What do you want volunteers to know about you? I am a Gold Award Girl Scout and I love that my daughter will be working on her Gold Award this year and as her leader, I was a part of her adventure.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you? Girls getting out there to do great adventures together.
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy? Let’s do it!
What advice do you have for new troop leaders? Just dive right in!
Our annual Awards of Distinction event, held this year on May 15, 2024, 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 Award Girl Scout Eliza Davis, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, accepted the award for the 2024 Girl Scout Humanitarian for her project: Harm Reduction, Opioid Overdose Response, and Naloxone Education.
With a strong sense of justice and a critical eye, Eliza Davis has always been concerned for communities and issues that many find easier to ignore. After noticing that any information widely available regarding drug use and addiction was largely limited to the endorsement of complete abstinence and sobriety, she realized that an entire portion of the population was being neglected—those who already use drugs. But it doesn’t have to be this way—seemingly small individual and community efforts can have enormous impacts and save countless lives.
Eliza confronted this complex public health problem through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, educating her peers on harm reduction and opioid overdose response. Her audience gained practical skills like naloxone administration to respond to opioid overdoses while she attempted to shift their perspectives on drug use and substance use disorders to an empathetic, evidence-based, harm-reduction approach.
“From organizing camping trips to hosting an author’s workshop for young writers and illustrators, Girl Scouts has empowered me not just to explore the world around me but also to change it.” —Eliza Davis
Gold Award Girl Scout Sawyer Wright, a graduate of North Allegheny Senior High School, accepted the award for the 2024 Girl Scout of Distinction for her project: Empowering Young Girls through Fiction.
Sawyer wrote, illustrated, and published the book The Four Take on Fifth to increase confidence in upper-elementary school girls. Upper elementary school can be a turbulent time for many girls, so it is essential they learn from positive messages that accurately represent their ages and struggles. Growing up, Sawyer often viewed book characters as inspirations and role models. She created her Gold Award project to provide a model for how to deal with challenging situations while maintaining healthy friendships and growing self-confidence.
In addition to her love for reading and writing, Sawyer also believes in the power of art. She led a small team of illustrators to bring the novel’s story to life. Sawyer hosted an author’s workshop at her former elementary school to share the message of her book and inspire future writers and artists. Copies of the book were donated to several elementary schools, public libraries, and Girl Scout troops.
“From organizing camping trips to hosting an author’s workshop for young writers and illustrators, Girls Scouts has taught me to be a leader among my peers and in my community. For the past 13 years, my Girl Scout experiences have honed my skills in communication, project management, public speaking, and creative problem-solving.” —Sawyer Wright
We were honored to celebrate these outstanding Gold Award Girl Scouts along with our 2024 Women of Distinction honorees. Congratulations on your achievements, Eliza and Sawyer!
For more information about this year’s event and honorees, please visit gswpa.org/aod.
Girl Scout summer camp season is right around the corner! From devouring s’mores to singing songs around the campfire, we invite Girl Scouts to experience the magic of camp as they unplug, unwind, and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Whether attending on their own or with others, Girl Scout camp gives girls the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone as they learn new skills, build friendships, and create memories that will last them a lifetime.
We asked some of our Girl Scouts and troops what they love about Girl Scout camp and what they’re looking forward to most this summer!
Daisy Girl Scout Emma is registered for family camp at Camp Skymeadow this summer and has recently attended the Woman Warriors event at Camp Conshatawba. Her mother, Angie, says they plan on attending their service unit camp at Camp Redwing too.
Emma and a few of her fellow Girl Scouts from Greater Pittsburgh Troop 46685 went to Camp Skymeadow for the Daring Daisies day camp last year. Emma enjoyed trying horseback riding, canoeing, and archery for the first time! She was proud that she made her arrow stick to the target during archery. She said, “I did it all by myself!” She also made a snake for arts and crafts and enjoyed being at camp with her friends and making new ones.
This year, Emma is looking forward to sleeping over at camp with her mom and her friends. She enjoyed sleeping in the bunk beds while at camp last summer—she thought it was the coolest thing! Emma says she loves being a Girl Scout because she gets to be with her friends, make projects (such as a piggy bank out of recycled items), earn badges and fun patches, and sell Girl Scout Cookies at cookie booths.
Girl Scouts of Allegheny County Troop 52841 went to Camp Redwing last year where they participated in Camp Redwing 100th Anniversary activities and even closed with a bridging ceremony. The girls enjoyed hiking, creek time, cooking on a fire, having a few dance parties, learning how to use a crockpot, and earning their first Junior Outdoor Journey.
Brownie Girl Scout Rylee of Westmoreland County Troop 21934
“I loved at Girl Scout camp when we woke up early and took a nature hike. My entire troop was at Camp Skymeadow. I also loved doing archery at camp. It made me feel happy to be in nature with my friends.” – Brownie Girl Scout Rylee S. of Westmoreland Troop 21934
Cadette Troop 50887 at Camp Skymeadow
Cadette Troop 50887 of Allegheny County went to Camp Skymeadow last year.
“All nine girls were able to make it, and it is the first time they have gone to camp without my co-leader and me,” said Troop Leader Shannon Burgoyne. “All nervous but SUPER excited!”
Mercer County Troop 27314 at Camp Redwing
Mercer County Troop 27314 is attending troop camp this June at Camp Skymeadow. Many of the girls opted to attend individual camp sessions this year and for many, it is their second or third year going to overnight camp. The girls are most excited about swimming, archery, building fires, making s’mores over them, and exploring in the woods.
From previous camp trips, these Girl Scouts have loved hiking the gorge at Camp Hawthorne Ridge, letterboxing at Camp Redwing (done during the Camp Redwing 100th Celebration), riding the horses at Camp Skymeadow, disappearing into the bathroom to apply glitter tattoos at Camp Conshatawba, and snowshoeing during winter camp at Camp Hawthorne Ridge.
The girls use any free time to jump into the Gaga Ball pit for a few rounds. They even made a bridge out of sticks, small broken branches, mud, and moss—and it held!
Troop Leader Carla Thrasher said, “As the adults, Misty [Parshall] and I are always excited to see the girls experience new things. We were very excited for the opportunity to attend the Solar Eclipse camp where our girls were able to experience something that we can only hope to experience again.”
Girl Scouts Audrianna and Tori say they liked biking around the peninsula during the It’s OK to Love Erie camp week at Camp Hawthorne Ridge, Ryleigh enjoyed her stay in the yurts during the Camp Redwing 100th Celebration, and Jordan says that her favorite part of staying at Camp Redwing was finding the letterboxes.
According to girls who attended Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania camps in 2023, they agreed or strongly agreed about the following experiences at camp:
93% of girls felt they had the power to make decisions for themselves.
80% of girls felt they learned more about the world around them.
80% of girls felt they made new friends.
75% of girls felt they were courageous.
Check out our website to learn more about Girl Scout summer camp!
Current and Former Volunteer Positions: service unit manager, service unit cookie manager, troop cookie manager, troop MagNut manager, finance manager, cookie cupboard manager, day camp staff, program team, service unit registrar, troop mentor, trainer, troop leader, Adult Award Committee
What do you want volunteers to know about you? I have led all age levels and worked on most activities in the service unit and county programs.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you? Girl Scouting is where girls learn to do anything they want, and I am grateful to help teach them and give them new adventures.
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy? If you don’t try, you won’t know how much you love it.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders? Ask questions when you have them. All of us have started where you are and many have been around for many years. We can always help.
We sat down with Victoria Bechtold Kush to learn about what Girl Scouts means to her. Victoria is a shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, a Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania board member, a former Woman of Distinction, a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, and this year’s Awards of Distinction Honorary Chair.
Can you speak about how your time spent with Girl Scouts helped shape you as a person and what do you most hope for Girl Scouts today to gain from their experiences?
My youth Girl Scout involvement was filled with exploration, fun memories, and uncommon experiences that caused me to grow as a person. As a young girl, I was quite apprehensive and nervous in new or unfamiliar activities. But, as a Brownie, I spent several years of summer camp at Camp Conshatawba. There, I gained confidence by earning my “red cap” (back when color-coded swim caps were issued to identify each camper’s swim level), giving me coveted access to swim in the pool’s deep end. I acquired grit (plus some grime) sleuthing for salamanders and crayfish in the stream. I grew in character learning how to properly retire and handle the American flag at the end of the day. I bonded with the other girls and enjoyed the friendships and sisterhood of the experience.
I hope that Girl Scouts today will experience the fun of one of our council’s camps, and dig into our wide variety of programs. Doing so, they will expand their horizons and develop their confidence, grit, and character as they grow!
As a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, former Woman of Distinction, Honorary Committee member, and current board member, how would you say being a Girl Scout has influenced your career and/or academic path?
Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. This mission is uniquely tied to the high professional standards and duties essential to the legal profession. As a lawyer and civil litigation attorney, I’m routinely faced with complex legalities and challenges that require ethical conduct, critical decisions, and sound judgment. My foundation in Girl Scouts set me up for success with these challenges and prepared me for the rigor of the legal profession.
What was the most significant barrier you faced while advancing in your career and what guidance can you provide to young women aspiring to be in a professional leadership position in the future?
Women remain underrepresented in the legal profession, particularly among law firm partners. Even though women are now outnumbering men in law schools, they comprise merely 25% of law firm partners. In order to rise through the ranks of promotion to become a shareholder of a large, national, law firm, I worked tirelessly to achieve the best results possible in every case I handled, while staying true to my values. I sought out mentors and engaged with successful women lawyers at Buchanan as well as other lawyers who championed women to provide guidance and insight.
I encourage young women aspiring to be in a professional leadership position to seek guidance and advice from other successful women leaders—just like those at our upcoming Women of Distinction event!
As the mother of a Girl Scout, what would you like to share about Girl Scouts with other families whose daughter(s) are looking to get involved in various activities?
My daughter, Alexandra, is a Junior Girl Scout. She’s the third generation of Girl Scouts in our family. My mother always taught me the importance of being well-rounded and having exposure to a multitude of things, including things that may not initially seem appealing. With societal pressure for youth to “specialize” earlier than ever, Girl Scouts is the perfect activity to explore new pathways and interests. My daughter’s recent troop meetings have involved lessons in origami, geology, veterinary care, emergency preparedness, community service, good citizenship, and so much more! These topics have expanded her horizons and sparked new interests beyond her school curriculum and extracurricular activities.
As the 2024 Awards of Distinction Honorary Chair, what do you hope those who attend take away from this signature event?
When women support each other, incredible things happen! Let’s celebrate the successful, high-achieving women in our midst so that together, we can help girls believe in themselves and in their dreams to become the women leaders of tomorrow.
Specialties: MagNut program,cookie program,event planning, songs and games
Certifications: Outdoor Skills/Let’s Go Camping, YMHFA, First Aid/CPR/AED
What do you want volunteers to know about you? I was a Girl Scout from first to third grade. After moving to Pennsylvania from Delaware in 1977, I didn’t return to Girl Scouts until I was a Cadette (grades 7-8), and after that, our troop disbanded. It wasn’t until I was teaching in Tioga County that a friend got me involved as a co-leader for her Junior troop for two years. After that, I was a leader for the Brownie troop at the school in which I taught. When my youngest daughter wanted to start Girl Scouts in 2008 as a Daisy, they were without leaders. That is when I again became a volunteer. I was the leader of her troop and service unit manager until she graduated in 2021 and continued on after that as a troop leader and in other service unit roles as well, including finance and MagNut and cookies when needed. I plan on continuing in the same roles next year and continue to encourage/recruit volunteers.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you? To me, Girl Scouts is a way for young girls to learn how to become leaders and make a difference in our ever-changing world. For some girls, it is the only positive outlet they have. For some, it may be the only other activity that they do outside of school. The Girl Scout Promise and Law is important and relates to everything else we do. Girl Scouts provides opportunities for girls to do things they might not get to do otherwise.
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy? My leadership philosophy is to have the girls lead by doing. My motto is you won’t know until you try. I like for my girls to try everything. Also, by the time girls are Juniors, most activities/discussions should be girl-led.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders? There is a lot to learn as a new troop leader, and it can seem overwhelming. Remember there are many people out there to use as resources. You cannot do it alone! The more people you can recruit to be leaders/co-leaders, the more you can delegate to others. It’s okay to say no.
Other Organizations: church member and pianist
Anything else? I have a degree in music education and I graduated from IUP in Indiana, PA in 1990. I taught music until I was furloughed in 2005. Since then, I have adopted/raised three children and worked in two local daycare facilities. Currently, I am employed as a full-time music teacher and choral director in Coudersport School District.
Ever wonder where the bright, brilliant colors in a rainbow or your favorite crayons come from? Do you think about what colors your pets see and how the world looks different through their eyes? Or even stain your favorite T-shirt with a permanent marker and ask yourself if there was a way to make it look cool?
In 2013, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania partnered with a team of PPG professionals to create the PPG Science of Color Patch Series for Girl Scouts to explore the world of color. Thanks to a generous grant from PPG, the program was redesigned in 2023 to make it easier for troop leaders to understand and implement.
The redesign included shipped program kits with facilitator guides and lesson outlines which were made available in August 2023 for troops and individual Girl Scouts. A total of 180 boxes were ordered and distributed, impacting over 1,560 girls throughout western Pennsylvania.
The activities in the PPG Science of Color Activity program kit assist Girl Scouts on their journey of color as they learn chemistry, physics, and general science pertaining to the world of color we all live in—all while working their way toward earning the PPG Science of Color patch. To earn the patch, girls must complete all of the activities included in the box.
One activity included in the program is making color wheel coffee filter flowers! Here’s how you can make these:
MATERIALS: – 4 coffee filters – water-based markers in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet (purple) – 1 small paper plate – spray bottle filled with water – glue – scissors
DIRECTIONS: Cut 3 of the coffee filters in half so that you have 6 halves. Color each half with two of the water-based marker colors in the following combinations: RED and ORANGE RED and PURPLE BLUE and PURPLE GREEN and BLUE YELLOW and GREEN ORANGE and YELLOW
Using the last coffee filter, color the center using all six colors: RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, and PURPLE.
Cover a surface (with something like newspaper, paper towels, etc.). Set all the colored coffee filters on the covered surface. Lightly spray them with water until the colors start to spread, then set them aside to dry.
Scrunch the dried coffee filter halves and glue them to the paper plate so that the coffee filters cover the edges of the plate, but not the center. Group together your colors just like the color wheel.
Scrunch the whole coffee filter and glue it to the center of your paper plate. You have created a coffee filter flower!
Specialties: flag ceremonies, badges, event planning, songs and games, ceremonies/traditions
Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED
What do you want volunteers to know about you? I became a Girl Scout leader when my daughter was in kindergarten. (Today, she is 35.) From there, I was tasked with service unit leadership positions (of which I hold several) which brought me into contact with other engaging and inspirational volunteers.
Being a leader and working with the [Girl] Scouts allows me to explore and expand MY horizons. Being a service unit manager and day camp director, I have met and befriended numerous adults whose friendships continue to grow strong. As a troop leader (twice I have taken girls from Daisies to Ambassadors), I have strong bonds with so many young women.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you? I have two children who were involved in numerous activities. As an active parent, I chaperoned band camp, was a soccer booster, and sold flowers at high school musicals. The difference between all of these other activities and Girl Scouting is the ability to LEAD. In all other areas, I (and the kids) had to follow the direction given by the teacher/coach/director. With [Girl] Scouting, we are able to explore what interests us. We are not bound by others but are able to “govern” ourselves. This freedom allows the [Girl] Scouts to form their own ideas and inspires them to try something that might have been out of reach elsewhere. Watching AND participating in this process is magical.
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy? When the [Girl] Scouts are small, their demands and ideas are small. It allows the adult volunteers and the [Girl] Scouts to grow together. Adults get comfortable with badge work, they become experienced in organizing field trips, and biting off small chunks of camping/outdoor activities is manageable, even for the most timid. As the [Girl] Scouts age and the leadership becomes less intimidated by being a LEADER, there are so many options available to you/the troop that you can access. My philosophy is taking things step-by-step and relying on fellow leaders (or council) for advice and guidance. This will allow anyone to have a successful program.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders? All leaders have one main task: keep the kids safe! From there, you move forward. Yes, there is paperwork and training commitments, but it is an opportunity to spend time with your daughter and her friends. Do not try and reinvent programming, ceremonies, or field trips, but utilize the resources that are available to you. Not every meeting will be a blockbuster and there will be rain when you need to build a fire. It is all okay . . . just have fun.
Other Organizations: I am the secretary for the Union Aid Society Board of Directors and a board member for Sweetwater Center for the Arts. I have been a weekly volunteer at the Children’s Institute since 1977. I am the committee chair for the Relay for Life of Sewickley Valley. I am chair of two “major” committees at my church.
Anything else? Life is wonderful! My husband and I travel to see our daughter in Manhattan and my son and his fiancé in Washington, D.C. as often as possible. We host most holidays and throw numerous parties all year long at our house. I garden, sew, take classes, plan events, and craft. I am NEVER bored.
Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED, Outdoor Skills, knife skills
What do you want volunteers to know about you? I came to Girl Scouts from Pittsburgh after my daughter was in a pilot program during school. When we moved to Johnstown and tried finding a troop, there was no leader for a troop already waiting. So, I was it . . . three months in a new town, in an organization I knew next to nothing about, as their new leader—it was . . . interesting. But I pressed on, and nine years later, I’ve managed to make it work still!
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy? My Girl Scout philosophy is: Why be good when you dream of being great? My sister liked saying it often to me. I’m amazed to learn positive stats at what the Girl Scout organization does for young girls at a critical time when they often fight self-esteem battles, mental health issues, struggles with school and home life, and friendships. Having a positive influence on young girls during this time is impactful and leads to bright futures.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders? There is no Girl Scout jail. The badge guides are there to help leaders who need a starting place, but if you have a great idea for a badge, by all means, go for it!
Other Organizations: Johnstown NAACP member, Tribune-Democrat Readers Committee, Santa Fund Committee, President, UCC Penn West Justice & Witness Committee (2023 National Delegate), Writer, Johnstown Magazine Contributor, Tribune-Democrat Grant Writer, The Learning Lamp
Awards: Appreciation Pin, Service Unit President’s Award
Certifications: Outdoor Training
What do you want volunteers to know about you? I really enjoy Girl Scouts! Not only have my daughters made great friends, but I have also made wonderful adult connections through my time volunteering. I love the experiences and adventures we share as Girl Scouts and can’t say enough about the fun things and important life skills we gain.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you? Girl Scouting to me is a network of women (and some stellar dads!) who freely give their time to help girls grow into well-rounded adults with hearts filled with memories.
It’s about meeting girls where they are and delving into their interests—and nudging them outside their comfort zone.
It’s the experience of watching girls grow up and learn to navigate interpersonal challenges and witnessing the pride they feel when they reach their goals.
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy? I think I’m there to help the girls learn how to reach their goals. When they are younger, it’s offering choices and having them vote and decide as a group. As they get older, I see my role as listening to them and helping implement their plans. There’s a lot to be gained from negotiation and compromise within the troop. Finally, I think part of the challenge for leaders is finding ways to keep older girls interested and engaged.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders? My advice is to divide and conquer with your co-leader(s)! Lean into your interests and talents. Be willing to try new things. There is no recipe for a troop—it’s more about being excited about the activities you do than doing certain things. Things won’t always go the way you plan them—model how to be adaptable. Let people help you whether you ask or they offer.
Other Organizations: Boy Scout Committee volunteer, former Cub Scout den leader, PTO volunteer
GSWPA 