this popular 2-week session!
*Indicates grade levels girls will be entering in Fall 2026.
Elizabeth Gwin Special Session
Dates TBD
$175
Age Levels: Boys & Girls - K-12th,* Adults
Are you looking for a safe, outdoor camping experience for your special needs child? The Elizabeth Gwin Special Session gives your child a world of outdoor opportunities!
Let's All Play!!
Dates TBD
$175
Age Levels: Boys & Girls - 6th-10th*
Give back and grow this summer by attending the Let's All Play! Session. For nearly 50 years, Girl Scouts Heart of the South has hosted the Elizabeth Gwin Special Session, an inspiring resident camp program that allows children with special needs to experience and explore their capabilities in the great outdoors.
Let's All Play! immerses campers of all abilities in a meaningful week of fun and learning as they connect with children participating in the EG Session.
National S'mores Day Council-Wide Events
Saturday, August 9, 2025
COUNCIL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Invented by Girl Scouts, the delicious s'more is so revered, it has its own national holiday on August 10! Each year, GSHS stages events council-wide to celebrate this tastiest of days and share this yummy treat - and the great news about Girl Scouts - with girls and families everywhere! These come-and-go events feature roasting marshmallows to make s'mores (of course) along with playing games, making fun s’more SWAPS with your friends, and learning about all of the amazing things Girl Scouts has to offer!
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Hosted by Madison/South Gibson Service Unit 424 and GSHS, the 2025 Powderpuff Derby was an outstanding success! With over 50 girls in attendance, the track was full of fun and colorful feats of tiny automotive engineering! Everyone who came had an amazing time and is eager to come back and try again next year! Special thanks to the members of the Madison/South Gibson Service Unit who worked tirelessly to make sure that this exciting event was such a success!
Congratulations to our winners:
1st and 2nd Grade
• 1st Place - Aliva King
• 2nd Place - Harper Wimberley
• 3rd Place - Floralee Thurman
3rd and 4th Grade
• 1st Place - Annabelle Siedenstrang
• 2nd Place - Addilyn Nanney
• 3rd Place - Sadie Johnson
5th Grade and Up
• 1st Place - Abbi Willilams
• 2nd Place - Harleigh Davis
• 3rd Place - Willow Mardis
Powderpuff Derby ☙ Jackson, TN
STEMist Exploration Day with Rhodes College KD Sunday, October 4, 2025
Thank you to the ladies of Rhodes College Kappa Delta for once again hosting their popular STEMist Exploration Day with 25 girls in attendance (just a few of whom are pictured below)!
Pumpkins & Pals with U of M Kappa Delta Sunday, November 2, 2025
University of Memphis Kappa Deltas hosted Girl Scouts for an afternoon of cozy autumn fun! They enjoyed roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, creating festive fall crafts, and decorating pumpkins to take home. It was the perfect way to welcome fall, spark creativity, and share in sisterhood together!
Early Bird Camporee was a fun-filled overnight tent camping event designed as a special incentive for girls who renewed their Girl Scout membership between April 1 and April 15, 2025. The event welcomed an incredible 164 participants, making it a weekend to remember!
The excitement began on Friday evening as participants arrived and set up their tents. For some, it was their first time pitching a tent on their own, and the sense of accomplishment was clear. One parent shared that attending Totally Trefoil earlier in the year helped them learn how to set up a tent, giving them the confidence and skills needed for this event. This is a great example of how Girl Scout programs build lasting life skills. As night fell, girls gathered around the campfire for s’mores and songs under the stars—a perfect start to their outdoor adventure.
Saturday was packed with hands-on activities and outdoor fun! The girls enjoyed yard games, bubble-making (complete with DIY bubble wands), weaving crafts, and an exciting wildlife rehabilitation presentation. The Early Bird Camporee was more than just a fun weekend—it was a celebration of Girl Scout spirit, learning, and friendship.
Early Bird Camporee ☙ Camp Fisherville September 26-27, 2025
On Saturday, September 13, 2025 our amazing friends at AutoZone once again generously sponsored our exciting Totally Trefoil event at the Landers Center. This year's Totally Trefoil expo brought almost 1,000 girls and adults out to have fun learning all about various STEM-related careers, participate in numerous badge requirement activities, climb a rock wall, experience a mobile planetarium show, learn CPR, ride a mechanical bull and MORE! Thank you again to AutoZone for sponsoring this popular annual event and for being such a supportive and confidencebuilding Community Partner for Girl Scouts!
HERo Day ☙ Chester Anderson Fire Training Center
Memphis, TN
Saturday, October 18, 2025
On October 18, our partners at City of Memphis Fire Services hosted their annual HERo Day. Over 150 girls had the opportunity to have fun and learn about the various careers within a fire department. Attendees learned first aid skills, handled powerful fire hoses, rappelled from the training tower, interacted with fire and rescue dogs and more! Every year, HERo Day is real proof that, "If she can SEE it! She can BE it!" Even Memphis Mayor, Paul Young, got in on the act this year to show his support for Girl Scouts!
When asked about their experiences at this year's event, attendees told us, "Every station was so interesting and engaging! Our leaders for the day were fantastic and so kind!" "It was wonderful. The Recruit that helped our
group went above and beyond helping someone in the other troop in our group. My daughter thought she was wonderful, especially when she got them to dance to the last song at the very end of the day." And when asked what they liked best, one attendee said, "When my Girl Scout sisters encouraged me to go down the wall."
Thank you to the Memphis Fire Department - our courageous Community Partner - for your commitment to bringing this inspiring programming to our girls!!
Troop Tales
▲ above: Girls of Troop 13137 attended the International Day of the Girl event that was sponsored by the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. At this event, the girls were inspired through STEM knowledge to be empowered to believe in themselves and to work hard to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
▲ above: Daisy Troops 13237 (left) and 40212 (right) both voted to use their cookie proceeds to enjoy an afternoon at Build-A-Bear where they played games, built bears, and dressed them in Girl Scout apparel with a vest that matched their own! So fun! Troop 40212 was also able to spend the day at the Memphis Zoo visiting with REAL bears and other furry friends, too!
◀ left: Makayla of Brownie Troop 10050 enjoyed her last day of summer break by completing a community service project. A new resident of Mississippi, she sought and received approval from the Horn Lake Mayor and Latimer Lake Park to start a Growing Rock Snake, affectionately named Tina! People are encouraged to paint their own rock with positive message and place them behind Tina to help her grow and bring happiness to the community!
▲ above: Madison Ciaramitaro of Troop 10050 participated Vitalant's Mobile Blood Drive at Totally Trefoil. She is the first in her troop to be old enough to participate and was proud to take part in this life-saving effort!
▲ above: Troop 10634 participated in the Trunk or Treat at the Southaven Police Dept. They really enjoyed showing the community how much fun Girl Scouts can have and how they can give back to the community. They "camped out" at the Trunk or Treat.
▼below: On August 25, new Monroe County Troop 23997 held a "Mix it up with Girl Scouts" event where they made a SWAP (a sleeping bag that the girls put their new troop number on), read a story all about Girl Scouts and Trail Mix, and then made their own trail mix. They created a HUGE friendship circle and sang "Make New Friends." 25 girls and parents attended the event which resulted in 11 new girls registering for this fun new troop! Since that first meeting, this new, multi-level troop has blossomed to over 30 members! Way to go!
▲ above: The Girl Scout Fairy House held its ribbon cutting Saturday, August 23, 2025 in Ripley, TN. The space, donated by business owner Lee Ann James, is a place for all girls to learn and grow through Girl Scouts. Troops will use it for meetings, events and Cookie Booths.
Seniors! Ambassadors! Volunteers!
Join us as we travel to Washington, D.C.
July 21-26, 2026!
Thanks to special grant funding, GSHS girls can attend for only $600!!! Passport Bucks can also be applied to this event! Click HERE for more info and to register today!
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who donated to Girl Scouts Heart of the South for the very first time during this period (May 1 - Oct. 31, 2025):
Joal Felt Revocable
Keegan Inc
and Home Services
Briscoe
Brown
Carpenter
Carr
Carter
Cazalas Juanita Childress Madeleine Clark Laura Dickey
Kimberly Dixson
Sarah Dockstader
Michelle Dooner Lynn Elia
Hasty
Helveston
Inglis
McKinon
Minority Farmers
Lauren Rowlett
Tara Russell Kylie Scott Melyanda Scruggs Rohini Singh
Melissa Speicher
Amilia Stembruidge
Tubbs
Walker Danisha Walker
Shanin Warren
Marlee Williams
Your generosity is helping to provide life-changing experiences for girls all across our council.
Thank you.
Girl Scouts Heart of the South mourns the passing of longtime volunteer, Katherine Smithers Hill, who passed away on June 7, 2025. A lifetime member of Girl Scouts, Katy served as the Hernando Service Unit Manager from 2000-2020. She remained active in Girl Scouts by leading crafts at camp and running a cookie pantry from her garage from 2015-2022. Our thoughts and love are with her family and all who cherished her. Julie Adams
Invest in Her Courage. Believe in Her Future.
She’s curious. She’s brave. She’s ready to lead.
When Amaya, age 12, first walked into a Girl Scout meeting, she was quiet and unsure of herself. She had ideas for her future, but she didn’t know where to start — or if anyone would believe in her.
Through Girl Scouts, Amaya found more than a program; she found a community. With the guidance of caring volunteers and the encouragement of her peers, she learned how to program a robot, hiked her first trail, and led her troop in a community service project. Each experience taught her that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s taking the next step anyway. Today, just a few years later, Amaya knows she has the confidence, skills, and support to accomplish anything!
At Girl Scouts Heart of the South, we see girls doing remarkable things every day — stepping up as problem-solvers, innovators, and changemakers. From STEM discoveries to outdoor adventures, from community service projects to budding entrepreneurship, girls are learning that courage, confidence, and character aren’t just words — they’re the foundation of leadership.
But behind every confident Girl Scout is a community that believes in her. Because the truth is, their lives are complicated –navigating societal expectations, limited opportunities, and sometimes a lack of supportive adults or mentors. Rarely do all the factors align perfectly to give them everything they need to thrive.
That’s where you come in.
Your gift makes it possible for girls across our region to:
Discover their strengths and voice.
Learn by doing — trying, failing, and trying again. Lead with empathy, creativity, and resilience. Experience the outdoors, STEM, entrepreneurship, and life skills programs that shape their success today and in the future.
Every gift opens doors. Every gift changes lives. Every gift reminds a girl like Amaya that she is capable, resilient, and destined to succeed. You’re not just funding a program — you’re fueling possibility. You’re ensuring that every girl has the chance to see herself as capable, confident, and ready to make the world a better place.
As this year comes to a close, please consider making your year-end gift to Girl Scouts Heart of the South. To invest in girls is to invest in building a future where all girls have the opportunity to be their best and most authentic self and develop into confident, capable, and compassionate young women.
When you invest in her, you invest in all of our futures.
YES! I want to invest in girls’ futures.
☙ $45 gives one girl access to Girl Scouts
☙ $100 supports a STEM activity
☙ $250 sponsors a camp experience
☙ $500 empowers a Community Troop for a full year
Give online at bit.ly/gshs_DONATE2025 or snap the QR code.
Your gift today changes her tomorrow.
Give before December 31 to ensure that girls across our region can continue to grow, lead, and thrive.
Girl Scouts Heart of the South
OUR IMPACT
Courage. Confidence. Character.
Girl Scouts have the courage to take risks, the confidence to be themselves, and the character to lead authentically.
Strong sense of self.
79% of our Girl Scouts say they are happy with who they are and feel they can achieve their goals.
Display positive values.
70% of girls say they commit to ethical decision making, social justice, and helping others.
Seek challenges.
54% of girls in our region say they try new things even if they might fail and they learn from those experiences.
Making the world a better place.
125 girls contributed 4,637 hours of community service by creating sustainable solutions to identified needs in their communities while earning Girl Scout’s highest Leadership Awards.
Community Outreach.
1,581 girls participated through Community Outreach initiatives because every girl deserves the opportunity to benefit from the invaluable experiences Girl Scouts provides.
5,563 Girls Served
1,325 Adult Volunteers
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. As they discover their strengths and rise to new challenges, Girl Scouts develop the confidence to consistently step forward, defy norms, and turn ideas into action. Backed by dedicated volunteers, mentors, and the community, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.
Girl
Scouts’
four Program Pillars
form the foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Through hands-on, girl-led activities like earning badges, going on trips, trying new things, exploring the outdoors, and participating in special events, girls gain skills to navigate life with purpose and joy.
Life Skills
3,110 Girls
learned practical skills and gained tools and resources that help them be life ready.
Outdoor 1,266 Girls
participated in unique outdoor adventures to build confidence, explore nature, and try new things.
STEM 1,186 Girls
engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities that boost problemsolving and critical thinking skills.
Entrepreneurship 3,226 Girls participated in Girl Scout entrepreneurship programs, building skills in budgeting, planning, and business ethics.
W e s t
T e n n e s s e e
N o r t h
M i s s i s s i p p i
G S H S P r o g r a m s & I n i t i a t i v e s
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
• Outdoor Adventure
• Healthy Living & Life Skills
• Entrepreneurship & Career Exploration
• Invent It, Build It
• She Leads!
• GSHS Community Troops
• Annual Volunteer Leadership Summit
• Girl Scout Higher Awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
• Totally Trefoil
• HERo Day
• Toyota Mobile STEAM Lab
Proudly supported by C r i t t e n d e n C o u n t y , A R
r l S c o u t L a w 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.
G i r l S c o u t P r o m i s e
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
Owner,RoadshowBMW/Mini,Memphis,TN
V i c e C h a i r , S h a r o n Y o u n g
President,YoungerAssociates,Memphis,TN
2
Attorney,Memphis,TN
S e c r e t a r y , D r . D e b r a W e s t Chancellor,ArkansasStateUniversityMid-South, WestMemphis,AR
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n Consultant,BurleighConsultingGroup
D e s i F r a n k l i n Sr.VP,AssistantGeneralCounsel,FirstHorizon Corporation/FirstHorizonBank, Memphis,TN
M e m b e r s A t L a r g e : N e k i C a t r o n GlobalCommunityEngagementandInclusion&Diversity Manager,Sylvamo,Memphis,TN
A m a n d a C h i l d Paralegal,InternationalPaper,Memphis,TN
S y d n e y D i a v u a AssistantVicePresident,CommunityDevelopmentatthe FederalReserveBankofSt.Louis,Memphis,TN
D r . M i c h a l y n E a s t e r - T h o m a s MemphisCityCouncil,CityofMemphis,Memphis,TN
D r . P a m e l a E v a n s PhysicianOBGyn,InspireWomen’sHealth,Jackson,TN
A m a n d a J o h n s o n ExecutiveDirector,ClarksdaleCollegiatePublicCharter School,Clarksdale,MS
B i s h o p P h o e b e R o a f EpiscopalDioceseofWestTennessee, Memphis,TN
L a n a S u i t e DirectorofResearch,YoungerAssociates,Jackson,TN
D r . M i c h e l l e T a y l o r DivisionDirector/HealthOfficer,ShelbyCountyHealth Department,Memphis,TN
T r a c e y Z e r w i g - F o r d DirectorofCommunityEngagement,HutchisonSchool, Memphis,TN