Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Poverty

The following story was submitted by Troop Leader Nicole Scott of Monroeville Troop 50174.

The anticipation of travel filled the air on February 3, 2024, at Cross Roads Church in Monroeville as Girl Scouts filed in from Monroeville, Plum, Mercer, and Erie. It was a World Thinking Day event hosted by Troop 50174.

On February 22, 1926, Thinking Day was established by Girl Guide and Girl Scout delegates at the World Conference, where they presented the need for a day to think about the worldwide impact of Girl Scouts and give fellow sisters thanks and appreciation. 

For the past 98 years, Girl Scouts of the USA put out a theme, and this year it was “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Poverty.”

Upon arriving at the event, the leaders were presented with passports for each of their Girl Scouts attending and World Thinking Day badges. They would then follow a schedule to visit Brazil, England, Syria, and Germany from 1:30-3 p.m. 

Girl Scouts is all about being girl-led, and four of our seven troops researched Brazil, England, Syria, and Germany. They prepared food, crafts, and trifold research displays. The other troops traveled to the countries in the church classrooms and the presenting troops were able to share what they learned and expand their sister Girl Scouts’ minds. 

After the 55 girls visited the “girl-led countries,” they were elated to get beautiful Henna body art from a local Syrian woman, Oula Ghani, her daughter, Mila, and her family friend, Lamar. 

Some of the troops were also able to visit a young man from Liberia, Vincent Williams, learn the history of his country, and see his official passport and a few traditional clothing and fabrics from his country. 

While the girls sat to unwind after a fun-filled “vacation,” they were able to recharge with some hummus and pita chips from Syria, cucumber sandwiches from England, Brazilian delights and cookies from Brazil, and potato soup from Germany. All of these treats were made by the troops who presented the countries. 

As they snacked, they were able to look through books provided by the Monroeville Public Library. Hope Benson, Children’s Librarian, made vibrant signs for each country and located nonfiction and fiction books for each country. 

After their respite, they had an amazing surprise from the Bengali Association of Pittsburgh—Minakshi Poddar, an Indian dancer. Mrs. Poddar had a slideshow showcasing her home country, and then she danced beautifully. One of the dances was interactive, and the girls were able to join her and learn some native dance moves.

I am honored to be one of the co-leaders who planned this phenomenal event. The other powerful woman is Rosanna Weaver. Our vision was to present the Girl Scout community with a fun, enlightening, and inspiring event that would showcase the diversity in our community and the world.  

A Tribute to Dot Brookes

With a heavy heart, we report the passing of Dot Brookes, chair of our board of directors, on Saturday afternoon. She passed peacefully at her home and was with her husband, Glenn, and daughter, Sarah.

Dot was an incredible Girl Scout! She and Lois Kuttesch, past board chair, and current board member at large, raised their Girl Scout troops together as leaders. They took their troops on many camping trips and travel adventures. Their Girl Scouts learned to love international travel and would participate in our product programs to save and travel to Europe.

Dot served as service unit treasurer and association chair for Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council. She was on the board of directors for Girl Scouts of Southwestern Pennsylvania prior to the council mergers in 2008. She also served on legacy council Trillium’s Board and Property Committee.

After the merger of the five councils in 2008, Dot joined the board of directors as a member at large for two years, then as treasurer for six years before being elected to the board chair position which she held for the past four years. She was an incredibly active board chair who attended all national meetings and served as National Delegate several times. She was an ex-officio member of all board committees and helped to bring amazing new talent to the board of directors through the Board Development Committee. Dot has always worked to serve the organization and to do what was best for our council.

Dot has been a great friend and fantastic volunteer who will be sorely missed. On behalf of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, we offer our deepest condolences to Dot’s husband Glenn Brookes, their children, Sarah Brookes and Garrett Brookes, and all their family and friends. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and from the friendship of Girl Scouts near and far who Dot served so well. May her soul eternally rest in peace.

Patricia A. Burkart
CEO, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania

Girl Scouts visit Capitol for National STEM Day Event

On November 13, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania joined Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Women and two other Pennsylvania Girl Scout councils in Harrisburg to host a National STEM Day event, highlighting women in STEM who work for the Commonwealth. These women discussed the work they do, their educational journeys, and why they chose their careers, hoping to inspire Girl Scouts to explore a career in STEM. Participating Girl Scouts also earned their STEM Career Exploration badge.

“Learning from women leaders in STEM is a wonderful opportunity for Girl Scouts to expand their interests in this exponentially growing field. Being able to provide girls with hands-on experiences such as this one not only inspires a love for STEM, but it reinforces the power of Girl Scouting,” said Patricia A. Burkart, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.

Over 70 Girl Scouts from the three Girl Scout councils in the state—Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania—participated in the event and invited female members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to join Troop PA, an honorary Girl Scout troop. Participating Girl Scouts in our council were from counties including Allegheny, Butler, Indiana, and Lawrence.

Thirteen legislators participated in an investiture ceremony, joining the Girl Scout movement after receiving a pin from girl representatives of each council.

What drove Girl Scout Adele Misejka to attend this event was her interest in learning about how women help run our government. “I had an amazing time and being able to be a part of the investiture was an incredible experience,” she said. “Being able to speak at the press conference standing beside Rep. [Joanna] McClinton was just so cool—it was amazing.”

After the ceremony, Girl Scouts explored the Interactive Welcome Center in the Capital complex, the “100 Years of Women in Government” exhibit in the state archives, plus three floors of exhibits in the State Museum of Pennsylvania. During breakout sessions, girls learned more from panelists such as Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary for the Department of Health, and Gale Blackmer, State Geologist and Director of the Bureau of Geological Survey.

Troop Leader Stacey Green of Lawrence County Troop 46727 said this was an adventure that she and her troop will never forget. “The girls were excited to not only meet girls from across the state, but the opportunity to meet our local representative was something they couldn’t have imagined. Rep. [Marla] Brown and her assistant Stephanie went above and beyond to welcome the girls and make sure they had an amazing experience.”

Stacey mentioned that the girls loved the state museum, especially the “100 Years of Women in Government” exhibit, and they’re already asking for a troop trip back to Harrisburg.

Stacey’s co-leader, Nancy Rodgers, who has been in Girl Scouting for over 60 years, also joined the troop’s trip to Harrisburg. “She’s an amazing asset to our service unit and is always up for any and all adventures!” Stacey said of her co-leader.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for these first-year Cadettes, one they will never forget, and we are so thankful to have been given the adventure!”

Girl Scout Receives Award for Demonstrating Exceptional Kindness

Congratulations to Girl Scout Rosie Echeverria Conte, recipient of the Shawn Neville Award at O’Hara Elementary School for demonstrating exceptional responsibility and kindness. (That’s what being a Girl Scout is all about!)

When Mr. Neville, a beloved teacher at O’Hara Elementary School unexpectedly passed away in September 2013, the O’Hara Elementary PTO collected donations and helped establish the Shawn Neville Character Award. Each year, the 5th-grade teaching team meets to select a student who encompasses the spirit and character of Mr. Neville.

There are three criteria for selection:

  • Respectful – The student is polite and courteous to peers, teachers, and adults.
  • Compassion – The student is a good friend, showing loyalty and kindness toward others.
  • Accountability – The student is responsible for his/her actions with respect to school work, individual responsibilities, and behavior.

This award is given only to one student per 5th-grade generation, and not every year, but only when there is someone who fits the above criteria. Each 5th-grade teacher nominates a student, and then all teachers vote for the student of their choice.

Rosie’s mother says Girl Scouts has helped Rosie grow as a person and taught her to help others. Last year, Rosie helped with her younger sister’s Girl Scout troop when they met each month, sharing stories and helping the younger girls with activities.

The following is part of the nomination letter sent by a teacher who nominated Rosie:

“Rosie is incredibly kind to all of those she interacts with. Not only is she always willing to help those around her, she truly cares if they succeed and looks forward to seeing her peers accomplish great things. She never judges another student, rather, she meets them where they are and makes sure they feel like they are part of the group. In class, Rosie is always on task, follows directions the first time, and is always up for a challenge! In group work, she encourages her peers to help them learn rather than just giving away the answers. She always assists those in academics that may need help.

She really enjoys hanging out with her friends, but also, she will just as quickly leave her closest friends if she sees someone who is left out or needs a friend at that moment. As a bus monitor, Rosie is eager to help her younger peers on the bus and at dismissal to ensure everyone gets where they need to be safely.

She also volunteers after school to help her mother with her younger sibling’s Girl Scout troop. Rosie consistently shows compassion to those around her and always shares a smile while doing so. Rosie is also always looking out for the entirety of O’Hara. Rosie participated in the PBIS videos that were utilized as lesson guides for students at the beginning of the school year. Rosie is trustworthy, dedicated, and consistently displays outstanding decision-making. It is with the utmost recommendation that I nominate Rosie for the Shawn Neville Award!!”

Congratulations on this special recognition, Rosie!

Girl Scout Earns Title of National Powwow Princess

Lilly Anna Waleff, a Girl Scout in Commodore Perry Troop 36465, was awarded the title of National Powwow Princess this past summer at Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana.

The National Powwow event took place July 6-9, attracting families from all over the country. Teen girls ages 11-18 competed for the honor of representing this powwow for the next three years. The competition had a written component, a face-to-face interview with a committee of experts, a judged dance exhibition, and a vote by the populace in attendance.

Hailing from Native American ancestry, Lilly Anna has participated in Native American cultural events and powwows her entire life, even spending her first event in a cradleboard made by her parents and grandparents. Her mother, Marci Waleff—who is also a Girl Scout volunteer—says Lilly is proud of her family’s ancestry and enjoys learning from everyone she meets on the powwow trail.

As National Powwow Princess, Lilly Anna will travel to cultural events and powwows and serve as an ambassador and role model, striving to increase participation in the 2026 powwow. “During my reign, I plan to attend as many powwows as I can and encourage others to participate,” she said.

Lilly Anna has a strong sense of self and aims to do her best job as a national representative by working hard to better herself and help other people of Native American ancestry participate in cultural events. 

“Being National Powwow Princess means I need to be a leader,” she said. “I was happy when I won.” Lilly Anna also stated that Girl Scouting has helped teach her leadership skills and how to take risks and trust the outcome.

Congratulations, Lilly Anna!

Going the Extra Mile (or 135!)

Girl Scouts are changemakers who go the extra mile, there’s no doubt about that. Girl Scout Kaylee Frederick of Johnstown not only went the extra mile—she went 135 miles, to be exact.

This past July, Kaylee made history for being the youngest ever entrant and finisher of the Badwater 135, an ultramarathon that covers 135 miles non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, California.

At seven years old, Kaylee started running, and at 14, she started distance running. She ran her first 50-mile race when she was 14, her first 100-mile race when she was 16, and her first 200-mile race when she was 17. A few years ago, she heard about the Badwater 135 and saw it was deemed “The World’s Toughest Footrace.”

“I thought to myself, ‘who does the world’s toughest race? The toughest people.’ And I wanted to be on that list,” Kaylee said.

The starting line of the Badwater 135 is at Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America at 280 feet below sea level, and finishes at Whitney Portal at an elevation of 8,300 feet. The race covers three mountain ranges for a total of 14,600 feet of cumulative vertical ascent and 6,100 feet of cumulative descent. Runners have 48 hours to complete the 135-mile ultramarathon in temperatures that can exceed 120 degrees.

“Becoming the youngest person in the world to complete the Badwater 135 is still a dream come true,” Kaylee said. “Getting to run that race and cross the finish line was the most surreal experience.”

When Kaylee takes on challenges like the Badwater 135 and tries to do things that are thought to be impossible, she hopes to be an inspiration to others.

“I hope that other people can see what I do and how I go after my dreams, and they can go after theirs,” she said. “There are very few people my age in the sport of ultra-running, but I don’t let that stop me from making my mark. And I hope other people see that—young, old, male, female—and go after their dreams, even if it isn’t ‘normal.’”

Does Kaylee’s mindset sound familiar? That’s because she embodies exactly what Girl Scouts do—they bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world.

Kaylee was a Girl Scout for 13 years, starting in kindergarten as a Daisy. She says Girl Scouting has taught her a lot about people—how to work with them and be active in her community.

A key part of the Girl Scout Law is to make the world a better place, and it’s the part that Kaylee says she lives by the most. Her journey to make the world a better place, along with her passion for running, led her to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award—the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

To earn the Gold Award, a Girl Scout identifies an issue in her community, drafts a plan to address a root cause, and leads a team of volunteers to implement it. For her Gold Award project, Kaylee built wooden walkways on the John P. Saylor Trail in Gallitzin State Forest. A frequent runner of that trail, she noticed it was constantly swampy and muddy, causing her feet to get wet every time she ran it.

“I knew if I had this issue, so did others,” she said. “I wanted to make a change.”

The walkways that Kaylee and her team built are over 100 feet long, allowing runners to access the area without getting their feet soaking wet.

Kaylee says she has enjoyed her time as a Girl Scout, especially being part of a troop. Her advice to younger girls is to stick with Girl Scouts.

“Sometimes it can seem like a lot, especially when balancing school, work, and other extra-curriculars, but it’s definitely worth it,” she said. “You can do anything you set your mind to.”

Happy 100th, Camp Redwing!

Photos by Kristina Serafini Photography

During the weekend of August 11-13, 2023, Girl Scouts of all ages came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scout Western Pennsylvania’s Camp Redwing. Located in Renfrew, Pennsylvania, this beautiful camp spans 123 acres along the Connoquenessing Creek.

The land where Camp Redwing stands was given to the Girl Scouts by the Babcock family in 1920. Edward Babcock was the mayor of Pittsburgh and his wife, Mary Babcock, was one of the early supporters and first commissioner of the Girl Scout council. When Mary died in 1969, one of the original units named Merry Lodge was renamed Mary Lodge in her honor.


Camp Redwing’s 100th anniversary celebration kicked off Friday evening with a campfire, dinner, and of course—s’mores!

Saturday’s fun-filled agenda began with an opening flag ceremony and featured a variety of activities throughout the day including a sing-a-long, historical tours, time at the splash pad and swimming pool, storytime, and networking. The day ended with a closing flag ceremony, followed by dinner and a candle ceremony.  

Also available on Saturday morning was our Think Like a Redwinger Mini Journey-Palooza! Nearly 50 Girl Scouts attended the Mini Journey-Palooza where they created a zip line and devices to travel across the zip line. 

The weekend-long celebration wrapped up on Sunday. Attendees were able to grab breakfast and participate in networking, story-telling, self-guided historical tours, and exploring Camp Redwing on their own for the remainder of the day.

There were approximately 77 attendees on Friday night, 129 on Saturday, and 61 attendees who registered for the Sunday event.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated Camp Redwing’s 100th anniversary with us! Here’s to 100 more years of friendship and fun!

Volunteer Spotlight: 28 Service Units who earned the Service Unit Bonus Challenge

We’d like to take a moment to tip our berets as we congratulate the following service units who earned an additional $.01 per package bonus on all sales from the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program!

Service Unit NameService Unit Number
Neshannock1602
989 Freedom1640
Bushy Run2611
Allegheny Mohawk2645
Coudersport Austin2658
Johnsonburg Area2659
Central Westmoreland2664
H.I.S3601
Wattsburg3605
Shenango Valley3610
Crawford County3620
Fairview3622
Armagh4601
Bedford4605
Somerset4613
Glendale4638
Blairsville Homer City4640
Purchase Line4647
Philipsburg4683
NA East5104
NA West5408
Pittsburgh East5502
Peters Township5704
Baldwin Whitehall5808
Fox Chapel5903
Gateway5904
Plum5908
Mon Valley5913

Congratulations to all 28 service units and THANK YOU for all that you do to support Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout Cookie Program!

Stay tuned for Service Unit Bonus Challenge guidelines for the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program.

Girl Scouts in western Pennsylvania take on London and Paris

This past June, Girl Scouts in western Pennsylvania jetted off to London and Paris!

The girls and volunteers started their adventure in London where they hopped aboard the iconic London Eye ferris wheel.

They made sure to visit other iconic sites including Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, and Big Ben.

While in London, they caught sight of the King of England as he drove by! “Seeing King Charles III, was a total fluke, but really the coolest thing. We can’t stop talking about it,” said mom and Cadette troop leader, Emily Goossen.

The group then learned to orienteer the city on the London Underground, also known as The Tube.

Another highlight from the London leg of the trip was visiting Pax Lodge World Center for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts where they participated in a pinning ceremony. They not only met Girl Guides from around the world working at the WAGGGS Center but they also met troops from Michigan, Oklahoma, and New Brunswick!

After London, the girls and volunteers took on Paris! Of course, there was time for a photo op at the Eiffel Tower.

Girls were able to paint some impressionist paintings while the Eiffel Tower was in view.

Meanwhile, others ventured off to the Harry Potter exhibit.

They even went to the Perfume Factory.

And had a guided tour of Versailles.

They made sure to visit the Louvre Museum.

While in Paris, they also visited Notre-Dame and Montmartre.

“I really enjoyed the trip,” said Cadette, Elaine G. I wish it would have been longer. It was an amazing trip and I’d love to do something like that again.”

When asked what advice she would give other Girl Scouts and volunteers about traveling, Elaine’s mom and troop leader, Emily, said, “Do it! It is so exciting, so interesting, [and] so unique to have these experiences, especially at a young age. It will open your eyes to new cultures, new cuisines, [and] new sights, sounds, [and] smells, and it’s all magical. I would travel with Girl Scouts every summer if I could.

Are you ready to experience London and Paris? Our council is planning another trip in 2025! Learn more at our virtual information session on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Ready to book your spot? Register today!

After years of delays, travel troop arrives in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

Troop 52619 is not your traditional troop. Made up of Girl Scout Juniors, Seniors, and Ambassadors from Greenville to Greene County and everywhere in between, they are a travel troop, full of girls and volunteers with their sights set on international travel.

After three years of delays, Travel Troop 52619 finally set foot in Ecuador and the Galápagos islands this June!

The troop started planning their trip in 2019 but were delayed twice—once because of the pandemic and then again in 2022, just three days before they were scheduled to leave, because of civil unrest in Ecuador. But it was “worth every difficulty we encountered to get there,” according to troop leader, Sharon Enslen, who heads up the troop along with co-leader, Susan Finizio.

“Seven planes, three long boat rides, eight water taxis, one hotel, eight hostels, four islands, too many buses to count, [and] five stamps in the passport later, we traveled to one of the most amazing places on earth! This trip was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, and the memories fill my heart with incredible joy. It was worth the wait,” said troop volunteer, Jenn Dayton.

Over the long four years, the troop worked hard to fund their trip by participating in the MagNut and Girl Scout Cookie programs, wrapping Christmas gifts, organizing Journey days, collecting used shoes (over 3,500 pairs!), and more.

Of all their destination options, the troop chose Ecuador and the Galápagos islands due to the growing challenges of visiting the islands. Currently, approval is required to visit the country, and the number of people permitted to enter is limited to reduce the environmental footprint as the government works to protect the ecosystem.

“It’s a treasured experience to be able to go because the Galápagos is a place with many endemic species and can provide so much valuable information. Not just about the island itself, but maybe even how to make other places in the world just as sustainable and beautiful,” said Roma Latimore-Dallas, former girl member and current troop volunteer.

One of the troop’s favorite excursions during the trip was snorkeling—they encountered sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and countless fish and swam alongside sea lions.

“This trip to the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador is an experience I will never forget. The things I saw and what I got to do were absolutely incredible,” said Senior Girl Scout, Isabela Márquez.

The troop also visited two indigenous family homes.

“The sights are beautiful and the landscape is breathtaking, but the thing that will stick with me forever is the kindness and compassion of the people! They are so hard-working and dedicated. They are passionate about their country and culture. Sharing those experiences and time with the local people made memories that will last a lifetime,” said Latimore-Dallas.

Other highlights of the trip include the history and churches of Ecuador, including the Basilica, hiking 13,500 feet high in the Andes Mountains, exploring a lava tunnel, walking to the equator, and seeing iguanas and 140-year-old tortoises roaming the streets.

But the troop didn’t just make memories on their adventure—they made lifelong friendships, including a troop from Georgia that joined them during their journey.

“I can say now that these strangers from day one became my family at the end. I couldn’t be more grateful to have had this adventure, especially with who I was surrounded by. When I was on this trip, all my stress and worries completely disappeared like I went through some sort of alternate world. I loved being able to just relax. Until our next adventure!” said Márquez.

“[It] was a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget,” said Lillian Márquez, troop volunteer and Isabela’s mom. “I feel blessed to have done it with my daughter. I made new friends on this trip and can’t wait until our next adventure with this traveling troop.”

Their next adventures are not far off! The troop already has plans for a trip to Germany, Switzerland, Prague, and Paris next year, and a trip to Greece, Italy, and Spain in 2026, and they are looking for more Girl Scouts to join them. Contact Sharon Enslen at senslen63@gmail.com or 724-496-1264 to express your interest.

For other Girl Scouts interested in travel, Enslen has some advice.

“Plan ahead. Do some research and know what you are getting into. Be accepting of other cultures.”

Enslen also says it is important to let girls lead the way. You have to “let them learn” and “let them grow” as they discover new places and cultures. But above all, “The sky’s the limit. If you dream it, try to get it.”