Virginia Beach Woman Recognized for 65 Years as a Girl Scout

Lila Davis was 8 years old when she first joined a Girl Scout troop in Virginia Beach. She has fond memories from her childhood as a Girl Scout— earning badges, spending time in the outdoors and forming friendships with her fellow troop members. Now, 65 years later and a lifetime member of the organization, Davis continues to be an active volunteer and supporter of Girl Scouts. On September 24, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast hosted a reception for Davis at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community, where they pinned her with a 65 year pin and recognized her as a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society for her commitment to the future of Girl Scouts through planned giving.

GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller pins Lila Davis to recognize
her 65 years in Girl Scouts

During the reception, Davis had the opportunity to share some of her favorite memories from her time as a Girl Scout. She told a story about traveling by train to Michigan in 1956 as one of eight local girls who were chosen to attend the first Girl Scout Senior Roundup, an international gathering to show off the best of Girl Scouting. Davis had such a wonderful experience that three years later, she traveled to Colorado Springs for the second Roundup as a troop leader.

The spirit of Roundup is something that has stayed with Davis throughout her life, and she has had the opportunity to reconnect with other Roundup attendees at reunions over the years. Next September, she plans to attend the reunion in Idaho.

Currently, Davis is an active member of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Archives Committee, where she has taken on the responsibility of helping create and place many historical exhibits throughout southeastern Virginia. She is also a member of the local Girl Scout Sing Along group. Earlier in the year, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast recognized Davis with the Dorothy Barber Lifetime Achievement Award for her success in her personal and professional life, as well as her contributions to the community and Girl Scouts.

Lila shared her special day with Girl Scout friends.

At the reception, Davis invited her friends to share their own memories from their experiences in Girl Scouting. Some of the favorite memories that women shared were from their times at Girl Scout camp, both as campers and counselors. Guests also enjoyed refreshments and fellowship, as well as the chance to browse items from the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast archive collection relating to the Girl Scout Senior Roundups.

View more photos from the reception here.