Holly Legate loves Girl Scout camp.
As a young Girl Scout, Legate, who lives in Lackawanna County, looked forward to attending summer camp every year. She said it was her first taste of freedom living away from – and beyond – the influence of school, family, and friends at home.
“Camp is my number one priority,” Legate said.
Sleepaway camp serves as a vital step in a young person’s development, according to Legate. It’s become her personal mission to make sure the opportunity for camp experiences is available to as many girls as possible.
She said having a camp experience for the first time is empowering for many young girls. It may be the first time they’re away from home. They’re in a position to learn about themselves in new ways, and they have different responsibilities and activities in a community environment.
“It’s your first taste of becoming an adult,” Legate said.
She believes kids who attend overnight camps take more positive risks and try more things while away.
To help camp remain an option, Legate works hard to ensure there are enough adult volunteers to make camp happen.
Camp Archbald, located in Susquehanna County, includes hundreds of acres, with a 45-acre lake for boating and swimming, along with other outdoor activities. It’s the second oldest Girl Scouts camp in the world.
“This is the closest camp for many girls within several hours drive. We all know the realities of staffing camp, and we are in a position to fill those needs,” Legate said.
Legate is a service unit lead for two communities where she helps plan regular activities throughout the year and provides resources to troop leaders.
“The award nomination was a total surprise … so peer recognition means a lot. It means all of the little things you do are seen – and they matter,” Legate said of the volunteer recognition honor she received last spring.
She said her family members modeled service to others, and it is another reason for her commitment to Girl Scout leadership.
She understands why adults might be reluctant to make the commitment to an organization like Girl Scouts because they have their own busy schedules, but she said the value to the young people and reward is well worth the effort to keep troops going.
Moms, dads, and grown children who have time for community and volunteer activities are welcome to become part of the Girl Scouts family and community, according to Legate.
“Whatever event we’re doing, it’s because that is needed in the community,” Legate said. “That’s why I stay involved – it’s for the girls.”