Dozens of Girl Scouts visited the Capitol in Harrisburg for the investiture ceremony of Troop PA—an honorary Girl Scout troop of bipartisan female General Assembly members. The event honored Girl Scouts of all ages and highlighted the importance of women in leadership.

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s inaugural public relations team of girls covered the day’s events. And as any good PR professional knows: sharing the good news is a great part of the job. Below, you will read individual perspectives of the day from members of the PR Team and the photos that they shared from the day.

Quinn

Troop PA was a fun and informative day at our State Capitol, getting a firsthand look at how government works.

I learned that many of our local government officials are voted into office and that these leaders meet, talk, and vote on ideas. I also learned that I have a voice, even before I’m 18, by asking questions and helping in my community.

The tour of the Capitol building was very surprising to me! It was so beautiful to see and to learn about. Our tour guide even said that its worth is immeasurable.

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…” do anything. Run for office, be the Speaker of the House, and even be President!

What was your favorite moment from the day, and why? My favorite moment was when I got to interview Representative Sheryl Delozier of Cumberland and York County. I asked her what the hardest part of her job was, and she gave me a very real, honest answer.

Sylvia

It’s a fun event where you get to learn about bills, laws, and the government.

I learned about how a bill becomes a law and what the three branches of government do.

What surprised you the most during the day? Meeting my State Senator, Patty Kim!

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…”  run for office!

What was your favorite moment from the day, and why? Doing the role play activity in the afternoon where we had to make a law.  It felt like I was a part of the government!

Malina

Troop PA is the opportunity to see girl power and girl bosses of all ages in one space! I realized that a group of people, even the same intentions, may have a hard time agreeing on things.

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…” do anything!

What was your favorite moment from the day, and why? I loved meeting Senator Patty Kim and being able to ask her questions! It was great to see so many women in leadership, and women that looked like me!

Excerpt from Malina’s interview with Sen. Kim:

Malina: “When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?”

Kim: “I wanted to be a doctor, to help people. I got into politics, to help people.”

Eleanor

If you’ve ever been to the Capitol before, this is more like a behind-the-scenes experience.

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…” be leaders in many different ways. A lot them are the first girls to do their job, but, even though we may not be the first girl to do our job, we should still break through barriers.

My favorite memory of the day was either meeting our senator (Senator Greg Rothman) or going into my friend’s dad’s office (Will Danowski, Senior Advisor, PA House). I loved going into my friend’s dad’s office because she always talks about it and it was so cool to hear about what he does.

Aurora

In one sentence, how would you explain Troop PA to another Girl Scout? Girl Scouts and law makers join in sisterhood.

What did you learn about government or leadership at Troop PA? Anyone can become a leader and make a difference.

What surprised you the most during the day? How involved the process is to have a bill passed to become a law.

Jordan

What did you learn about government or leadership at Troop PA? I learned that many different levels of government are male led, but women are starting to empower that.

I was surprised that we got to talk to different females in government. 

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…” do anything men can do.  Especially overcoming challenges.

What was your favorite moment from the day, and why? I enjoyed having conversations with leaders. It inspired me to take a path that involves law schools and colleges.

Allison

Troop PA is a great way to learn about your State Government, while meeting Girl Scouts from other areas.

One thing that surprised me the most … was during the afternoon panel when the one panel member said that in her law classes there were more females than males. However, the men are getting the jobs because women are seen as a liability because they may leave to have children.

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…” do anything that they put their minds into. Seeing all the female legislators and learning that the Supreme Court, House of Representatives, and Senate have female leaders was very inspiring.

What was your favorite moment from the day, and why? My favorite moment from the day was when I got to talk at the beginning of the ceremony and introduced Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton.

Brooke

In one sentence, how would you explain Troop PA to another Girl Scout? Troop PA holds many different opportunities for young, strong driven girls.

What did you learn about government or leadership at Troop PA? That the artwork contains a large variety of real gold. I also learned that it takes a lot of experience to become successful.

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…” be successful no matter how much discrimination is faced.

What was your favorite moment from the day, and why? I was happy that the senator we interviewed told us the things I say to you guys all the time. Take chances get out of your comfort zone. The fact that the Senator Ward said that all the experiences in her life brought her to where they were today

Abby

Troop PA is a special Girl Scouts event where girls visit the Pennsylvania State Capitol to meet legislators, learn about government, and celebrate female leadership.

I learned that even as a Daisy, my voice matters! Leaders listened to my questions, and it showed me that Girl Scouts can make a difference at any age.

I was surprised that my local State Representative asked to meet with me one-on-one, especially since I was the youngest Girl Scout there!

My favorite moment was touring the Capitol. The Senate Chamber was so beautiful, and I loved getting to play in the interactive welcome center with the giant LEGO statue!

Finish this sentence: “Troop PA showed me that girls can…” speak up, ask big questions, and be taken seriously by the people who represent us. Girls can be leaders at any age and make a real difference in their communities.

About the Girl Scout PR Team
The Girl Scout PR Team is a council-wide initiative designed to amplify girl voices and strengthen the visibility of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.
Made of approximately 15 Girl Scouts from across multiple counties and grade levels, the team serves as ambassadors for our council. Members represent Girl Scouts at media interviews, community events, government and civic engagements, flag ceremonies, photo shoots, and special council initiatives like Troop PA.
Our Goals
Develop confident public speakers and storytellers
Build media literacy and interview skills
Equip girls with advocacy tools and talking points
Strengthen civic engagement and leadership presence
Elevate authentic, girl-led storytelling in our communities
PR Team members receive preparation and coaching before public opportunities, helping them feel ready to represent not only themselves — but all Girl Scouts.
The program creates a leadership pipeline of poised, prepared Girl Scout ambassadors while reinforcing our council’s mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
At its heart, the PR Team ensures that when Girl Scouts are part of the story, girls are the ones telling it.