Civic Learning Week (March 10-14) is here, and Girl Scouts are taking the lead in understanding government and civic engagement. On February 3, 2025, Girl Scouts from across Pennsylvania had a unique opportunity to step into the world of government and leadership at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. This extraordinary event provided girls with firsthand experienceContinue reading “Exploring Government Careers – Made Possible by Girl Scouts”
Author Archives: girlscoutswpa
STEM Sisters: Future History Makers
March is Women’s History Month, and we want to spotlight some of our future history makers, our STEM Sisters! Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania STEM Sisters is a year-round program for all Girl Scouts. This sisterhood of over 125 Girl Scouts from over a dozen Girl Scout councils allows girls to explore their interests in STEM,Continue reading “STEM Sisters: Future History Makers”
Destinations: Hawaii, England, Ireland, and Wales Guest Blog Post
Last year, Girl Scout Evelyn “Evie” Mathie attended two Girl Scout Destinations—one to Oahu, Hawaii, and one to England, Ireland, and Wales. She was a recipient of D-Pass funding granted to Girl Scouts from our council. Destination: Oahu, Hawaii My Girl Scout Destination was Hawaii in June of 2023. The Hawaiian people and culture wereContinue reading “Destinations: Hawaii, England, Ireland, and Wales Guest Blog Post”
Destinations: Orange County, Boundary Waters, and Southern California
Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Push past your comfort zone by applying for a trip on your own, and make friends from all over the country as you travel with new Girl Scout friends. There’s a unique, life-changing experience for everyone. Don’t just take itContinue reading “Destinations: Orange County, Boundary Waters, and Southern California”
Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Coffee
“I love Girl Scouts! It is a place where girls from every walk of life can come together and be themselves. It was my passion growing up and continues to grow stronger.” As a Girl Scout from grades K-12 in Portage through the former Talus Rock Council, Sandra Coffee has earned both her Girl ScoutContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Coffee”
Volunteer Spotlight: Janet Kovacs
Name: Janet Kovacs Service Unit: SU3622-Fairview County: Erie Total Girl Scout Years: 11 Volunteer Years: 51 Janet Kovacs has had a Girl Scout membership for 62 years now—first as a Girl Scout for 11 years, and then immediately becoming a Girl Scout volunteer after graduating high school. “I love to brag about how long I’veContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Janet Kovacs”
Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Blanarik
Jim Blanarik has been involved with Girl Scouts for 38 years as a troop leader alongside his wife, Kathleen, for Freedom Service Unit 1640-989 in Beaver County. “When your wife is a leader and needs help, and your daughter and her friends are in the troop, you tend to lend a hand where needed,” heContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Blanarik”
Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Smith
Name: Linda Smith Service Unit: SU5902-Deer Lakes Allegheny Valley County: Allegheny Total Girl Scout Years: 42 Volunteer Years: 36 Current and Former Volunteer Positions: service unit manager, troop leader, service unit coach, service unit recruiter, service unit cookie volunteer (helps with booth sales) Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Indie Girl Scouting Specialties: cookie program, flag ceremonies, day camp Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED, Mental Health FirstContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Smith”
Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Ridilla
Name: Jennifer Ridilla Service Unit: SU3601-H.I.S County: Erie Total Girl Scout Years: 8 Volunteer Years: 5 Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, troop co-leader, service unit treasurer, service unit cookie manager Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Younger Multi-Level Girl Scout Pillars: Life Skills, Outdoors, Entrepreneurship Specialties: camping, MagNut program, cookie program, Girl Scout finances, badges, event planning, First Aid/CPR/AED Adult Awards: VolunteerContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Ridilla”
Stop Cancer: Attention to Prevention
“My Gold Award project, ‘Stop Cancer: Attention to Prevention’ proves that you are never too young to make a difference.” – Gold Award Girl Scout Madelyn Sheffel Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania would like to congratulate Madelyn Sheffel, Gold Award Girl Scout of Mercer County Troop 36642, who was selected as the winner of the GirlContinue reading “Stop Cancer: Attention to Prevention”
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