Linda Davis wants programs to thrive another 100 years and beyond

For 58 years, Linda Davis of Pequea Township, Lancaster County, has been a Girl Scout and volunteer. As a Lifetime Member, Davis lives the organization’s signature green and truly believes in the Girl Scout mission.

“I continue to be a Girl Scout is because I believe in the program. It gives girls opportunities to do things they might never have had the chance to do before,” Davis said.

She has served as a troop leader and been involved with her Service Unit in many positions.

“There is nothing Linda will turn down. She picks up any and every position needed. Linda loves to help out and do whatever is needed,” said Sheri Kline, volunteer and alumnae engagement manager for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.

Davis credits her own childhood for sowing the seeds of her longstanding involvement. She is a passionate volunteer and booster for Girl Scouts.

“It did so much for me when I was a little girl,” Davis explained, “I care about girls, and I still believe girls need to have an all-girl program.”

Davis recognizes that although technology did not exist in its current form when she began her own Girl Scout journey, she believes the innovations we enjoy today made participation available to more girls in different ways – especially throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

“It helped us keep the program going. I know everybody got tired of Zoom, but it was an important way for us to see each other,” she said. “It kept Girl Scouts alive and available for girls and their leaders. It kept us looking for ways to stay together.”

Davis stepped back from direct troop leadership during the 1990s to focus on Service Unit lead responsibilities. She said recruiting and mentoring the next generation of Girl Scouts troop leaders is a vital role that she enjoys.

“I work with troop leaders and Service Unit volunteers to oversee events and teach our volunteers how to run them,” she said.

While she’s in her early 70s, Davis is forward thinking and wants to help ensure the future role and vitality of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.

Sharing her experience, expertise and mentorship is a valuable way she is passing the torch to others.

“We want Girl Scouts to keep going for another century – or more,” she said.

Do you know a great Girl Scout volunteer who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them here.