From outdoor fun to caring for the environment and learning about democracy, Girl Scouts throughout GSHPA have been busy making memories and leaving a lasting impact. Read on for more Mission Moments from GSHPA troops!
Lancaster County troop is loving camp
Girls in Troop 70070 recently hit a milestone in their outdoor experience. They camped at all four GSHPA campgrounds in the 2022-23 Girl Scout year!
Going wild in Dauphin County
Wearing shirts they made over the summer, girls in Daisy and Brownie Troop 10840 completed a scavenger hunt as they explored Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Some of their favorite exhibits included seeing the lions in the new lion enclosure, the giraffes and the safari ride. They had a blast spending the whole day together while learning about the animals at the zoo.
Getting a history lesson in Adams County
Girls in Troop 80929 loved spending the day in Gettysburg at a recent GSHPA program. They especially enjoyed discovering the World War II museum and learning about World War II history from the guide there.
Making memories in Perry County
Girls in Troop 10494 learned firsthand about photography for their Digital Photography badge when local, published photographer Chris Rider joined their meeting. Chris, who writes a monthly column in the PA Musician Magazine called “Rider’s On The Storm,” taught the girls about digital photography. He showed pictures he has taken and also explained how a camera operates. Chris shared how he got into photography and the different careers in the photography industry. Prior to the meeting, the Girl Scouts worked independently and had some hands-on action where they took their own digital pictures and created a digital project that incorporated the Girl Scout Law.
Mini golf and more in Luzerne County
Service Unit 331 held an evening with mini golf and ice cream. Paula Weibrecht, Service Unit treasurer and leader of Junior Troop 34671 and Cadette Troop 30301 led the event. Several troops attended, and everyone had a lot of fun
Outdoor fun in Wyoming County
Girl Scout Troop 50170 from Tunkhannock met at the Vosburg Neck State Park with environmental education specialist Amanda MacTarnaghan, who taught the girls about Leave No Trace principles. The girls made a poster about what they had learned and then took a 1-mile hike along the Susquehanna River. The girls completed a scavenger hunt along the hike and practiced their Leave No Trace principles.
Learning about disc golf in Lebanon County
Junior and Cadette girls from Troop 71062 in Lebanon learned how to play disc golf at Lenni Lenape Park. Members of the Lebanon Valley Disc Golf Club provided information about the history of the game, game etiquette and tips and techniques. The Club presented each girl with a starter pack of discs and then the girls played the first three holes on the course. The girls had so much fun, they plan to try another of the five courses in Lebanon in the spring.
Dauphin County Fall Product rally
Girls from Service Unit 194 traveled to the Sonoran Desert with the “Wild Kratts” TV show, where they spotted an ocelot and learned all about the Fall Product mascot during a rally event. They snacked on fresh popped popcorn and hot chocolate during their trip, and then each girl set a goal for herself for product sales before taste testing some of the items. The troop also celebrated fall by decorating and painting a pumpkin and playing a game with chocolate prizes. They were also encouraged to bring a friend who might want to join Girl Scouts to the event.
Helping the community in Lancaster County
Cadettes in Troop 70070 helped to sort items for Toys for Tots, including backpacks, lunch boxes, coloring books and toys.
Recruiting their peers in Luzerne County
Older Girl Scouts from Senior Troops 33206 and 30130 under leadership of Kathy Lockman volunteered at a recruitment event in Wilkes Barre. The Girl Scouts from these troops took the time to speak to new parents of new Girl Scouts on what Girl Scouts do and what it means to them to be part of Girl Scouts. They also assisted the girls in making an art project, enjoyed snacks and sang a few songs with the girls.
Halloween fun in Dauphin County
Girls from Troop 11293 participated in the 75th Annual Hershey Halloween Parade. They worked hard on their costumes, going with a cookie theme. Their entry featured cookie boxes, cookies, a baker and a cookie monster all joining the “sweetest troop on Earth.” It was their first time walking in the parade and the girls had lots of fun. Even better, they won first place in their category. They combined the parade with visiting the Hershey Story museum to learn more about the town and earned the Celebrating Community badge along the way.
Cleaning up in York County
Cadettes and Seniors from Troop 20312 volunteered at the 4th Annual Great Plastic Purge along the lower Susquehanna River. They collected plastics and other trash from their site at Gamler’s Boat Yard and nearby islands. Great job girls! You are making the world a better place!
“Ghoul Scouts” host a bash in Centre County
Cadette Troop 41123 hosted a Ghoul Scout Halloween Bash open to all Girl Scouts in their Service Unit. The Cadettes planned games and crafts, along with hot chocolate around a campfire. The girls asked for items for the Penn State Lion Pantry and were able to drop off a carload of donations.
Flying high in Dauphin County
With the help of the PA Army and Air National Guard, Brownie Troops 11293 and 11111 met multiple aviation members at Fort Indiantown Gap, including female pilots and crew chiefs. They learned about flight, equipment, aviation careers and training needed for different aviation jobs, and they toured a Lakota UH-72, Blackhawk and a Chinook.
Lebanon troops earn Democracy badge
Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts in Troop 71062 met with Jo Ellen Litz, Lebanon County Commissioner, while working on their Democracy badge. They learned about local government, the election process and all the responsibilities of a commissioner. She noted how her years as a Girl Scout prepared her for her leadership position in public service. She also told them that earning her First Aid badge helped her deal with life-saving emergencies throughout her life.
Honoring an outstanding leader in Lackawanna County
A parent of a girl in Troop 50568 recognized leader Miss Mica for going above and beyond with the troop. “Two out of three of my Scouts have been with her since Daises, then bridged,” she said. “She always goes that extra mile. … Miss Mica makes it a point to dedicate single time to each and every one of her Girl Scouts and make them feel special. That means a lot to me, but I know to my children and all other parents. She deserves a gold star and to be recognized. She truly is amazing. She is that leader that you hope your Girl Scout will be lucky enough to have.”
*All Mission Moment information is submitted by volunteers/members. Should you have any questions regarding a submission, please email cmolitoris@gshpa.org.
Submit a Mission Moment today so we can showcase your Girl Scouts’ recent experiences and accomplishments next month! Visit our Mission Moment Recap webpage on the GSHPA Blog to see more Mission Moments from previous months.