2020 Volunteer Recognition Celebration | GSEMA

Volunteer Recognition

Celebration June 20, 2020

1

Girl Scout Promise 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.

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

2

respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

A Note from the Volunteer Recognition Celebration on June 20, 2020: At GSEMA, we’ve been reflecting on how we commemorate and honor the incredible work that volunteers do all year. In so many ways, the natural order of volunteer recognition asks us to look back—to remember those we’ve lost, to appreciate the service in years past, to view appreciation as the end result of ongoing activity.

This year, we cannot help but stand in a new light. We are grateful to recognize the actions our volunteers have undertaken in the past, and we are deeply aware of the moment that we are currently rooted in, surrounded by pandemic, by racial violence and injustice, marked with uncertainty and a lack of viable, satisfying solutions. Without a stable base, we all teeter, balancing and hovering in this moment in a search for solid ground.

Our Girl Scouting community is a grounding, centering force. We are living in strange times, but this community adapts and grows, and this is our opportunity to thank the volunteers who drive that renewal and transformation.

Whether or not they are Girl Scouts, we know many of our families and friends are facing sickness, hardship and loss in many forms right now. We must hold onto that—that in sadness and difficulty, we can still find hope. In loss, we can still celebrate. And especially even in pain, we can still find gratitude.

Girl Scout Volunteers—thank you for your service, your passion, and your commitment to this movement.

— GSEMA Volunteer Engagement Staff

3

Appreciation Pin The Girl Scouts of the USA Appreciation Pin recognizes volunteers actively providing outstanding service in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in at least one geographic area or program delivery audience. Recipients must be registered Girl Scout volunteers who actively recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior, and they must have contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, and increased community visibility.

Dawn Alling Groton (Nashaway) Amy Amatangelo Westwood Sherry Anders Shirley (Nashaway) Jessica Barie Groton (Nashaway) Julie Bartlett Braintree Robyn Blum Georgetown (Masco) Stephanie Boone Rockport

4

Christine Chesbrough Tewksbury (Baldwin) Valerie Clausen Lexington Giana DePasquale Boston Christine Faulkner Acton/ Boxborough Kaja Fickes Hingham

Melissa Brown Duxbury

Marsha Fredericks Dennis/ Yarmouth

Melinda Burrows Concord/Carlisle

Holly Garcia Everett

Wendy Geist Burlington

Simone Loft Acton/Boxborough

Roberta Green Waltham

Leaf Maggio Braintree

Joyce Hamlyn Tewksbury (Baldwin)

Ashley Mahanama Boston

Erin Hathaway Marlborough

Keri Mascagni Dracut

Bonnie Hayner Arlington

Colleen McGrath Lowell

Ula Higgins Lexington

Carol Moore Billerica

Jess Hinchliffe Georgetown (Masco)

Jessica Murphy Lynn

Geraldine Horrigan Groton (Nashaway)

Amber O’Driscoll North Reading

Denise Keating Malden

Colleen O’Shea Norfolk

Tracy Keene Medford

Jennifer Oliver Norfolk

Kim Lambert Wilmington

Pilar Ortiz Boston

5

Paula Pellissier Holliston

Amy Van Der Wal Wellesley

Claudia Points Burlington

Allison Wedge Plymouth

Cheryl Ringen Melrose

Kristen Wilkinson Freetown/ Lakeville

Lois Roth-Johnson Needham Tara Senarian Waltham Wendy Seymour Billerica Lori Slade Shirley (Nashaway) Tina Soo Hoo Needham

Zuania Wood Wayland Elizabeth Woyke Arlington Elizabeth York Mashpee Amy Zuccarello Belmont

Karen Urlage Hopkinton

“

What inspires me is watching my girls take on a challenge, work through and hopefully achieve success.

I love to see the joy on their faces when they succeed and learn.”

— Elizabeth York, Mashpee

6

“

I can help them. They help me. It is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I learn much from the girls of this generation. I can offer them some of the life lessons I have gained. ” — Christine Faulkner, Acton/Boxborough

7

5 Year Sustained Service After GSEMA/GSUSA Award

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts’ Five, Ten, and Fifteen Year Sustained Service Awards recognize volunteers actively giving service to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts for five or more years since receiving a GSEMA/GSUSA Award. The Sustained Service Award was developed to ensure our most dedicated, long-term volunteers are regularly thanked and recognized.

Michelle Coleman, Concord-Carlisle

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 37 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Michelle currently serves as Service Unit Encampment Director, Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator, Troop Leader, and Troop Treasurer. When the service unit’s webpage was out of date and the Service Unit Leadership Team did not have a member to fill the position of webmaster, Michelle volunteered. Michelle was able to learn how to migrate the Concord-Carlisle Girl Scouts website to a new platform. She reorganized the content and created a volunteersonly section that has restricted content for members to ensure privacy, and she has trained service unit members on how to use the site. The website is the public face of the service unit to the community and it is how families learn more about Girl Scouts locally. Without Michelle’s help, the Concord Carlisle Service Unit would not be able to communicate as effectively with volunteers or girls in the community.

8

Andralyn Farro, Medford

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 9 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Andralyn currently serves as Service Unit Coordinator, Encampment Director, and Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor. Andie, along with Evalyn O’Rourke, built an encampment committee to collect ideas and generate discussion among Medford Troop Leaders starting in 2018. Over the course of 17 months, they discussed, surveyed, and planned an overnight for more than 160 girls and 45 adults. Their attention to safety for all the girls and adults during the encampment was impeccable and impressive. The event was a huge success, with a fantastic itinerary including more than 10 activities for the day and evening that met the needs of each Girl Scout level. Additionally, Andie actively recruits new leaders into service unit positions.

Andie is an enthusiastic Service Unit Coordinator, diligent in sharing GSEMA news and bringing the city together. She holds monthly service unit meetings with the troop leaders, where she conducts Girl Scout ceremonies, provides council information and updates, reviews step-by-step instructions for the product programs, and facilitates open discussions in small groups. Andie creates a relaxed, open environment where new and experienced leaders can come together to share ideas and learn from each other.

Jeanne Hobbs, Lexington

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 27 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Jeanne currently serves as Service Unit Cookie Mentor, Troop Leader, Troop Cookie Coordinator, and Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator. As the cookie mentor for the last several years, Jeanne has held informational cookie meetings for troop cookie coordinators. She coordinates between leaders locally, creating strong communication and support in the area. The Lexington Service Unit has a strong cookie program each year. In the 2017-18 season, the sales were $100,750, which increased to $114,295 in the 2018-19 season, with 26 troops comprised of 258 girls selling 1,905 cases of cookies. Her troop has strong involvement, with an average of 73 packages per girl sold in 2018-19. As the troop leader of Troop 71775, a group of 33 girls between 6th and 12th grade (and always accepting more!), Jeanne has a strong impact on girl membership. By leading this large, multi-level troop, she provides an opportunity for older girls to continue as Girl Scouts.

9

Louise Huebner, Brookline

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 22 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Lu currently serves as Service Unit Coordinator, Service Unit Encampment Director, Troop Leader, Troop Cookie Coordinator, and Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator. As Service Unit Coordinator of 225 girl members and 130 adults, Lu is in charge of organizing the town bridging ceremony every fall. She is diligent about sending meeting reminders with agendas ahead of time so leaders are prepared to discuss seasonal events or announcements. She provides opportunities for social interaction with tea and chatting time before service unit meetings which provides vital networking and support, especially for new leaders. Lu also utilizes available tools like Google Groups to allow everyone access to information seamlessly, allowing leaders to connect directly and share resources, tips, rides, planning responsibilities, and more. With leaders feeling supported and girls staying engaged as they get older, there is a solid population of middle school girls participating in Brookline. In addition to her service unit roles, Lu leads a multi-level troop of 27 girls with most between 2nd and 10th grade, and has mentored a girl through her Bronze Award and another through her Silver Award this year. Lu is also a first aider, which helps to ensure the safety of girls and volunteers when participating in Girl Scout activities.

Joan Hurwitz, Walpole

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 19 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Joan currently serves as Chairman for the Bridging Committee, Chair of the Veterans Day Committee, and on the Walpole Leaders Recognition Committee. Joan redesigned the town-wide bridging ceremony, which created a large increase in the number of troops participating. She has also encouraged non-bridging troops to join in the ceremony by volunteering for the opening flag ceremony.

Joan invited families and advertised the event in the local newspaper, raising the profile of Girl Scouts in the Walpole community. Joan has also organized the Founder’s Day event for the last five years. This event allows girls and parents to celebrate Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday and learn the history of our founder. She is always one of the first to volunteer at town events, and is willing to participate in town-wide events and attend leader meetings even though her daughters are in college. Joan’s dedication to celebrations, ceremonies, and traditions in Walpole has led to increased involvement from Girl Scouts of all ages and the visibility of Girl Scouts in the community.

10

Kyla LeConti, Marlborough

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 14 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Kyla currently serves as Service Unit Membership Promoter, Encampment Director, Troop Leader, Troop Cookie Coordinator, and Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator. Kyla stepped up to be the Membership Promoter and Encampment Director when no one else was able to take on the positions.

Kyla schedules fall registration events at Marlborough schools and the public library, despite unexpected challenges and roadblocks. She works diligently at placing girls in troops, no matter when they register. Kyla also stepped up to be the liaison with local Boy Scout troops so they could share the Scouting for Food project in town. Whenever Kyla sees a need, she steps in to make a difference. She took the lead in bringing back encampments, including creation of a girl committee, and the local Powderpuff Derby. As an information technology professional, Kyla has demonstrated STEM career possibilities to girls. Within her troop, she has supported her girls in earning money and planning a trip to Belize. Kyla consistently recruits and supports new leaders, which has directly impacted membership and retention goals.

Holly Legault, Concord/Carlisle

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 17 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Holly currently serves as Service Unit Treasurer, Service Unit Cookie Mentor, Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor, and Troop Leader. This year, Holly also processed finances for two encampments, including accepting checks from 28 troops, paying out checks to GSEMA, and keeping rosters to make sure that all attendees have paid to participate in the various activities. As Service Unit Treasurer, Holly is currently mentoring a new volunteer and sharing that role, to ensure continuity of information and a smooth transition between roles. Holly started a subcommittee to establish an award for Concord-Carlisle Girl Scouts, volunteers, and alums in honor of Concord-Carlisle Girl Scout leader Sgt. Maureen WesingerLewis, who passed away in 2018. Holly has also maintained her archery certification so that the service unit can offer archery at service unit encampments for all girls. Holly always helps keep Girl Scouts on target.

11

Kara Macro, Dennis/Yarmouth

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 18 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Kara currently serves as Service Unit Cookie Mentor, Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor, and Troop Leader. For 10 years, Kara has managed and mentored volunteers through the Fall Product and Cookie Programs in the service unit. With Kara’s leadership, cookie sales have increased from $71,250 in the 201819 season to $74,115 in the 2019-2020 season. Girl participation has increased from 72.7% in 2018-19 to 86.5% in 2019-2020, and total packages sold have increased from 14,250 to 14,823. Kara is always available to help and answer any questions. She has been extremely helpful to all the new troop leaders, assisting them in managing their troops’ sales. Kara’s support helps with the development of girl leadership, and troop income. Her knowledge has helped multiple Dennis and Yarmouth leaders increase their troops’ sales and bring in more money for the troops and service unit.

Susan Moran, Beverly

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 11 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Susan currently serves as Service Unit Coordinator and Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor. Susan has been instrumental in fostering an environment of creativity and cooperation among the Beverly troops. She makes sure that all Beverly Girl Scouts can attend events like overnights at the Museum of Science Boston, service unit events, and campouts regardless of their financial ability. In addition to being the Service Unit Coordinator, Susan also works closely with the veterans of Beverly. She serves on a committee to help further the relationship between local Girl Scouts and veterans. She organizes the Memorial Day flag placement at the cemetery and parade participation, and tries to make sure Girl Scouts are a part of veteran events. Susan took the time to recruit new volunteers to take over as Service Unit Coordinator when she steps down in 2020. Susan has always been willing to meet new leaders in Beverly and surrounding towns to get CORIs signed and to share valuable local Girl Scout information.

12

Evalyn O’Rourke, Medford

5 Year Sustained Service Pin

A Girl Scout for 17 years and previous recipient of the Honor Pin, Evalyn currently serves as Encampment Director and Friends and Family Network to two troops as well as the Medford Service Unit. Along with Andie Farro, Evalyn successfully resurrected a highly anticipated Medford Encampment in September of 2019. Evalyn and Andie created an encampment committee to collect ideas and generate discussion among Medford troop leaders starting in 2018. Over the course of 17 months, they discussed, surveyed, and planned an overnight for more than 160 girls and 45 adults. They met with troop leaders during monthly service unit meetings as well as separate encampment meetings, and involved the leaders by asking for activity recommendations and facilitation of specific girl-led activities. As a service unit team member for a decade (including the former role of Service Unit Coordinator), Evalyn creates a supportive environment within the service unit for new leaders to gain insight from experienced leaders. Her willingness to help and her ability to teach new leaders inspires others to continue with Girl Scouts, and her love of Girl Scout traditions and ceremonies is apparent in her continued commitment to growing the Medford Service Unit. Evalyn welcomes all volunteers into the service unit and demonstrates to leaders that working with other hard-working and intelligent volunteers can be both fun and rewarding.

“

I think what inspires me most is offering girls a chance to do things to make them a better person. A chance to volunteer, a chance to get outside more, a chance to push them into activities they would never do, and a chance to be that really good person!”

— Karen Urlage, Hopkinton

13

Honor Pin

The Girl Scouts of the USA Honor Pin recognizes volunteers actively providing outstanding service in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in two or more geographic areas or program delivery audiences. Recipients must be registered Girl Scout volunteers who actively recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior. They must have significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, and increased community visibility.

Amy Fong, Baldwin

Honor Pin

A Girl Scout for 30 years, Amy currently serves as National Delegate, Gold Award Committee Member, Outdoor Facilitator, Baldwin Encampment Committee Member, and Troop Leader.

An adult volunteer since she graduated high school, Amy is a co-leader of a Daisy and Brownie troop that began with 14 girls the first year, growing to 24 the following year and 28 this year. She’s an advocate for multi-age, multi-level troops through her willingness to always accept more girls with the belief that every girl is welcome in Girl Scouting. Over the years, Amy has volunteered on several different committees as a GSEMA member, and most recently has rejoined the Gold Award Committee as of September 2019. Amy’s commitment to advising girls who require additional coordination is a true asset to the Gold Award Committee. Amy serves on the Encampment Committee in Baldwin and has also helped to facilitate the Festival of Trees and Memorial Day parade for the service unit, which provides opportunities for the local community to engage with Girl Scouting.

14

Laurabeth Goldsmith, Woburn

Honor Pin

A Girl Scout for 23 years, Laurabeth currently serves as Lead Advisor for the Girl and Teen Leadership Committee. In this role, Laurabeth provides the volunteer support for 15 girls annually to step into a vital leadership role with council. As a part of this committee, girls advise GSEMA on recruitment, events, programs, and various aspects of Girl Scouts. Laurabeth has helped to lead a yearly leadership event focused on the four programming pillars for the council, and mentors more than 50 Girl Scouts as they become leaders in their own communities. She has helped increase older girl retention and participation within the Girl and Teen Leadership Committee and has now guided the members of the committee through two advocacy events, both of which focused on outdoor education, STEM education, and sustainability. Each year, Laurabeth has also guided the committee members in brainstorming 20-30 event and program ideas to share with GSEMA. She has helped increase older girl retention and participation within the Girl Scout community and provides an exciting avenue for girl leadership.

15

Linda McNamee, Burlington

Honor Pin

A Girl Scout for 9 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Linda currently serves as 2019-2020 Volunteer Conference Committee Member, Service Unit Coordinator, Troop Leader, and Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator. Linda has had a tremendous impact on the Burlington Service Unit. In her three years as Service Unit Coordinator, she has added a new energy and enthusiasm to the service unit and is always available to adults and girls. Linda has promoted Girl Scouting in Burlington through the local cable access network and serves as a liaison between all scouting organizations in Burlington. She brings the community together by organizing different events for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in town, and celebrates diversity and inclusion while exploring local service opportunities.

Under Linda’s leadership, there was a 5% girl and 13% adult volunteer growth in the 2018-19 membership year, as well as a 73% retention rate and $108,000 in cookie sales. As a troop leader, Linda has mentored her girls as they work toward their Bronze Award. As part of the Volunteer Conference Committee for the past two years, Linda worked with vendors, created networking opportunities, and positively contributed to a successful event. In addition, Linda planned the opening and closing flag ceremonies and taught the group of eight girls (Daisy through Cadette levels) the closing song in American Sign Language to perform at the conference, introducing an essential new understanding of what it means to include every girl in Girl Scouting and demonstrate a commitment to accessibility.

“

...It’s the moments of discovery and exploration, making connections, building partnerships and friendships, the highs and lows, the love of nature and our earth, the taking action in your community and beyond.”

— Bonnie Parlee Goldberg, Marlborough

16

Bonnie Parlee Goldberg, Marlborough

Honor Pin

A Girl Scout for 26 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Bonnie currently serves as Service Unit Coordinator and Troop Leader. As a service unit team member, Bonny noticed that over the last few years Marlborough was having difficulty attracting and retaining Daisy leaders. She identified volunteers that would be a good fit to grow into a leader position, and in coordination with another leader, put together a plan to support and educate new leaders, enabling them to be successful with a troop of their own. Recently the service unit has been mentoring new troops in Hudson, creating a bridge between two towns for a stronger Girl Scouting community. Bonny has also established partnerships between the Marlborough Girl Scouts and Fresh Start Furnishing, the Mayor’s office, and the Rotary Club, among others. These relationships allow the girls many volunteer opportunities, from serving local seniors to engaging in local government.

Rebecca Scott, Medford

Honor Pin

A Girl Scout for 10 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Rebecca currently serves as Troop Leader, Troop Cookie Coordinator, and Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator. As Service Unit Membership Promoter from 2017-2019, Rebecca encouraged troops to renew their memberships during Early Bird Renewal and supported Medford in becoming one of the top five service units with girls renewed before the early bird deadline.

Rebecca works to connect troops that might be able to help one another, and since stepping out of the role of Service Unit Membership Promoter, she has assisted the new volunteer in the role during the transition. Sharing her experience as Service Unit Media Coordinator at the 2019 GSEMA Volunteer Conference with more than 60 volunteers from across the council has helped other volunteers looking to improve how they use internal communications and social media for their troops and service units. In addition to being a successful communications and media coordinator, Rebecca has assisted the leaders in the Medford Service Unit by hosting a sewing instruction night where troop leaders could bring their own sewing machines and she could help them make their own cookie costumes for girls to wear at cookie booths.

17

Lifetime of Service

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts’ Lifetime of Service Award recognizes adult volunteers who have championed the mission of Girl Scouting through long-term commitment and exemplary work at the troop, service unit or council level for fifteen or more years. Recipients must be a registered and active Girl Scout adult member who makes consistent contributions to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility. They must recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior as they deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Lucille Aprea, Walpole

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 33 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin and 10 Year Sustained Service Pin, Lucille currently serves as Service Unit Fundraising Co-Chair, Appreciation Dinner Committee Co-Chair Leader, and Walpole Leaders Recognition Committee Member.

Lucille served as Walpole’s registrar from 1995 to 2016, and as a service unit member from 1995 to present. Lucille coordinates the recognition dinner for Walpole volunteers, facilitating the fun activities and recognitions that make the volunteers feel appreciated and special. Lucille has coordinated the effort to get the word out about Girl Scouts and set up booths at town events such as Walpole Day and the Santa parade. For their local Girl Scout World Thinking Day event, Lucille assisted the older Girl Scouts in setting up their booths, coordinated check-in setup, and oversaw the overall event management. Even though Lucille’s girls graduated from Girl Scouts more than ten years ago, Lucille supports and encourages new leaders and continues to go above and beyond in supporting the Girl Scout volunteers in Walpole.

18

Alaine Gomez, Hingham

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 41 years and previous recipient of the Thanks Badge, Alaine currently serves as Gold Award Advisor for the Gold Award Committee. Over the 40 years that Alaine has been volunteering, she has served in many capacities, including Service Unit Encampment Director, Troop Leader for all levels, and now Gold Award Advisor. Alaine has been matched with 12 Gold Award candidates most recently and she has mentored five Gold Award Girl Scouts who successfully earned their awards over the past three years. Alaine is always willing to support additional girls as her schedule allows, and has been helping to serve the girls in the south as there are a limited number of advisors in that area. Alaine is one of only a few members who travel to the Middleboro office to assist with the interviews there; she is easily accessible to both GSEMA and her candidates, communicates frequently, and unwaveringly supports her girls.

Beverly Mason-Dillaway, Weston

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 26 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, and 15 Year Sustained Service Pin, Beverly currently serves as Service Unit Coordinator, Service Unit Membership Promoter, and Troop Leader. Beverly began her Girl Scout volunteer journey in 1994 as a troop leader for her older daughter, Becky, and has been the Weston Service Unit Coordinator since 1996. Her recent efforts include spearheading a town-wide Girl Scout Safety Skills Day in May 2019, with 41 Girl Scouts ranging from Daisies to Seniors in attendance. In addition to the spring program, Beverly also led the Fall Festival in September 2019, which had 45 Girl Scouts and 27 adults in attendance. Beverly is responsible for Girl Scouts maintaining a strong presence in the Weston Scout House, and each fall she helps to plan an open house recruitment night. Beverly spends time with every new troop leader to make sure they feel comfortable using the Weston Scout House and the resources provided by GSEMA, creating a strong and supported Girl Scouting community in Weston for years to come.

19

Carol Meninger, Everett

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 54 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, and Thanks Badge, Carol currently serves as Service Unit Cookie Mentor. Carol has been a Service Unit team member and cookie manager since 1977. Carol mentors new Cookie Coordinators in other service units, delivers recognitions to leaders who do not have transportation, and communicates with service units to give guidance on procedures. As Service Unit Cookie Mentor, Carol has contributed to Everett’s success with the cookie program. In 2019-2020 they increased the number of girls selling by 14, and the per girl average in 2019-2020 was 109 packages, higher than the GSEMA average. The service unit increased sales by about $500 from 2018-2019 to 2019-2020, ending at a total of 531 cases. Carol helps girls create cancer care bags that the service unit makes for Winchester Cancer Center. She has mentored many leaders by example, and continues to work for the girls not only with the cookie program but also at events and with recruiting.

Helen Monroe, Reading

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 54 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin and Thanks Badge, Helen currently serves as Service Unit team member. In addition to her many years with Reading Girl Scouts, Helen was an active member of the Reading Council for Girls—an organization that was working to provide camperships to the girls of Reading and North Reading. Currently, Helen is a member of the Founder Award Scholarship Committee. She reads the scholarship applications and then attends meetings to discuss the applications and choose one deserving girl to receive the Founder Award Scholarship. Although Helen is not a part of the North Reading Service Unit, she agreed to sit on the committee without hesitation, bringing two communities together to share insight, resources, and inspiration. She has been a valuable asset, bringing with her years of Girl Scout experience.

20

Mary Rose Pearo, Walpole

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 55 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, and 20 Year Sustained Service Pin, Mary Rose currently serves as Service Unit team member, Troop Leader, Thinking Day Chair, and Walpole Leaders Recognition Committee member. Keeping the flame of Girl Scout traditions bright, Mary Rose has been a champion for flag ceremonies and proper etiquette; she trains all new leaders in the flag ceremony technique and requests these troops to participate in town-wide events. She donated white gloves, red sashes, flag stands, and Walpole town flags for use at all town events, which provides resources for other troops to use. She also finds or makes whatever is needed for investiture ceremonies, rededications, and Eternal Flame Candle Ceremonies. Mary Rose has chaired the town-wide World Thinking Day for more than 17 years. Mary Rose is ever-present for the girls of the troops that she mentors, as well as Girl Scouts who are working toward their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. With the support of leaders, she ensures that girls are recognized for their efforts at vital ceremonies such as the Court of Awards for the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Kim Tobin Lalli, Maynard

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 46 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin and 5 Year Sustained Service Pin, Kim currently serves as Service Unit Treasurer and Encampment Director.

Kim has been the Encampment Director since 1984 and has orchestrated the encampment to be girl-led. This year, the service unit had every troop in grades 2-12 participating in the encampment. Kim was recently honored as the Maynard Volunteer of the Week, is the chair of the Maynard Relay for Life committee, and is part of the Maynard Home Town Heroes committee, which creates banners for servicemen. Kim stores close to a dozen boxes of encampment supplies at her home, does grocery shopping for all 130 girls and leaders who attend, and personally delivers those supplies and groceries to each cabin.

Kim’s volunteerism with Girl Scouts has helped with retention of older girls and leaders, and positive public awareness of Girl Scouting in Maynard.

21

Donna Towchik, Everett

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 60 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Thanks Badge, Thanks Badge 2, President’s Award, and 15 Year Sustained Service Pin, Donna currently serves as Service Unit Coordinator and Troop Leader. In Donna’s 60 years of service, she has worn many hats and served in many other capacities, including Regional Delegate and Troop Pathway Orientation Facilitator. Donna coordinates many service unit events, including making and donating gift bags for cancer patients, assembling wreaths honoring veterans for street corners, and organizing Girl Scout Sunday. The annual events that Donna coordinates not only provide girls in Everett with enriching experiences, but also bring a greater awareness of Girl Scouting to the Everett community. She is always excited to help at recruitment or community events to invite new girls into Girl Scouting. In the 2018-2019 membership year Early Bird Renewal season, Everett renewed 75% of girls with 38 out of 51 reenrolling by the beginning of June. For the past two years, all girls who live in Everett and were interested in joining were able to find a troop participation opportunity in town with the formation of a K-2 troop last year and a new Kindergarten troop this year, ensuring sustainable participation in Girl Scouts and supporting a new generation of girls and leaders.

Donna encourages leaders to have girls participate in GSEMA money-earning activities to build goal-getting entrepreneurs.

“

Most of all I wish more people would join Girl Scouts so that they too could have wonderful experiences such as I have had.”

— Donna Towchik, Everett

22

Rebecca Wise-Bono, Revere/Saugus

Lifetime of Service Award

A Girl Scout for 57 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Rebecca currently serves as Service Unit Coordinator, Service Unit New Leader Mentor, Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor, Troop Leader for two troops, and Troop Cookie Coordinator, and Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator for three troops. Rebecca is currently in her 9th year as Service Unit Coordinator, and was a Troop Leader of a now graduated Ambassador troop from 2007 until 2019. She has taken on a leadership role for three more troops within her communities, providing mentorship for 32 additional girls within her community that might otherwise never have had a chance to experience Girl Scouts. By leading multiple troops, she has positively impacted both new membership numbers as well as member retention within her region. She helps the girls reach their goals by setting up many cookie booths throughout the selling season, and teaches the girls goal setting and entrepreneurship. The girls are able to use their proceeds from the cookie program to plan an overnight trip with Rebecca’s support.

Last year her troops sold a combined 738 cases (8,856 packages!). There is always time spent during the year on helping others in need. Rebecca consistently represents Girl Scouts at community-wide events and parades each year. She always sets up a Girl Scout booth at the Saugus Founder’s Day in September where she advocates for the benefits of joining or starting a Girl Scout troop.

23

Red Rose Award

The Red Rose Award recognizes a volunteer who actively demonstrates exemplary commitment to the Girl Scout values of diversity, equity and inclusion in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in one or more geographic areas.

The Red Rose Award invokes the memory of the Red Rose Troop, the first Girl Scout troop in Eastern Massachusetts and the third in the nation. This troop was started

by Emma Hall and, in 1913, was the first nationally to welcome African American girls. This troop demonstrates that from the beginning of the Movement, Eastern Massachusetts has been deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity for all girls; this award recognizes the volunteers who carry that commitment forward.

Fabienne Eliacin, Roxbury

Red Rose Award

A Girl Scout for three years, Fabienne currently serves as a Troop Leader. Fabienne was instrumental in getting her multi-level troop started, offering membership for girls in Roxbury, Hyde Park, Dorchester, Mattapan, and more, creating unprecedented opportunities for girls to join Girl Scouts. She collaborates successfully with other troops and members of the community. Fabienne has introduced her troop to Jeri Robinson, VP of Early Childhood Initiatives at Boston Children’s Museum, who taught them about diversity and equity, and gave a Civil Rights-era American Girl doll to all the girls. Fabienne has also fostered relationships with local government officials, such as Commissioner William Gross, Representative Ayanna Pressley, and City Councilor Kim Janey. In addition to her work in the community, Fabienne is responsible for finding a location to hold a World Thinking Day event and is co-chair of the committee who planned the International Women’s Day Dinner.

Fabienne also participates in volunteer community service projects with girls, in partnership with organizations including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Cradles to Crayons, and autism 24

and dyslexia charities. Fabienne has helped open doors for programming, and she makes connections in the Boston community to create new enrichment experiences for the girls. She also takes the girls to programs and conferences that encourage #BlackGirlMagic and girl leadership. Fabienne is a huge advocate for the dyslexia community and Boston’s Haitian and African-American communities. Fabienne leads by example, advocating for Girl Scouts to help girls become well-rounded leaders who take immense pride in who they are and where they live.

She has expanded the diversity of the council to girls in underserved communities and to girls who might otherwise not have participated in Girl Scouts.

Jeanette Minyaoui, Malden

Honor Pin and Red Rose Award

A Girl Scout for 5 years, Jeanette currently serves as Safety Consultant, Youth Mental Health First Aider, First Aider, and Assistant Troop Leader. As one of the leaders of a troop that specifically welcomes girls of Muslim faith to Girl Scouting, Jeanette’s leadership has provided these girls with a safe space to become Girl Scouts, learn new skills, and challenge themselves, while remaining true to their faith and to their identities. Jeanette has been instrumental in creating a bridge between the local mosque, the Malden community, and Girl Scouting. Jeanette regularly schedules outings for the girls in her community, including horseback riding, hiking, picnics, a 5k run, overnights at GSEMA camps, letterboxing, and service projects. Jeanette serves as a Safety Consultant at a council level, and consults with council leadership on potential changes. She was one of three panelists to serve as a cofacilitator at the 2019 GSEMA Volunteer Conference where she mentored a group of nearly 50 volunteers to get their girls outdoors. Jeanette has also assisted with the Malden Public Safety Day. Every year the city asks Malden Girl Scouts to help manage the cafeteria full of crafts for this citywide event. It is an enormous responsibility and opportunity to grow awareness of Girl Scouts in the community. Jeanette is a champion of diversity and inclusion, devoting herself to serving the needs of Muslim girls.

25

Thanks Badge

The Girl Scouts of the USA Thanks Badge is awarded to volunteers whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire Girl Scout Movement. Recipients must be registered Girl Scout volunteers who have taken a leadership role at the council level in one or more of the following areas during the previous four years: increasing membership growth and retention; increasing the percentage of adult-generated council funding; increasing innovative program opportunities council-wide; developing a broad participation in policy influencing decisions through the democratic process; and ensuring that inclusive behavior is recognized, understood, and practiced at all levels of the council.

Mary Towchik, Everett

Thanks Badge

A Girl Scout for 41 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, President’s Award and 10 Year Sustained Service Pin, Mary currently serves as Regional Delegate, Service Unit Treasurer, Troop Cookie Coordinator, Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator, and Troop Leader for three troops. With a background in finance and fund development, Mary consistently helps leaders with their finances and bank accounts and has mentored the Chelsea Service Unit in this area. In addition to being a troop leader for Junior and Brownie troops, she is a troop leader for a special needs Daisy troop currently in its 4th year that graduates girls into a supported pathway of special-needs troops. Mary believes that all girls should have the opportunity to join Girl Scouts, and with her leadership, she provides girls with disabilities an opportunity to participate in the Girl Scout experience. In the past, Mary was a council facilitator, where she taught age-level trainings in many subjects. Mary organizes cancer care bags as one of Everett’s town-wide service projects and donates the extra cost of the cancer hats so that every bag has a hat. When the bags are assembled, she takes them to the center for the patients. Through her compassion, her inclusivity, and her abilities as a leader, facilitator, and educator, Mary has deeply impacted the Girl Scout community in Everett and beyond.

26

Thanks Badge II

The Girl Scouts of the USA Thanks Badge II is awarded to a prior Thanks Badge recipient who has since provided distinguished service by taking a leadership role resulting in an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the missiondelivery goals and priorities of the entire Girl Scout Movement. Recipients must be registered Girl Scout volunteers who have taken a leadership role at the council or national level in one or more of the following areas during the previous three years: increasing membership growth and retention; increasing the percentage of adultgenerated council funding; increasing innovative program opportunities council-wide; developing a broad participation in policy-influencing decisions through the democratic process; and ensuring that inclusive behavior is recognized, understood, and practiced at all levels of the council.

Umilta Eadie, Mattapan

Thanks Badge II

A Girl Scout for 30 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, and 5 Year Sustained Service Pin, Umilta currently serves as Cookie Cupboard Manager, Troop Leader, Troop Cookie Coordinator, and Troop Fall Product Program Coordinator. As a cupboard manager for Lena Park, Umilta has created opportunities for Girl Scouts and volunteers in an area that existing cupboards and council resources did not reach well, enabling a greater number of troops to more easily participate in the cookie program.

Umilta saw a need for a cookie cupboard in the Dorchester and Roxbury area, and after the Lena Park partnership was established, Umilta decided help keep this as a mainstay for the council. Umilta connects with leaders not just from Boston, but from Hingham, Milton, Brookline, Weymouth, and more. She takes the time to ensure all leaders have their orders, engages them during pick up, and will travel to Waltham for additional stock. There are many instances in which Umilta has picked up fall product orders and recognitions for troops in Mattapan or helped girls access camp properties to provide a bridge between 27

council resources and her local community. A former long-time member of the Volunteer Recognition Committee, Umilta helped recognize more than 300 adult volunteers. As a trainer for many years, she provided New Leader Orientation to support and educate new Boston troop leaders, and as a troop leader for the past 30 years, Umilta continues to empower girls and fuel the next generation of leaders. In large ways and small, Umilta consistently works to support girls and other leaders to create a stronger Girl Scouting community.

Wynelle Hummel, Woburn

Thanks Badge II

A Girl Scout for 52 years and previous recipient of the Appreciation Pin and Thanks Badge, Wynelle currently serves as Regional Delegate, Great Escape Committee Member, Service Unit New Leader Mentor, Service Unit Encampment Director, and Troop Leader. As the Service Unit New Leader Mentor, Wynelle has been able to grow and support Girl Scouting through her more than 50 years of experience and expertise. She has individually met with all local new leaders and provided useful information and support as they learned the essential skills of Girl Scouting.

Wynelle has a rich history with GSEMA and has been involved in many different parts of the Girl Scouting movement over the years, mostly impacting membership. She has helped organize many events including the annual Awards Ceremony, Leader Investiture and Rededication Ceremony, and World Thinking Day. Wynelle is a member of the Hospitality subcommittee for the Great Escape planning committee. She is instrumental in creating a welcoming atmosphere for more than 100 attendees each year. Her passion and enthusiasm for Girl Scouts ensures that new attendees feel comfortable. Wynelle keeps Girl Scout alums engaged and increases satisfaction among current leaders who get an opportunity to enjoy the Girl Scout camping experience themselves.

She is a lifelong Girl Scout, and values opportunities for older Girl Scouts; she has taken troops overseas, supported girls earning the Gold Award, and mentored girl delegates to National Convention. As a regional delegate herself, Wynelle has supported council policy decisions and has made a council-wide impact.

28

Sandra Publicover, Cambridge

Thanks Badge II

A Girl Scout for 54 years and previous recipient of the Honor Pin and Thanks Badge, Sandy currently serves as Regional Delegate, Museum Volunteer, and Service Unit team member.

As a museum volunteer and docent, Sandy has hosted more than 50 troop visits, making sure the girls are engaged and enjoy learning about the legacy of Girl Scouting. Sandy’s knowledge of Girl Scout programs and the history of the Girl Scout Movement provides for a rich presentation to troops and adults visiting the museum. Sandy has also been instrumental in the upgrading of museum operations as they prepare to launch a relational database inventory management program. She has volunteered at least 25 hours a week for the past year helping to get records in order for the launch. Sandy has also taken on the task of updating the rental flag inventory and creating a spreadsheet to simplify the rental process for both leaders and museum personnel. Sandy also helps advise national delegates and attends national conventions even when not serving as a delegate. Sandy has made a direct impact on girls’ engagement by volunteering more than 100 hours toward program facilitation at the museum or other GSEMA programs. Sandy provides leadership, support, and advice on the council-level as a regional and national delegate, as well as training support for delegates as they prepare for national council sessions.

“

It inspires me that Girl Scouts it is a movement. It continues to grow and change with the times, staying current. Girl Scouts truly look to help girls and volunteers develop their skills for the future to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

— Sandra Publicover, Cambridge

29

President’s Award

The President’s Award recognizes a geographic area, service unit, service-delivery team, or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals.

The team must practice the values of inclusive behavior and reflect the diversity of the geographic area it serves.

Marlborough Service Unit

President’s Award

GSEMA is proud to present the President’s Award to the Marlborough Service Unit led by Service Unit Coordinators Nancy Theis and Bonny Parlee Goldberg, Service Unit Treasurer Marianne Geoffroy, Service Unit Membership Promoter Kyla LeConti and Service Unit Cookie Mentor and Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor Sherri Greenstein-Himle. Now in their 100th year of Girl Scouting, Marlborough stands strong as a pillar of Girl Scouting in the community. Hosting a strong cookie program, Marlborough had 95% of girls participating in 2018-2019, representing $129,220 in sales, a $6350 increase from the year before, and a 68.4% participation rate in fall product program in 2018-2019, well above GSEMA average. Boasting a 72% retention rate for girls and adults in the current membership year, they are particularly strong at retaining older girls when most service units see a decline in Junior and Cadette membership. To build confidence among their newest troop leaders, service unit leadership team members also provide ongoing mentorship to first year Daisy troops. Marlborough has strong ties to the community, including lasting partnerships with the Rotary Club, Fresh Start Furnishing, and the Mayor’s office, to name a few. Marlborough excels at bridging gaps that could otherwise divide communities; from mentoring the nearby Hudson Service Unit to supporting the annual Scouting for Food drive to bring all scouts in town together. They host a successful encampment that features a girl leadership committee and, with four Gold Award 30

candidates currently in the pipeline and 219 girls earning highest awards since 2008 (with 55 highest awards received in the last four years), Marlborough provides opportunity and support for girls to become leaders. Marlborough works together to not only raise the profile of Girl Scouting within the community but also consistently finds new and better ways to support their community and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Mashpee Service Unit

President’s Award

GSEMA is proud to present the President’s Award to the Mashpee Service Unit led by Service Unit Coordinator Cathy Lewis, Service Unit Treasurer Kerri Duvall, and Service Unit Cookie Mentor Dawn Rebello. Mashpee has seen an increase of members by 114% from 102 for the entire year of 2019 to 116 members as of February 2020. Mashpee had over 48% of girls renew during Early Bird Renewal for 2019 and the service unit is constantly seeing growth; one out of every 4 members is a new girl. The percentage of adult volunteers has grown 30.4% and the percentage of new girl members has grown 16.2% from January 2019 to January 2020.

Mashpee has a rate of 85.7% participation in the cookie program for the 2018-2019 year (which is higher than the GSEMA average of 79%) and 60% participation for the Fall Product Program (higher than GSEMA’s participation rate of 43.4%). Mashpee has impacted diversity and inclusion by welcoming members of the Wampanoag tribe to Girl Scouting, sparking a beautiful conversation when the girls discovered that Girl Scout values like using resources wisely and making the world a better place are central to the Wampanoag belief in respecting and conserving land. The service unit also hosts events to help the girls develop into strong leaders; most recently, Beth York of the Mashpee Service Unit planned a career night to inspire girls from Daisy to Ambassador level to learn about future career opportunities.

This event highlighted life skills like resume writing as well as a focus on women in careers that have been traditionally male-dominated such as police officers, Navy and Coast Guard Reserves, physical therapists, scientists, and more. The service unit also collaborates with surrounding service units to offer programming to girls in the Cape Cod area, such as a badge day workshop. Some troops in the service unit have partnered with an assisted living community and make monthly visits to the residents. Mashpee has significantly contributed to council goals through membership growth, adult and girl retention rates, product sales, and community visibility.

31

Nashaway Service Unit

President’s Award

GSEMA is proud to present the President’s Award to the Nashaway Service Unit, led by Service Unit Coordinator Lisa Murray, Service Unit Membership Promoter Dawn Alling, Service Unit Cookie Mentor and Treasurer Gloria Ackroyd, Service Unit New Leader Mentor Jessica Barie, and Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor Lori Slade. Covering the towns of Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, and Shirley, the Nashaway Service Unit is always trying to create more opportunities to attract and retain girls in Girl Scouting, and has been without the support of a full-time GSEMA recruitment staff member for two years. They have an annual retention rate of 76.7% and a new membership growth rate of 22%. The Nashaway communities were also able to start three new kindergarten troops for the 2019-2020 membership year.

They have maintained a consistent number of new troops over the past three years. In preparation for the 2020-2021 membership year, the service unit is already in discussion with the council regarding the best way to create new troops moving forward as they’ve noticed a high number of young independently registered girls that existing troops cannot accommodate. Their proactive response to this concern and flexibility to try alternative troop structures will continue engaging new members and ensure Girl Scouting stays relevant and competitive within the community. With a remote yet spread out nature of their location and communities, the Nashaway Service Unit collaborates as much as possible to ensure every girl has the opportunity for a troop experience.

“ 32

Girl Scouts truly looks to help girls and volunteers develop their skills for the future to be the leaders of tomorrow.

— Sandra Publicover, Cambridge

Stoughton Service Unit

President’s Award

GSEMA is proud to present the President’s Award to the Stoughton Service Unit, led by Service Unit Coordinator Chrissy McBride, Service Unit Membership Promoter Christine Wilbur, Service Unit Treasurer Susanne Zack, Service Unit New Leader Mentor Iluka Harris, and Service Unit Cookie Mentor Lauren Spears. The Stoughton Service Unit has a retention rate of 82.2%, increased from 79% the previous year. Stoughton’s cookie program participation rate for girls was 88.9% (10% higher than the council average) for the 2018-2019 membership year. The number of girl members is 114 (37.3% increase in one year) and adult membership is up 34.1% year to date. In total, the service unit has 173 members for the 2019-2020 membership year, compared to 146 members for the previous year. Stoughton has troops that are open to new members in the Opportunity Catalog, and started three new troops in the 2019-2020 membership year. Of girls who renewed, 71% did so during Early Bird Renewal. Stoughton has contributed to GSEMA goals in regard to membership growth, retention, and product sales. Stoughton Girl Scouts are active and visible in the community, having participated in multiple parades, including the Stoughton Holiday Parade of Lights this past December. The girls in the service unit celebrate diversity and their personal heritage through activities such as sharing jewelry from their native culture, marching in and hosting a table at the town-wide Martin Luther King Day procession and celebration, and yearly participation in the International Festival and World Thinking Day. The service unit plans and implements activities that highlight culture, safety, arts, science, conflict resolution, leadership, responsibility, and self-confidence. Service Unit Coordinator Chrissy McBride and Service Unit Encampment Director Jenn Sears helped facilitate the service unit encampment this past fall, which encouraged over 70 girls in the service unit to get outdoors, and collaborated with the GSEMA marketing department in creating a service unit banner. They demonstrate inclusion and respect through collaborative events during which older Girl Scouts have the opportunity to work with younger girls and practice being the excellent role models that they have become.

33

Wayland Service Unit

President’s Award

GSEMA is proud to present the President’s Award to the Wayland Service Unit, led by Service Unit Coordinator Zuania Wood, Service Unit Co-Membership Promoter Karen Montague, Service Unit Co-Membership Promoter Lauren Cooke, Service Unit Treasurer Kerry Kaufmann, and Service Unit Fall Product Program Mentor and Cookie Mentor Nancy LeBlang. The adult membership in Wayland has grown significantly from the 2018-2019 membership year to the 2019-2020 membership year. As of January 2020, Wayland has 294 girl and 206 adult members, changed from 299 girls and 170 adult members in 2019.

Without the assistance of a GSEMA Recruitment Specialist in the 2019-2020, Wayland has continued to recruit new girls and volunteers, and is well on its way to meeting the council’s 2020 new member goals. During Early Bird Renewal the last two years, they have consistently hit 60% girl renewal, which places them within the top 10 renewing communities. The program for high awards in Wayland has an impressive history. Since 2008, Wayland Girl Scouts have completed 104 high award projects, recognizing the work of 65 Bronze Award Girl Scouts, 57 Silver Award Girl Scouts, and 7 Gold Award Girl Scouts. Of those Girl Scouts, 19 earned two or more high awards, most of which were Bronze and Silver Awards and four were Silver and Gold Awards. Three Girl Scouts earned all three high awards. Zuania Wood has created a Wayland-specific new leader guide as well as a guide for the fall product and cookie programs. This service unit team has increased Girl Scout visibility by hosting unique events, including fall recruitment informational nights, Scarecrows and S’mores, Wayland Museum Open Houses, World Thinking Day badge workshops, Court of Awards, bridging ceremonies, and Girl Scout Week. The Wayland Service Unit also gives out startup funds to new troops, which breaks down a barrier for those who may need financial assistance. The Wayland Service Unit team has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Girl Scout Movement through their innovation and leadership, which has had a measurable effect on Wayland’s success as a Girl Scout community.

34

Wellesley Troop 70666

President’s Award

GSEMA is proud to present the President’s Award to Wellesley Daisy Troop 70666 led by Troop Leaders Jennifer Thomas-Starck, Laura Foody, and Kerry Bedard. Jennifer, Laura, and Kerry worked with their Senior and Ambassador troop to create a Daisy troop led by the Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. They have three patrols, meeting at different days and times to accommodate a variety of schedules, and they have had the families register at least one adult to stay at the meeting to get an idea of what meetings are like. After one year in this community troop, girls and adults are ready to take on their own troops, having gotten insight, support, and experience in Girl Scouting. The leaders mentor the older girls on how to work with the younger girls and have created a multigenerational leadership opportunity within the troop that not only benefits the older girls, but the younger girls as well through the demonstration of peer mentorship. This innovative model ensures that the youngest Girl Scouts have role models who are showing the possibilities for enrichment and leadership that GSEMA provides girls at every level. This program not only ensures the vibrancy of the Daisy program, but has invigorated the Seniors and Ambassadors by providing the older girls with responsibility and possibilities that come from leading young girls and fostering a love for Girl Scouts. It also has a direct impact on older girl retention. The leaders have worked hard to come up with this innovative program that strengthens Girl Scouting at all levels in the community. This team has created an ongoing cycle of leadership and has shown the girls that by working together, they can take what they have learned and help new girls and families enjoy and succeed in Girl Scouts.

35

Thank you We couldn’t do it without you.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts 420 Boylston Street, Suite 505 Boston, MA 02116 CustomerCare@gsema.org

PARTNER AGENCY OF

gsema.org @GirlScoutsEMass