Rock on, Girl Scouts!

Go-getter Girl Scouts of the Lynnhaven Shores Girl Scout Service Unit raised $10,000 that they donated to build a climbing wall at Camp Skimino, a camp located in Williamsburg and operated by Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast (GSCCC). A check was presented to the Council’s Property Director John Morgan and Philanthropy Director Stacy Nixon on Friday, June 2, during an evening bridging program organized by the Lynnhaven Shores Service Unit Girl Scouts. The service unit is one of 23 service units, geographical service areas, within the council. Susan Ramsland, a lifetime Girl Scout who volunteers to oversee the unit and an avid outdoor program advocate, spearheaded the fundraising effort and led the ceremony, which included several girls from the service unit’s Girl Advisory Board, who carried the check to the podium.

This is not the first time that the Lynnhaven Shores Service Unit has united to raise money for improvements to Girl Scout camps. Last year, they funded the new archery range at Camp Skimino. Many members of the service unit attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the archery range, and it was an exciting moment for them to see all of their fundraising efforts come to fruition and put the new archery range to good use.

“While sitting in the dining hall with John after the archery range dedication, reflecting on what other things girls might like to have at camp, an indoor climbing wall was mentioned,” Ramsland said. “Several adults chatted about it that weekend and decided to see if that was something the girls would indeed enjoy at camp.”

Before the end of last summer, the Girl Advisory Board from the Lynnhaven Shores Service Unit held a meeting to make plans for the upcoming Girl Scout year. On their agenda was a discussion of the climbing wall, and all of the girls voted “yes” in support of building it. Ramsland informed the girls that the service unit would need to raise $10,000 to have the climbing wall built, and they launched a fundraising campaign.

With full funding for the Camp Skimino climbing wall provided by the Lynnhaven Shores Service Unit, construction can begin. Morgan is projecting that the climbing wall, an indoor wall that can be used year-round, will be completed sometime in August.

“We are committed to making sure we provide outdoor activities that are relevant to today’s girls and what they want,” John said. “Girls want to be challenged and they want adventure in a safe and all-girl environment and that’s what Girl Scouts is able to give them.”

Outer Banks Service Unit Bridging Ceremony

Bridging is an important transition in a Girl Scout's life. It is a defining moment when a girl becomes aware of her achievements and is ready for new adventures and responsibilities.

On June 6, the Outer Banks Service Unit hosted their bridging ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of nearly 30 Girl Scouts, as well as the volunteers who give their time and talents to Girl Scouts. Carolene Goodwyn-Harris, chair of the board of directors for GSCCC, was excited to attend the special celebration.

“I had a wonderful time meeting the girls and volunteers in the Outer Banks Service Unit,” Carolene said.

Carolene cheered for each of the Girl Scouts who bridged to the next level of Girl Scouting as they crossed the stage at the Wanchese Community Building.

Rylee and Carolene

As part of the celebration, Rylee, a Girl Scout Cadette in Troop 2432, was recognized for earning the Silver Award, which is the second highest honor and achievement a girl can earn in Girl Scouting. Rylee worked with the Outer Banks History Center to earn the award.

Amanda Grubbs, leader of Girl Scout Troop 2109, and Julie Tortelli, leader of Girl Scout Troop 2512, were recognized with Volunteer of Excellence Awards.

In addition to recognizing current members, the service unit was eager to welcome two new members to Girl Scouts. Peyton and Remington, who will be starting kindergarten in the fall, became Girl Scout Daisies during the ceremony.

Still need to renew your membership? Keep the adventure going! Renew now.

Claim your spot!

There’s still plenty to look forward to this Girl Scout year—spring encampments, bridging ceremonies, service unit events, community service projects, and of course summer camp! But it’s not too early to sign up for another year of fun and adventure by renewing your Girl Scout membership!

Now through June 6, GSCCC is offering special rewards for our members who sign up for another year of Girl Scouts. Girls will receive a free patch, troops can earn one free adult membership and service units can receive a free cookie costume and a free or discounted encampment!

Did you know that, on average, girls who stay in Girl Scouts for three or more years achieve higher levels of education and earn higher incomes later in life? Sign your Girl Scout up for another year of amazing experiences—it takes just a few minutes to renew her membership and the benefits will last a lifetime!