Girl Scouts from Dauphin County Troop 10283 started trickling in during the late morning hours on a fall Saturday.
The girls were gathering at the Trindle Road office in Camp Hill for the launch of a pilot sewing program hosted by Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. Their goal was simple: make a pair of pajama pants as part of the new Sew Much Fun: Pajama Pants Workshop Troop Takeover. Troop Takeovers occur when staff from GSHPA’s membership team take over a troop meeting by hosting a craft or other hands-on experience.
The troop, which meets at Chambers Hill Fire Company in Harrisburg, is led by Ashley Hoffman, Erin Wolf and Miluizy (Millie) Alvarado-Acosta.
Hoffman had previously shared that the girls in her troop were particularly interested in hands-on activities, such as baking and sewing, as well as their love of animals. The pilot workshop provided an opportunity to explore those interests while learning a new skill.
The workshop comes at a time when sewing and other traditional crafts are finding renewed popularity among younger generations. A 2025 Associated Press article highlighted the growing interest in sewing among tweens and teens, driven in part by social media, sustainability and the desire to create something uniquely their own.
During the daylong activity, troop members ranging from Cadettes to Ambassadors learned how to make their own pajama pants from start to finish. They began by drafting their own patterns, then selected fabric, cut out the pieces, and learned how to assemble and sew their comfy pajama bottoms.
With guidance and hands-on assistance throughout the day, the girls gained experience using sewing equipment and techniques while watching their projects come together.
Following the workshop, Hoffman shared just how enthusiastic the girls were about the experience.
“They loved it, which is amazing to get that as an answer from them,” Hoffman said. “We would do it again.”
Following the successful pilot workshop, GSHPA plans to introduce Sew Much Fun as a monthly council-sponsored Troop Takeover beginning in January 2027.
The workshops will give more Girl Scouts an opportunity to learn practical sewing skills, explore their creativity, and experience the satisfaction of making something they can take home and use.
While the pilot program took place at the Trindle office, future workshops may be offered in different areas of the council based on troop interest and demand.
Interested in participating? Watch GSHPA’s upcoming events calendar for workshop dates, locations and registration information. Space will be limited to ensure girls receive the hands-on guidance they need.
We look forward to seeing what our Girl Scouts create next!