Membership Year 2026
KEEPING THE PROMISE A Fund Development Newsletter
Discovering the Power Within Where leadership, courage, and sisterhood grows
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NOTE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
Greetings from Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont! Our 2026 membership year has come to a close, and I’d like to thank all our volunteers, donors, and supporters for their contributions to another remarkable year of Girl Scouting. You make it possible for girls to discover the power within themselves, and we recognize your generosity that fuels our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. This year, we’ve seen girls of all ages leading the way, building life skills, giving back to their communities, and growing friendships amongst our sisterhood across western and central North Carolina. This was a special year in Girl Scouting as councils from around the country and across the globe gathered for the 58th National Council Session in Washington, D.C. to directly impact the future of the Girl Scout Movement. Hundreds of local girls also headed outdoors for a summer of adventure at Keyauwee Program Center in Sophia to Explore More Camp and build their independence. One of our biggest accomplishments this year was the reopening of Camp Pisgah in Brevard. After nearly two years since the devastation of Hurricane Helene in our western N.C. communities, Camp Pisgah is officially open for more fun, friendship, and memories for our Girl Scouts and communities. All of these experiences for growth and belonging are made possible thanks to our dedicated volunteers who show up for every meeting, conversation, and activity that create moments that matter as well as our generous donors who help remove barriers so that these opportunities reach every girl. In this newsletter, you’ll learn more about our council and how Girl Scouts creates the space for girls to make their own decisions and discover what matters to them. Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont so more girls can grow into confident, resilient, and compassionate adults. Sincerely,
Patricia “Trish” Johnson, Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Board Chair
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Democracy in Action The 58th National Council Session “Attending the National Council Session this summer showed me how much power and possibility there is in a room full of girls who share the same passions,” said Girl Scout Mia Currie. “It reminded me that Girl Scouting isn’t just about badges and camping, it’s about building a community where we lift each other up and turn ideas into action.” Since 1915, the National Council Session (NCS), the Girl Scouts triennial business meeting, has been held in many cities across the nation to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement. Girl Scout Angela Nix said, “The NCS experience meant being able to connect with other Girl Scouts across the country and to be a part of a larger Movement that empowers girls.” This July, the 58th National Council Session was held in the nation’s capital, where thousands of Girl Scout members gathered to make history together.
and Alternate Delegates Danielle Evans, Deon Gaither, and Liz Stonich. These delegates took the council’s feedback to Washington and saw democracy in action as girls voted alongside adults, having a direct voice in shaping the future of Girl Scouts. “Being a part of NCS was something that I’ve never done before, and it really gave me an insight into what delegates are tasked with,” said Girl Scout Volunteer Liz Stonich. “I enjoyed being a part of the program, and getting to know many other Girl Scouts was certainly a perk, too!”
A key event of the NCS is electing the National Board of Directors for the 2026-2029 term, including the next National Board President, Telva McGruder. Volunteer Amber Mellon said, “Being a delegate allows me the opportunity to widen my Girl Scout circle as I get to know other volunteers from our council while Girl Scout Volunteer Tina “Dakota” Barber said, allowing me to connect with the wider Girl “I loved attending the National Council Session Scout Movement, especially the passionate for several reasons. It was a great chance to see girl members, as they are expressing their the inner workings of Girl Scouts on a national responses to the proposals and conversation level and to see procedure put into action in an pieces at the National Council Session.” effective manner. Being able to make decisions that affected all of us was meaningful. Meeting Learn more about the discussion topics and the people from all over the world was an added outcomes of the votes at bit.ly/58NCSoutcomes. bonus as well. And on a personal note, my daughter and I enjoyed the time together. Thanks for allowing me to represent GSCP2P on the national level.” This year’s event brought nearly 1,000 delegates together for a powerful week of governance, connection, celebration, and inspiration. The Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont 2025-2028 National Delegates are Girl Delegates Mia Currie, Angela Nix, and Charlie Smith, Adult Delegates Dakota Barber, Trish Johnson, and Amber Mellon, 3
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
DEON GAITHER Deon Gaither is a Certified Public Accountant and mother who has served as both a Girl Scout troop co-leader and national alternate delegate with Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. A North Carolina native, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s degree in Information Technology, all from North Carolina universities. She currently works in financial technology and runs her own CPA firm part time. Deon enjoys Girl Scouting with her daughter, who is a Girl Scout Brownie. In 2026, she attended the Girl Scout National Convention as a national alternate delegate. She enjoys visiting historic landmarks and stops by Juliette Gordon Low’s home, the site of the first Girl Scout headquarters, whenever she drives through Savannah, Georgia. What led you to join Girl Scouts? “Just show up! I started volunteering in college. One of my roommates was a Girl Scout and found a local troop where we could volunteer, so I decided to Girl Scouts has join her. My mother had been a Girl Scout as a child, but I never had the chance to participate the curriculum myself. I thought, “Better late than never!” I enjoyed helping the younger girls and being a positive role model. Now, my daughter is a Girl laid out, so you Scout, and I get to share this experience with her, which makes it especially meaningful to me. don’t have to have How have you experienced growth and as a volunteer with the girls? everything figured belonging I began volunteering at the troop level, supporting the girls as they earned badges and part in camping and other activities. I later out. Just show up took earned my Basic Camping Skills License, became a national alternate delegate, and attended the with a positive National Convention. Along the way, I’ve also made lifelong friends through volunteering as an adult. Each step has helped me discover attitude, and more about the Girl Scout Movement and the opportunities it offers. I feel fortunate that I grow within the organization alongside my encourage the girls can daughter. It’s a unique experience to share with my child, and I’m glad we get to grow together as to be their best.” Girl Scouts. 4
What is your favorite volunteer memory? One of my favorite memories is camping with the troop I volunteered with. It was my first time camping as a college student, and I was helping with the Girl Scout Daisies. I remember how brave the girls were as they spent the night away from home. It’s an experience I believe everyone should have. I eventually earned my Basic Camping Skills License so I could share in even more Girl Scout adventures!
“As a national alternate delegate, I was able to see firsthand the process delegates follow to discuss and vote on topics that further the Girl Scout Mission. Connecting with Girl Scouts from around the world was the cherry on top, making the experience even more enjoyable.”
What advice would you give to your fellow Girl Scout volunteers? Just show up! Girl Scouts has the curriculum laid out, so you don’t have to have everything figured out. Just show up with a positive attitude and encourage the girls to be their best. I’m thankful I showed up when my roommate invited me to volunteer. It became one of the most enriching experiences of my college years, and it continues to enrich my life as a Girl Scout mom. Why do you believe Girl Scouting is important for girls to be part of today? Girl Scouting offers girls so many opportunities to grow their leadership skills, make new friends, and be part of a Movement. I love that there are different ways to participate, whether girls join a local troop, become an independent Girl Scout, or take part in specialpurpose groups. There are many paths into Girl Scouting, so girls can find an experience that fits their interests and lives. I want more girls and families to know about all the Movement has to offer.
VOLUNTEERS HELP GIRLS SEE THEIR STRENGTHS AND TRUST IN THEMSELVES. Learn more about the many benefits, resources, and experiences available for Girl Scout volunteers at bit.ly/gscp2pvolunteer. 5
YOUNG ALUM SPOTLIGHT
LONDON MCCANN London is a Kernersville native and a recent graduate of Appalachian State Univeristy. She spent summers at Keyauwee Program Center as a Girl Scout and recently served as Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont’s 2026 Summer Marketing Intern.
When did you join Girl Scouts, and what were some of your favorite activities growing up? I joined as a Girl Scout Daisy when I was in kindergarten. I continued through high school until I was the only girl left in my troop, so I completed all my final projects myself and went on to become a Girl Scout lifetime member. My older sister was also in Girl Scouts, and my mom, Angie, led both of our troops. My family being involved in Girl Scouts together made it such a unique experience. I got to do a lot of trips and projects with the older girls, which made it easy to learn, grow, and have them as role models. My favorite activity with my troop and in my own Girl Scout journey was camping at Keyauwee Program Center. I loved sharing that experience with my sister because we’d bring home songs, games, and campfire snacks that we learned over the summer. What is one skill you gained from being a Girl Scout that you still use? One skill that I gained from Girl Scouts that prepared me for the world and my career would be leadership. Girl Scouts taught me how to get out of my comfort zone, try things I wouldn’t normally try, and take on problems in my community, not letting fear of failure hold me down. 6
“Being an alum can look different for everyone, but there are so many ways to stay connected, give back, and continue being part of the Girl Scout community.”
What is something you accomplished during the program that stands out? One accomplishment that stands out to me was a garden my troop planted at Arbor Ridge Senior Living in Kernersville, North Carolina. We often took on a lot of projects there, spending extra time around the holiday season singing Christmas carols and decorating the dining area for those who lived there. What is one of your favorite memories of being a Girl Scout? One of my favorite memories from being a Girl Scout was having my best friends in my Girl Scout troop and bringing them on camping trips. One of my best friends, Haley Youmans, joined my troop, and I’ve been best friends with her since preschool. She’s still my best friend to this day, and we love to reminisce about those memories and how Girl Scouts helped us build a lifelong friendship.
London (left) as a Girl Scout Daisy.
What do you want younger Girl Scouts to know about becoming an alum? I want younger Girl Scouts to know that just because you age out of Girl Scouts doesn’t mean your connection to it has to end. The skills, confidence, and memories you gain really do stay with you. I never imagined that I would eventually come back to Girl Scouts as a marketing intern, and getting to see the organization from the other side made me appreciate my experience growing up even more. Being an alum can look different for everyone, but there are so many ways to stay connected, give back, and continue being part of the Girl Scout community.
DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE RESOURCES SPECIFICALLY FOR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND YOUNG ALUM? In addition to volunteer and internship opportunities for young adults through our council, there are plenty of ways to connect with Girl Scouts for years to come like Campus Girl Scouts, Kappa Delta sorority, and Girl Scout career opportunities around the nation and abroad. Learn more at bit.ly/beyondambassadors. 7
Her Future, Her Impact During the 2026 membership year, we recognized hundreds of girls for earning their Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. These leadership and community service projects teach girls important skills like critical thinking, project management, problem solving, teamwork, and volunteerism while helping them to discover they have the power to make a difference in their communities now and throughout their lives. In May, we hosted “Her Future, Her Impact: Girl Awards Gala” at The Barn at Heritage Farm in Dobson to recognize 206 Bronze Awards, 115 Silver Awards, and 31 Gold Awards. That’s an outstanding contribution of more than 13,116 hours of community service across 40 counties in western and central North Carolina. Some of this year’s projects addressed issues such as the need for microchip scanners for lost pets, promoting kindergarten readiness, combating cyberbulling, equipping girls with medical supplies, and more. 30 Girl Scouts received the Trifecta Award, honoring those who have earned all three Highest Awards, showing their incredible dedication to the Girl Scout Movement. The inspiring evening began with the Leadership Expo as girls displayed their Highest Award projects and connected with their peers. Attendees heard from guest speaker Elaine Loyack, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, on how Girl Scouting impacted her future and from Gold Award Girl Scouts on their community impact. The council was honored to also recognize two Medal of Honor Girl Scouts at the gala. This is a national honor that is awarded for exceptional bravery and quick thinking to save a life without risking one’s own life. Mehri Navab of Troop 13013 saved her younger brother’s life during a swim practice when she noticed he wasn’t resurfacing. She dove down into the water, pulled him to the surface, and called for help; he was successfully resuscitated by lifeguards. Hattie Speaks of Troop 13084 was with her nonna, Nancy, when she suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive. Hattie went to a neighbor for assistance, explained the emergency, and guided them back to Nancy. She comforted her while waiting for paramedics, called her parents, and even directed emergency responders when they arrived. Because of Hattie’s quick action and leadership, Nancy received immediate medical care following a serious fall and traumatic injuries. Hattie shared that Girl Scouts taught her important lessons about staying calm, asking for help, and knowing what to do in an emergency. These Girl Scouts put their skills into action in extraordinary ways. As part of our commitment to supporting the growth of local girls, our council awarded four scholarships to this year’s Gold Award Girl Scouts through a random drawing. Jessie Greenway of Ellenboro, Abby DeHart of Denver, Maggie Harris of Greensboro, and Julia Gladstone of Greensboro each received a $1,000 scholarship towards their higher education pursuits. This scholarship opportunity is just the beginning for all our Gold Award Girl Scouts as this distinguished honor opens doors to additional scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, and amazing career opportunities.
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GOLD AWARD SPOTLIGHT
GAYASHA ABEYKOON
Gayasha of Girl Scout Troop 41738 in Guilford County earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for addressing food insecurity with a focus on the lack of education on healthy eating and limited access to nutritious foods. She partnered with Freedom House Farm and Guilford College United Methodist Church for her project, “Food Insecurity Awareness,” to educate local families on how to access healthy and affordable foods. Gayasha installed two community gardens that produced around 750 pounds of fresh produce which was donated to low-income families. Gayasha was recently chosen as the National Gold Award Scholarship winner for Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. Every year, Girl Scouts of the USA awards one scholarship per council to a Gold Award Girl Scout. Recipients are selected based on their project exemplifying the core components of the Girl Scout Gold Award and demonstrating extraordinary leadership that drives lasting change within the community. Gayasha received $5,000 in scholarship monies.
SILVER AWARD SPOTLIGHT
GIRL SCOUT TROOP 12763
Lilly, Tenley, Reese, and Mallory from Troop 12763 in Burke County earned the Girl Scout Silver Award by creating blessing bags for the homeless population in their area to give them access to basic toiletry items such as nail clippers, deodorant, Q-tips, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and more. Together, they used their skills to make bars of homemade soap and knit toboggans. They also created an informational slideshow for the younger Girl Scouts and families in their troop to share the importance of helping neighbors in need.
BRONZE AWARD SPOTLIGHT
GIRL SCOUT TROOP 12934
Brooklyn and Mary from Troop 12934 in Henderson County earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award for creating an outdoor classroom space for students to enjoy. The girls decided to give back to their elementary school, Glenn C. Marlow, for their project, and they partnered with local businesses for the resources. They built a retaining wall, spread mulch, sanded and repainted nine benches, built a weatherproof storage container, and filled it with supplies for the outdoor classroom. Learn more about all of the council’s Girl Scout Highest Awards projects at bit.ly/highestawardsyearbooks. 9
Exploring More Camp Our 2026 overnight summer camp programming was held at Keyauwee Program Center in Sophia for girls in rising grades 2-12. “Explore More Camp” encouraged campers to engage in a variety of activities during their week at camp and “explore more” than what they normally would do. This allowed them to try something new like visiting the barn on site at Circle C Equestrian Center or further develop their skills in a favorite pastime like participating in sports and games. Each week was full of traditional camp activities like swimming, archery, boating, and campfires as well as experiences related to the week’s theme. Themed overnight weeks included Galaxy Explorers, Magic and Mysteries, Enchanted Forest, and Under the Big Top to spark campers’ creativity, boost their confidence, and learn how to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders. To increase accessibility to equestrian activities, all overnight campers were offered an equestrian experience. Our overnight horse programs immersed campers in both traditional activities and spending time at the barn. A Horse of my Own gave campers in grades 6-8 the opportunity to be matched with a horse and spend the week getting to know each other, setting riding goals, and learning what a horse needs for daily care. Horseback Archery for campers in grades 6-10 built confidence in riding and their mounted archery skills. We also hosted Community Day Camps in Hickory and the Triad to reach more girls in grades 1-5 who are interested in getting outside and building their independence. While campers are having fun in our various outdoor programs, they are also growing through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Thanks to your investment in Girl Scouting, campers can achieve five outcomes in our program model and apply them to the outdoors and beyond. 10
Strong Sense of Self: At camp, Girl Scouts are encouraged to try new activities and practice their skills. Campers have the freedom to choose extra activity rotations to add to their daily schedule.
Healthy Relationships: In a group living setting like camp, conflict can happen. When it does, our trained counselors discuss any disagreements with campers and help them solve their conflict constructively.
Challenge Seeking: At camp, our staff instructors are trained to supervise their specialty area and engage campers in healthy risk taking. Girl Scouts can try “challenge by choice” in an encouraging, uplifting environment.
Positive Values: We follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law in all we do at camp and ask campers to consider the Law during conflicts. Campers learn to share responsibility in keeping their living area clean and assisting in cleaning areas shared by all campers during daily “kapers.”
Community Problem Solving: As part of our group living environment at camp, campers create their own rules for their groups with the guidance of our counselors.
OUTDOOR GIRL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont offers outdoor leadership programs for older Girl Scouts who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level. The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is for campers in grades 11-12 who are aspiring camp counselors for overnight camp. The Riding Instructor-In-Training (RIIT) program is a leadership and horsemanship development experience for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (grades 6-12) to learn how to teach others about horses, as well as how to teach about grooming, leading, riding, and caring for horses. Visit www.CampLikeAGirl.org to learn more about these leadership programs, outdoor volunteer resources, adopting our herd, and more. 11
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
JAN DONAHUE Jan Donahue is a lifelong Girl Scout and was celebrated for 70 years of membership at the 2025 Annual Meeting. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Board of Directors and on the finance committee. Jan is a retired finance and marketing professional with diverse experience in financial services, technology, and education/training industries. She earned the Curved Bar and was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award in 2019. Jan enjoys working with troops on programs and badges, and her volunteer commitments include Guilford County Animal Advisory Board, North Carolina Pet Partners board leader, and church-elected positions.
How did you become part of Girl Scouts? I joined the Movement as a Girl Scout Brownie in the DuPage Council which is now known as Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Camp was a big part of my journey. I was a Counselor-In-Training and went on to be a camp counselor during college. I also served as the waterfront director and the small crafts director at different times. What is your favorite memory throughout your time with Girl Scouts? I have many memories from my time at Girl Scout camp. My camp name was Diz, and I formed strong friendships with fellow camp staff. We still keep in touch today. I led canoe trips amongst the border waters between the United States and Canada which included a twomile trek carrying the canoes. I still love sailing over the years. My time as waterfront director brought out leadership skills that I didn’t know I had, like guiding girls through level four rapids.
Jan (in the first row, third from the right) with her Girl Scout Brownie troop.
What inspired you to become a long-term donor and supporter of the Movement? My personal Girl Scout experience has inspired me to support the Movement as well as being able to share that experience with others. When I moved during my senior year of high school, Girl Scouts was still a place for me to belong during a difficult transition. My first donor experience was being a board member for the Tarheel Triad Council, and the initiative was to have an endowment to ensure girls had the opportunity for membership and the council could provide affordable programs. 12
Over the years, what kind of impact have you seen from donations to Girl Scouts? Cookie proceeds support troop activities, and my troop used to love selling cookies to help support our trips. As a board member, I get to see firsthand what donations can provide for our council’s members. Giving back financially to support membership means increasing accessibility to the Girl Scout experience. Throughout the many ways you have given back to the Girl Scout Movement, what has given you the most joy or fulfillment? Being in awe of what Girl Scouts has enabled when connecting with girls who have earned a Highest Award. The Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects show how the seeds we plant have an impact beyond just the girl herself. I’ve enjoyed leading the Animal Handler badge and financerelated badges for local troops. I like that Girl Scouts can interweave multiple areas of interest and that there is a network of adults who come together to share their areas of expertise. Why should others join you in investing in local girls? Leadership for girls and women is a skill to be learned, practiced, and participated in. I love seeing when women in politics have a background in Girl Scouting and how common this thread is. Investing in girls today guides them to a lifetime of leadership. In the first photo, Jan (left) and long time Girl Scout friend Pam Tipps Porter (right) went to the New York World’s Fair in 1965 with their Girl Scout troop. In the second photo, Jan and Pam attended Girl Scout Sunday in 2024 at their church in Greensboro and provided cookies for hospitality hour. Both have given back to the council, exemplifying the longterm friendship, spirit of giving, and connection to the Movement that comes from Girl Scouting.
INVEST IN A GIRL-LED FUTURE: THE FRIENDSHIP FUND Our goal is simple: to make sure every member—regardless of financial circumstance—feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to engage fully in all that Girl Scouting offers. This flexible, needs-based fund supports both girls and adult volunteers by covering essential costs such as membership dues to GSUSA, adult background screenings, program fees for girls and troops, as well as camp scholarships for outdoor adventures. Extend a hand and a warm welcome to all who wish to join our movement by donating today at: bit.ly/p2pfriendshipfund.
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The 2026 Annual Meeting In April, members from across our council, including volunteers, Girl Scouts, staff, and board members, gathered in Thomasville at DavidsonDavie Community College for the 2026 Annual Meeting: Make New Friends, Keep the Old. The day began with a Board-Hosted Coffee Hour to reconnect with peers, visit council-hosted tables like Highest Awards and Circle C Equestrian Center, and capture memories with friends at the photo booth before the official business meeting was called to order. The Annual Meeting highlights included: • Welcome remarks from Jenny Varner, President of Davidson-Davie Community College • A Girl Scout Gold Award spotlight from Gayasha Abeykoon, 2025-2026 Girl Board Member • Reports from the Board of Directors on the year’s progress • Audrey Wells (Guilford County), Meg Boos (Buncombe County), David Williamson (Henderson County), and Jenn Muckelvaney (Buncombe County) elected as board members serving a three-year term for 2026-2029 • Nyla Moss (Guilford County) and Sadie Rudert (Forsyth County) elected as girl board members serving a one-year term for 2026-2027 • Roundtable discussions on properties, the National Council Session, girl leadership, and membership facilitated by council staff and volunteers • Guest speaker Dr. Jes DeShields, Founder of Crescent Leadership • And prizes, thanks to generous donors! The day concluded with our annual Adult Recognitions Ceremony where the council awarded years of service and membership year pins as well as recognized 24 adult members with national board-approved awards. We were also honored to present Maureen Stoudt with the Thanks Badge II Award, Girl Scouts of the USA’s highest award for volunteers, recognizing her continued dedication to the Girl Scout Movement. 14
Our volunteers do incredibly impactful work. The commitment of their time and talents is making a difference for girls in our communities. Thank you for helping us deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to thousands of girls in our council!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS AWARDED WITH NATIONAL BOARD-APPROVED AWARDS AT THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING: Appreciation Award: Cora Abbott – Guilford Misty Amos – Gaston Christy Bolick – Randolph Stefanie Chappuis – Lincoln Jennifer Christian – Iredell Morgan Cranford – Randolph Marta DeVolt – Guilford Kelsey DiSanzo – Gaston Molly Eller – McDowell
The Appreciation Award recognizes a registered Girl Scout adult who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area or program delivery audience.
Cyndie Feemster – Caldwell Lisle Froehlich – Lincoln Kathleen Garner – Randolph Angela Gehrt – Guilford Tricia Gladstone – Guilford Lorentena Hueftle – Iredell Rachel Rodgers – Rutherford Lakisha Scales – Rockingham Christine Stokes – Lincoln Keri Taylor – Lincoln
The Honor Award recognizes a registered Girl Scout adult who has delivered outstanding service and contributes to the achievement of the council’s goals in two or more geographic areas.
Honor Award: Kasey Holcomb – Randolph Tracy Vance – Rockingham Lisa Willett – Randolph Thanks Badge: Christine Hanichak – Guilford Thanks Badge II:
The Thanks Badge Award recognizes a registered Girl Scout adult who has delivered outstanding service and contributes to the entire council or entire Girl Scout Movement.
Maureen Stoudt – Gaston 15
MAUREEN STOUDT HONORED WITH THE THANKS BADGE II AWARD Maureen is a distinguished 52-year Girl Scout volunteer from Gaston County. Her expertise in adult learning and safety has had a profound impact on the Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Council.
In addition to her council-wide impact, Maureen remains deeply active in the Gaston County service unit, managing girl awards and adult learning for hundreds of local Girl Scouts and volunteers.
Serving as an Adult Learning Facilitator (ALF) and one of only two volunteer First Aid/CPR instructors, Maureen has been instrumental in modernizing the council’s training curriculum, including the condensed Basic Camping Skills License and a new “blended learning” First Aid course. Her leadership was vital in revamping the Effectively Facilitating Adult Learning course, allowing the council to expand its pool of active facilitators after years of waiting for national updates.
Maureen’s lifelong passion and tireless commitment to equipping volunteers with the skills they need to lead make her an exceptional Girl Scout volunteer.
As co-chair of Trainfest at Camp Pisgah in Brevard, she navigates the complex planning and difficult decision making required for large-scale learning events. She also contributes her talents to Leaderfest and Leaderee, supporting all three adult learning weekends at our camp properties and ensuring volunteers are equipped with the needed resources to guide girls through leadership, skill building, and adventure. 16
The Thanks Badge II Award recognizes a registered Girl Scout adult who has continued to deliver outstanding service and contributes to the entire council or entire Girl Scout Movement after receiving the Thanks Badge I Award.
Do you know an amazing Girl Scout volunteer? Nominate them for an award at bit.ly/p2padultawards.
The Largest Girl-Led Entrepreneurial Program in the World Thank you for supporting the 2025 Fall Product Program and the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program, the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world! Every purchase during our product programs contributes to Girl Scout experiences all year long. Not only do these future entrepreneurs earn fun rewards, but they also develop life skills including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. We hosted a G.E.O. - Girls Empowering Opportunity - Recognition Event at Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro to celebrate all Girl Scouts who participated in our product programs and honor our top sellers for the year. G.E.O. Girl Scouts sold at least 500 packages of cookies during the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program. They earned free admission to the water park for their achievement, and all of our members were encouraged to attend and join in the summer fun. Over 1,500 Girl Scouts, friends, and family attended the celebration! During the ceremony, the council presented awards for top councilwide sellers of the programs as well as two higher education scholarships. Girl Scouts Laura Cranford, the 2025 Fall Product Program top seller, and Charlie Smith, the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program top seller, both earned a $2,000 scholarship for their entrepreneurial achievements in the product programs.
Top Three Council-wide Fall Product Program Sellers: Laura Cranford, Troop 10348 Italy Cabrera-Miller, Troop 40154 Ryleigh Smith, Troop 40154 Top Three Council-wide Cookies for a Cause Sellers: Elliot Applebaum, Troop 30011 Angela Nix, Troop 13050 Holly Rosenquist, Troop 10189 Top Ten Council-wide Cookie Sellers: Charlie Smith, Troop 10807 Isabella Dos Santos, Troop 42504 Kerina Salce, Troop 20024 Lilly Lowe, Troop 13283 Abigail Smith, Troop 1868 Angela Nix, Troop 13050 Holly Rosenquist, Troop 10189 Cayla Blanchard, Troop 10041 Isis Hughes, Troop 20024 Isabella Smith Hernandez, Troop 10169 Top Council-wide Juliette Cookie Seller: Natalie Simpson, Individually Registered Girl Top Council-wide Cookie Rookie Seller: McKenzie Jones, Troop 40514 17
Give today at bit.ly/supportgscp2p.
Invest In Girl Scouting Girl Scouts need champions. They need a community willing to invest in their dreams. They need a network of alums and supporters cheering them on and showing them what’s possible. Every dollar you give stays right here in our council to help build girls of courage, confidence, and character throughout our 40 counties in central and western North Carolina.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORT ANNUAL GIVING:
PLANNED GIVING:
Juliette Circle Champion the changemakers of tomorrow by making an annual contribution of $1,000 or more.
Juliette Gordon Low Society Make Girl Scouts a part of your estate plan.
Evergreen Circle Make a recurring monthly gift of any amount to impact the lives of girls all year long.
Partner with GSCP2P Show your commitment to developing the next generation of women leaders and the future members of your work force.
Friendship Fund Ensure that every member - regardless of financial circumstance - feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to fully engage in all that Girl Scouting offers. Camp Magic Fund Help secure camp magic for future generations by donating in honor of your favorite Girl Scout camp. 18
CORPORATE GIVING:
Donate through these opportunities, and find even more ways to give at bit.ly/givegscp2p.
We are grateful for every gift which helps make Girl Scouting possible for all girls in central and western North Carolina, and we are pleased to offer the following ways to give:
Online: bit.ly/supportgscp2p
Mail: Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont c/o Fund Development 208 Union Square NW Suite 101 Hickory, NC 28601
Phone: 800-672-2148
United Way Donor Designation: GSCP2P is a proud member agency of the United Way. Contact your local United Way to discuss how to designate a gift to the council.
Make a Gift of Stock: To support GSCP2P through a transfer of stock, please call 800-672-2148.
Workplace Giving & Matching Gifts: Making gifts through your employer’s matching gift program doubles the impact of your support. Additionally, many companies offer volunteer grant programs, allowing employees to request and direct grants in exchange for logging volunteer hours. Check with your Human Resources department for further information.
Make a Gift from Your Individual Retirement Account (IRA): Making your gift from retirement funds can offer significant tax and planning advantages. Starting at age 70 1/2, donors may make “Qualified Charitable Distributions” up to $108,000 annually from their IRAs to GSCP2P tax free! *Note: GSCP2P does not give financial advice. Rather, the Ways to Give listed here are provided as options to support the council. Please contact your financial advisor or tax planning expert for specific guidance.
Thank you for partnering with Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
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