“Children are often not taught about mental health until their teenage years. My project is a step towards raising awareness and helping empower children to regulate their emotional well-being.” —Gold Award Girl Scout Devon McDonald Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania would like to congratulate Devon McDonald, Gold Award Girl Scout of Allegheny County Troop 52242, whoContinue reading “Big Feelings Story Time: Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum”
Author Archives: girlscoutswpa
2025 Adult Award Recipients
The Adult Award Review Committee has the distinct privilege of reviewing nominations for the exceptional volunteers who serve as the backbone of our organization. The committee meticulously assesses each recommendation, and the board approves the nominations for the adult awards, including the President’s Award, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, and Thanks I & II Badge. CongratulationsContinue reading “2025 Adult Award Recipients”
2025 Gold Award Girl Scouts Receive Honors at Awards of Distinction Event
Our annual Awards of Distinction event, held this year on May 14, 2025, at the Carnegie Science Center, celebrates women who exemplify excellence in leadership throughout our council’s region, as well as the accomplishments of two Gold Award Girl Scouts who received the honors of Girl Scout Humanitarian and Girl Scout of Distinction. Gold AwardContinue reading “2025 Gold Award Girl Scouts Receive Honors at Awards of Distinction Event”
Volunteer Spotlight: Gail Barrett
Respect, honesty, and consideration—it’s the Girl Scout way for Gail Barrett! Gail Barret has been a Girl Scout member for more than 50 years, starting as a Girl Scout in first grade. She has served as a day camp director, service unit director, troop leader, delegate, and council member for 14 years. She is theContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Gail Barrett”
Volunteer Spotlight: Tammy LaCross
Tammy LaCross has volunteered with Girl Scouts since 2013, following in the footsteps of her mom, who was a troop leader before her. Acting in the many roles of co-leader, leader, service unit product co-manager, and cookie cupboard volunteer, Tammy has seen how being a part of Girl Scouts changes lives, especially for her family. JustContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Tammy LaCross”
Volunteer Spotlight: Curtis Stratman
Confidence, independence, and hands-on skills—Curtis Stratman loves outdoor adventures for what they can teach Girl Scouts! Since beginning as a Girl Scout volunteer in 2016, Curtis Stratman has had a passion for outdoor adventures with his Girl Scouts in Allegheny County. After beginning as his troop’s treasurer in 2016, Curtis eventually took on more administrativeContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Curtis Stratman”
Volunteer Spotlight: Cammie Stralko
As a volunteer with Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania since 1997, Cammie Stralko has been a troop leader committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming Girl Scout troop in Oil City. For twenty-eight years, she has been a troop leader. She has since served as a service unit manager for the Oil City service unit, aContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Cammie Stralko”
Crystal Nagy: Leadership, Legacy, and the Life-Saving Power of Girl Scouts
Crystal Nagy is more than just a dedicated mother—she is a role model, a mentor, and a leader shaping the next generation of strong, confident young women. As the troop leader of Johnstown Troop 11391 and a passionate advocate for the Girl Scout mission, Crystal has left a profound mark, not just on her daughterContinue reading “Crystal Nagy: Leadership, Legacy, and the Life-Saving Power of Girl Scouts”
The Heart of Camp: A Story of Growth and Confidence
Abby, Brynn, and Chloe arrived at Camp Conshatawba with different emotions—Abby, a seasoned camper on her fifth trip, was excited, while first-timers Brynn and Chloe felt nervous. Brynn worried about making friends, and Chloe feared being homesick. But as the days passed, camp transformed them. Abby’s confidence had grown with each camp experience, and thisContinue reading “The Heart of Camp: A Story of Growth and Confidence”
Scarlett Nagy: A Girl Scout Hero
Scarlett Nagy, a Brownie Girl Scout from Johnstown Troop 11391, proved that Girl Scouting is more than just badges, cookies, and camping—it’s about leadership, quick thinking, and preparedness. Scarlett’s bravery and presence of mind in a life-threatening emergency earned her the prestigious Medal of Honor, a national award given to Girl Scouts who demonstrate GirlContinue reading “Scarlett Nagy: A Girl Scout Hero”
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