The following story is a story of a Girl Scout, told in her own words:
I am a strong, successful, confident, and compassionate woman. Being a Girl Scout has shaped me into who I am today. I am proud to be a Girl Scout.
I started Girl Scouts in second grade; little did I know what would come of it. My troop was active. We went on campouts at least three times a year. We did a big activity or event at least once a month, and we had awesome snacks. We all became sisters. We shared memories, and built each other up when we felt like we were down. The first time I played guitar for an audience was around a campfire. The first time I ever went to away camp was through Girl Scouts. The first real job I ever had was selling cookies. Girl Scouts has grown into me like a skeleton. It is not all my life, but it is a huge part of it and holds me together.
Ever since I was little, my mom has taught me to have a drive, positive attitude, and to never be afraid to do what is right. Selling cookies became a passion immediately from the first ring of the doorbell. I love making that connection with tthe customer. I remember my clients, their orders, and their stories; every year. my favorite part is hearing about the places people get to go and how their lives have changed in just 365 days. I have been a super cookie seller for 9 years! Cookies have taken me to bigger and better places, too. From my first cookie sale to the last, cookies have paid for me to go to Girl Scout Camp, and on a Girl Scout Destination. I started going to Camp Black Hawk when I was eight, and ever since, it has been a home away from home. I've gone there eight times without friends and two times with them, but somehow I always manage to come home with a book full of phone numbers and addresses. I still keep in touch with some of the girls I met at camp.
Last summer, I went to Costa Rica for two weeks on the Costa Rica Service Challenge destination. I send letters and postcards to all of my sixteen Chica Scout Hermanas (Girl Scout Sisters), and video chat with them on the computer. I had the time of my life in Costa Rica. I learned to let loose completely--I let myself do new adventures. I changed parts of myself that I did not even know I was not okay with, and I made a pact to give up Fast-food beef to help make the world a better place by saving the rainforests. I learned to cross the cultural barrier and to try and speak with people in another language, to make music with them, and to play games. I learned so much in that short period of time, but I will never forget my time spent there. My experience was so positive that I applied for another destination to the Galapagos Islands this comimg summer.
In addition to camp, I've earned my Bronze and Silver Awards. For my Bronze Award, my troop mapped out and installed signs along a prairie in back of our school. We held a poetry and art contest, and we selected our favorites to put in signs that we installed along the trail. We also installed interpretive nature signs that gave information about the wildlife in the area. We also installed birdhouses along the trail. These trails anad our signs are still used today by science classes, the cross-coutry team, and casual hikers. For my Silver Award, my troop--there was just three of us at the time--remodeled the showers and basement of our favorite Girl Scout Property. We installed "Dura-grid" flooring, mirrors, new shower curtains, a sink skirt, soap and shampoo holders, hooks and shelving units. We built a bench, and wrote cleaning rules. Also, we repainted the walls, and stenciled in yellow rubber ducks. Now, not only are those showers safe and clean to use, but also they are actually used. Everytime we go to that property now, we get to rejoice in those showers over our hard work.
Now, I am currently part of the Madison Mariner Troop 523. We compete in regattas about once a month in locations all over the Midwest. I am currently working on my Gold Award. I am creating an online cookbook with recipes using Girl Scout Cookies. Last September, I held a tasting of recipes that I challenged eight different restaurants and bakeries to create these new recipes using cookies. The event had a great turnout, and now I am focusing on creating the website.
Girl Scouts has truely taught me to care for others, the Earth, and myself. I have developed fantastic people, budgeting, goal setting, and business skills. I am comfortable working under pressure, and I can adapt to sticky situations. I have learned not to judge others, but try to celebrate diversity. I am comfortable with who I am, and I strive to make great choices. Girl Scouts has introduced me to many fantastic role models that have helped me through the years. I have learned very important camping and survival skills. I also am an expert at using the woods as my lavatory correctly. I learned to appreciate the world and be a better person. I have become who I am, because I am a Girl Scout. I am proud to be a Girl Scout, and I always will be.
The Sugar Loaf Service Unit, which includes the communities of Altura, Dakota, Goodview, Lewiston, Minnesota City, Rollingstone, Stockton, and Winona has been very active in the past year in offering Service Unit events. In January of 2010, the Service Unit hosted a Thinking Day event, and troops supported booths, learning about the country and participating in an activity. Girls tasted new foods and learned new words from the country. Thinking Day is a Girl Scout holiday where girls are encouraged to think about girls living all over the world. This event, supported by volunteers, was a huge success in the Winona area with over 75 girls participating. Events like this highlight the success of Girl Scouts. Working together, girls experience new things and participate in programming they might not otherwise have a chance to experience.