Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day with Gold Award Girl Scout Faith Chaney [Gold Award Spotlight]

by Jessica Miano

Poor menstrual hygiene caused by a lack of education, persisting taboos and stigma, limited access to hygienic menstrual products and poor sanitation infrastructure undermines the educational opportunities, health and overall social status of women and girls around the world. As a result, millions of women and girls are prevented from reaching their full potential.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global advocacy platform that brings together non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual health and hygiene More specifically, Menstrual Hygiene Day:

  • breaks the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms around menstrual health and hygeine, and
  • engages decision-makers to increase the political priority and catalyze action for menstrual health and hygeine, at global, national and local levels.

Menstrual Hygiene Day has grown tremendously since it was first celebrated in 2014. The goal in celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day? That by 2030, it is possible to create a world where no one is held back because they menstruate.

Gulfcoast Girl Scout Faith Chaney recognized a need in her community for menstrual health advocacy. She dedicated over 80 hours to her project, “Periods Aren’t Taboo,” to help positively impact the lives of girls and women living and working in her community.

Recognizing the issue of period stigma and the inaccessibility of period products in schools, Faith began advocating for the installation of feminine hygiene products in school classrooms within her high school. Faith hosted a women’s health exposition to spread knowledge about women’s health, bodies, and periods.

What really inspired her to pursue this project was “the horror stories of [myself and] other girls in my school and the times they forgot their feminine products.”

She collaborated with her school’s leadership to arrange for the installation of feminine hygiene dispensers in classrooms, and enlisted the help of a student-led organization to ensure that the dispensers remain stocked with free and accessible feminine hygiene products in years to come. Following the women’s health exposition, Faith felt confident that she achieved her goal after witnessing her attendees open up comfortably about women’s health.

“Because of this project, I learned that I could make hard decisions… I also learned that I could overcome my social fears, which I usually struggle with when I feel truly passionate about a topic.”

Faith earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in March 2023.

She has been a Girl Scout for the past 13 years, and previous earned her Bronze Award and Silver Award. “My previous Girl Scout experiences, such as earning my Silver and Bronze Award helped [me] to learn resilience. While other previous community service projects taught me how to muster up support from my community.”

Faith enjoys theatre, crafting, and working in youth programs. She comes from a large family full of cousins, supportive aunts and uncles, and lives with her mom, dad, sister, and brother. She plans to go to Rollins College in the fall.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Faith among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

611 Girls Honored at 2023 Young Women of Distinction Ceremony

by Jessica Miano

A total of 611 Girl Scouts from across 10 Florida counties will be honored at the annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony on May 21, 2023 at the Charlotte Harbor Convention Center.

This annual celebration provides friends, family, troop leaders, volunteers, and council staff the opportunity to honor the outstanding achievements of Girl Scouts throughout the council.

Among those being honored are 40 Girl Scouts who earned the Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting, and the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. 78 Girl Scouts will receive the Bronze Award; the third highest honor in Girl Scouting, and the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn.

Awardees will be introduced by the Class of 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts, who recently received their Gold Award pins at the 3rd annual GSGCF Gold Award Luncheon. The Gold Award is the highest award and most prestigious honor a Girl Scout can earn.

Other awards to be presented include the My Promise, My Faith Pin, which invites girls to experience a faith journey through exploration of the Girl Scout Law and teachings from their faith; the Journey Summit Award Pin, which is earned by girls who have completed three National Leadership Journeys at their grade level; and the 10 Year Membership Pin. Graduating Girl Scouts, Girl Scout College Scholarship recipients, and Cookie Entrepreneurs will also be recognized at the celebration.

The event is made possible by several generous sponsors: Publix Supermarket Charities, Florida Power & Light, the Swift Family Foundation, and The United Way.

Gulfcoast Girl Scouts Celebrate Cookie Entrepreneurs with a Day at the Water Park

by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts and their families “flooded” the park on Saturday for a well-deserved day of fun and celebration. Sun Splash Water Park in Cape Coral welcomed Girl Scouts and their guests for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s annual Splash Bash event. Girl Scouts who sold 750+ packages of Cookies during the 2023 Cookie Program qualify to earn this reward. The reward is offered annually and has become a tradition for Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and their families.

The gathering took place after the park had closed for the day, making this a Girl Scout exclusive event. A total of 852 guests attended, including Girl Scouts and their guests. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian was in attendance, as well.

“It’s truly a rewarding experience to see so many familiar faces and Girl Scout minded individuals having a great time together!” said Ashley Gill, Product Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

Participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls learn skills they need to become successful adults who will contribute to their communities and strengthen the U.S. workforce. Long before they assume adult roles, the Girl Scout Cookie Program allows girls real-world opportunities to manage money, become ethical and reliable entrepreneurs, set goals, meet deadlines, work well with others, and understand customers. This learning occurs in an environment ideally suited to ensure the lessons are integrated into their everyday lives, for these girls are active, engaged learners who are having fun as they learn and earn.

Girl Scouts are always up for new experiences—spotting owls on a night hike, learning to cook with solar power, writing poetry, or even starting a business. Sound like you? We want you in our crew. At Girl Scouts, you’ll find a place to try new things, discover new talents, and most importantly, be fully yourself. Join the squad and get ready to make awesome memories with forever friends. Learn more about becoming a Girl Scout: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/get-involved/join.html.

Observing Mental Health Awareness Month with Gold Award Girl Scout Alexis Morrison [Gold Award Spotlight]

by Jessica Miano

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and recent studies show that girls are disproportionally affected by the increasing mental health crisis in America.

As Girl Scouts, we act on matters we believe in and understand the importance of mental wellness. That is why GSUSA created the Mental Wellness and Inclusion Portal. From programs designed for all grade levels to training for adults, you and your girl can participate in various activities, receive support from peers, and build social-emotional skills—all in a physically and psychologically safe environment.

Gulfcoast Girl Scout Alexis Morrison decided to champion the issue of mental health awareness for her Gold Award project, “Mental Health Awareness.”

After learning that around 30%-80% of people who suffer with mental health issues don’t seek treatment, Alexis sought to provide support resources for children and teens suffering from mental health problems to get the help they need. She was inspired to take on his project from her own experience with mental health struggles.

“I’ve struggled with my mental health since I was 12,” Alexis said. “Because of this, I’m very passionate about raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding it.”

Alexis worked for over 80 hours to accomplish her goal of creating social media posts and YouTube videos to inform her audience about mental health facts and resources, and to foster a supportive community for those experiencing mental health struggles.

“Overall, I really just learned that I’m strong,” Alexis said. “I completed something I didn’t think I could, at one point. I was able to continue to work on my project even when my mind made it difficult. I’m very grateful for this experience and everything it taught me. I’ve learned how to better manage my time, thoughts, and energy.”

Alexis earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in March 2023. She will be entering into the LPN program at Suncoast Technical College in the fall and aspires to become a become a nurse and travel the world. She enjoys working, playing board games and hanging out with her friends.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Alexis among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

Girl Scout Top Cookie Entrepreneurs Attend Sister Act at Broadway Palm Theatre

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida recently took a group of 64 members, including Girl Scouts and their families, to enjoy lunch and a show at the Broadway Palm Theater in Fort Myers on Saturday, May 6. The girls enjoyed lunch with Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian, followed by a performance of Sister Act.

Sister Act, the critically acclaimed, high-spirited musical comedy, is a shining tribute to the universal power of friendship – a suitable performance for the Girl Scouts’ day at the theatre.

The trip was a Cookie Reward for girls who sold 2,023+ boxes of cookies in the 2023 Cookie Program. One thing that all Girl Scouts gain, specifically from the Girl Scout Cookie Program, are solid money smarts that will last them a lifetime. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest entrepreneurial program for girls in the world, which offers real-world opportunities to apply lessons learned around goal setting, budgeting and planning, critical thinking, collaboration, and organization. The girls who received this reward, dubbed “CEO Luncheon,” showed extraordinary initiative, goal-setting, and decision-making skills by achieving the 2,023 Cookie package milestone.

The CEO Luncheon reward is offered annually as a chance for girls to spend a little time with the council’s CEO.

Girl Scouts are always up for new experiences—spotting owls on a night hike, learning to cook with solar power, writing poetry, or even starting a business. Sound like you? We want you in our crew. At Girl Scouts, you’ll find a place to try new things, discover new talents, and most importantly, be fully yourself. Join the squad and get ready to make awesome memories with forever friends. Learn more about becoming a Girl Scout: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/get-involved/join.html

Sister Act, the critically acclaimed, high-spirited musical comedy, is a shining tribute to the universal power of friendship – a fitting performance for the Girl Scouts’ day at the theatre.

Sister Act, the critically acclaimed, high-spirited musical comedy, is a shining tribute to the universal power of friendship – a fitting performance for the Girl Scouts’ day at the theatre.

From left to right, GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian poses with Girl Scout Cadette Amanda and her mother at the 2023 CEO Luncheon.

From left to right, GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian poses with Girl Scout Cadette Grace and GSGCF Product Program Manager Ashley Gill at the 2023 CEO Luncheon.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. What Can YOU do to Help?

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The challenges of today’s world don’t only affect grownups. Young people—especially girls—are facing a mental health crisis of their own. Supporting them as they grow and face life’s complexities is a top priority.

According to new CDC data released in Feb. 2023, nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade.

According to the report, youth mental health has continued to worsen—with particularly stark increases in widespread reports of harmful experiences among teen girls:

  • Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) seriously considered attempting suicide—up nearly 60% from a decade ago.
  • 1 in 5 (18%) experienced sexual violence in the past year—up 20% since 2017, when CDC started monitoring this measure.
  • More than 1 in 10 (14%) had been forced to have sex—up 27% since 2019 and the first increase since CDC began monitoring this measure.
  • More than half (52%) of LGBQ+ students had recently experienced poor mental health and, concerningly, more than 1 in 5 (22%) attempted suicide in the past year.

After reading this, you may be asking: what can I do to help?

Girl Scouts plus their families, caregivers, and volunteers now have access to these mental wellness resources from Girl Scouts of the USA and trusted partners. From new activities to trainings, you’ll find what you need to get started.

Troop 701 practices positive affirmations for mental health during a troop meeting in April.

Activities you can do

From developing social-emotional skills by showing kindness to their family and friends to celebrating differences and making others feel included, Girl Scout Daisies learn what it means to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, and how they can apply the Girl Scout Law to their lives. Get started with the following activities today and see your Daisy grow into their strongest, most resilient self.

Create a Bag of Kindness

Practice emotional skills and social competence by making a bag of positive notes for your family.

Make a Respect Myself Checklist

Make a checklist of ways you can take care of yourself, inside and out.

Activities have been adapted from Girl Scout programming. For certain grade levels, these activities may be part of a badge program.

Patches you can earn

Complete the Resilient, Ready, Strong Activity Guide

You already know Girl Scouts is fun. Guess what? It’s also a great way to build your inner strength so that you’re ready for anything!

Scientists have found that certain activities may lift your mood, calm you down when you’re stressed, and help you face challenges—and you can do many of these activities in Girl Scouts.

The “Complete the Resilient, Ready, Strong Activity Guide” includes a chart with 10 skills that may help boost your resilience.  Each skill has two activity choices, pulled from Girl Scout programming. Choose the ones that interest you, and give them a try!

Daisy Petal Set: Mental Wellness & Inclusion

Cultivate curiosity with the Daisy Promise Center and Learning Petal badges! This set of badges will introduce Girl Scout values to Daisies through engaging, hands-on activities from one or more of the Girl Scout pillars: STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors, and Entrepreneurship. Each petal badge focuses on a different line of the Girl Scout Law.

Resources you can learn from

Hey grownups!

Want to learn more about girls’ mental wellbeing but not sure where to start? These trainings and resources from our mental health partners will give you the tools you need to begin your journey.

Being inclusive really matters

Practice using inclusive and equitable language to support girls. Volunteers: Take this 15 minute training by logging into myGS>gsLearn.

Understanding mental wellness

Coming soon: special workshops for Girl Scouts to build mental health skills, created in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Managed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, adult volunteers will learn how to identify and respond to youth mental health challenges.

Articles you can read

Here is a list of articles on the GSUSA blog you can read about mental health awareness.

Girls Are Having a Mental Health Crisis—Some Solutions, Though, Are Simple

Yes, Your Daughter Just Called Herself Fat

Bad Day? Tell Your Daughter About It!

One in Four Teen Girls Self-Harm. Here’s How You Can Help.

Girl Scouts Meet State Legislators and Observe Sessions at State Capitol

by Jessica Miano

GIRL SCOUTS MEET STATE LEGISLATORS, OBSERVE SESSIONS AT STATE CAPITOL

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida took 23 Girl Scouts to the Florida state capitol for a “Day at the Capitol” on April 20.

Girl Scouts, volunteers, and staff members from each of Florida’s six Councils attended, coming together to advocate on behalf of their four key pillars of leadership: STEM, Outdoors, Entrepreneurship, and Life Skills. A total of 126 Girl Scouts from councils across the state of Florida attended the day.

A welcome address kicked off the event in a courtyard ceremony that featured an interactive display of the organization’s leadership experience and time-honored traditions. Girls had the opportunity to meet and greet legislators and staffers at the exposition.

Girl Scout Cadette Krysalea met with Robin Bartleman (D), legislator of District 103 of the Florida State House of Representatives.

Later, girls had the opportunity to observe a Congressional session via the gallery, participate in a historic capitol scavenger hunt, and visit the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. The Girl Scouts were also recognized on the Senate and House floors during session.

“Participating in Girl Scouts Day at the Capitol was truly an amazing experience,” said Ashley Gill, Product Program Manager at GSGCF. “The girls from GSGCF enjoyed a day of conversation with legislators, learning the history of our state capital, and watching The House of Representatives while they were in session. They got to understand what drives a bill to the house and how it is brought to the floor. This trip was an experience many of them will think back on as they are looking forward to their futures.”

Girls earned a fun patch for participating in the day.

3rd Annual Gold Award Luncheon Celebrates Gulfcoast Girl Scouts

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to recognize twelve outstanding young women for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award recognizes high school Girl Scouts who address issues they are passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Local Gold Award Girl Scouts and their projects include:


• Abigail Dalesandro, North Fort Myers High School; Art Through Lee: Behind the Scenes and LOTHCAT Draws
• Alexis Morrison, homeschooled in Sarasota; Mental Health Awareness
• Alexis Smith, Lehigh Senior High School; Heart to Heart
• Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts; Girls Who Soar
• Faith Chaney, Sarasota High School; Period’s Aren’t Taboo
• Jainley Garcia, Oasis High School; Educating The Youth On Deforestation & Urbanization
• Julia Sammons, Lakewood Ranch High School; Reading and the Mind
• Madison Witherspoon, Riverview High School; L.F.A Program
• Natasha Agarwal, Canterbury School Ft. Myers; PAGETURNER Digital Learning Library
• Olivia Thorstad, Cypress Lake High School; Removing Barriers to Student Success
• Tristan Blankenship, North Port High School; Tristan’s Blankets of Love
• Victoria King, Bonita Springs High School; Volleyball for Confidence

The girls were recognized on April 30 at the 3rd annual Gold Award Luncheon, celebrated at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice.

“Earning the Gold Award is difficult, but the skills a girl learns during the process will help her throughout her life.” said Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO. “The Gold Award is not just another award. The Gold Award is a symbol of your remarkable determination, your spirit of giving back, your unfailing ability to see a project through to completion. Not an easy thing to do when you are so incredibly busy.”

During the luncheon, the girls were presented with their Gold Award pins by Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO, and Richard Cyphers, Board President. Each girl had the opportunity to film their own video about their project, and these clips were debuted at the luncheon. The videos are available for viewing on the GSGCF Youtube channel.

Girls had the opportunity to speak about their projects and thank their family, friends, and project advisors for their ongoing support.

Richard Cyphers, Board President, called on the girls to continue making an impact in their communities even after their graduate from Girl Scouting. “I can’t express enough how proud we are of all of you today,” he said. “But remember, even if you are graduating this year, this is only the beginning! I hope all of you realize what an important difference you are making and carry that with you as you continue your Girl Scouting journey, whether as a girl, adult, or volunteer.”

Two scholarships were presented during the luncheon; the Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship was presented to Gold Award Girl Scouts Faaith Chaney, Autumn Pepper Rhodes, and Alexis Smith; and The Lyndi Cyphers Memorial College Scholarship was presented to Alexis Smith by Richard Cyphers in honor of his late wife, Lyndi.

Girl Scouts Partner with Suncoast Remake Learning Days to Host Community Event

by Jessica Miano

On April 22 and April 30, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida hosted a free event for the community at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

As part of their ongoing community outreach efforts to provide all girls the opportunity to become Girl Scouts and reach their full potential, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida recently partnered with Suncoast Remake Learning Days to host two Jungle Adventures days at Sarasota Jungle Gardens on April 22 and April 30.

The day, which was free and open to the public, included a self-led scavenger hunt throughout the gardens, flamingo feeding and encounters, goodies and swag provided by Girl Scouts, and an exclusive animal show tailored just for the Girl Scout group.

The community event was enabled by a grant funded by Suncoast Remake Learning Days, a 10-day festival of free events for children and families in the Suncoast, Florida region. Suncoast Remake Learning Days is the largest Remake Learning Days celebration in the nation, featuring over 200 free events and community organizations.

Thanks to the generosity of The Patterson Foundation, these multi-generational hands-on learning experiences will be robust, free, accessible, and open to the public.

“We take great pride in joining forces with the Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast and the Remake Learning Days program,” said Nancy Lavick, Marketing Director at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. “At Sarasota Jungle Gardens, we are passionate about connecting individuals with nature, fostering quality family time, and providing our community with valuable, hands-on learning experiences with animals and the natural world.  These shared objectives make our partnership with these two organizations a natural fit.”

She went on to say, “At the heart of Sarasota Jungle Gardens’ mission is to engage and enlighten our wider community through interactive, hands-on experiences.  Partnering with two great organizations, the Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast and Remake Learning Days, is a natural step in promoting conservation and cultivating a deep appreciation for the natural world.”

For the second year in a row, GSGCF was proud to partner with Suncoast Remake Learning Days to facilitate experiential learning encounters in the arts, outdoor learning, science, technology, and youth voice.

Gulfcoast Girl Scouts Donate Over 40K Cookies to Soldiers and Hometown Heroes

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida donated 40,528 boxes of Cookies to soldiers, first responders, and other community heroes through their Hometown Heroes and Mints for Military programs.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to host its annual Hometown Heroes and Mints for Military Cookie donation programs once again. This year, 40,528 boxes of Cookies were donated through the programs to local first responders, public servants, and essential workers, as well as soldiers stationed locally and overseas.

Girl Scouts have been delivering Cookies donated through the Hometown Heroes program at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, St. David’s Jubilee Center of Englewood Florida, Englewood Helping Hand, Inc., Englewood Meals on Wheels, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton Fire Department, the Bradenton Police Department, NCH North Naples Hospital, Lee Memorial Hospital, Iona McGregor Fire District in South Fort Myers, and to many other local first responders, teachers, public servants, and essential workers throughout the Gulfcoast footprint.

GSGCF’s Mints for the Military program allows customers to purchase Cookies to be donated to support active military personnel and veterans. Cookies are donated locally and overseas.

GSGCF partners with Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops to deliver Cookie donations to military and veterans. Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops are non-profit organizations with the mission to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military and veteran community. A total of 25,000 boxes of Cookies were donated to Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops this year by Gulfcoast Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout troops throughout the Gulfcoast footprint have also been delivering Cookie donations locally through the GSGCF Hometown Heroes program. Over 15,000 boxes of Cookies were donated locally, and hand delivered by Girl Scouts to local first responders, schools, hospitals, and to other hometown heroes.

“Locally girls have been visiting fire stations, police stations, schools, hospitals, veterans’ facilities, and any other heroes that have helped us keep afloat over the last couple of years,” said Ashley Gill, GSGCF Product Program Manager. “The number of smiles we are causing with these donations is truly heartwarming.”

Girl Scout Council Welcomes Pamela Sennott as New Development Manager

by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) welcomes Pamela Sennott as our new Development Manager, effective March 28.

A former Girl Scout and Sarasota native, Sennott has served in several development and communication roles with local nonprofits since obtaining her bachelor’s in social work (BSW) from University of South Florida in 2011. Before joining GSGCF, she served as the Fundraising and Communications Coordinator at Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and Marketing and Communications Manager at Suncoast Humane Society.

“As a former Girl Scout, I’m thrilled to help further a movement that helps young women lead with courage, confidence, and character. I look forward to working with all stakeholders, past, present, and future, to ensure that we can meet the long-term funding needs and growth opportunities of our council.”

As Development Manager, Sennott will work with the CEO, Mary Anne Servian, to primarily help achieve plan, lead, and oversee GSGCF’s development strategy and oversee all fundraising efforts in pursuit of our mission and maximize its impact on the communities we serve across Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier counties.   

A Note of Thanks from GSUSA CEO Bonnie Barczykowski to Girl Scout Volunteers

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Hello, Girl Scouts, and happy Volunteer Appreciation Month!

As we enjoy the change of season and the new beginnings it brings, I wanted to tell you about another new beginning: my name is Bonnie Barczykowski, and I am the new CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.

I am honored and humbled to take on this role after spending the last ten years as the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. It is a privilege to provide girls opportunities to explore their worlds, develop skills, and make important connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.

I saw firsthand the tremendous impact of our volunteers. This is why Volunteer Appreciation Month is so important—it’s a time to honor, celebrate, and salute the dedicated volunteers who bring the Girl Scout experience to life for Girl Scouts in communities across the country and the world. They serve as inspirational role models and mentors—championing, challenging, encouraging, and inspiring Girl Scouts to set and achieve new goals, form lasting bonds of friendship, and become courageous and confident leaders of today and tomorrow.

Our volunteers lead incredibly busy lives, and we are so grateful for the commitment they make and the passion they bring to helping the Girl Scouts they serve be their best selves.

During the last few years, Girl Scouts have also experienced more anxiety and mental health challenges in their day-to-day lives. Volunteers have created an invaluable space for them, and we know that Girl Scouts feel the impact of volunteers—because they’ve told us so! In a survey of our girl members:

  • 90% say they feel like they can be themselves in Girl Scouts.
  • 94% say they feel safe in Girl Scouts.
  • 63% say they get to do things that they cannot do in other places.
  • 90% say their troop leader cares about them as a person.
  • 65% say they are a leader in more activities because of their experience with Girl Scouts.

On behalf of the entire Girl Scout Movement, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the troop leaders, service unit volunteers, delegates, outdoor trainers, troop cookie managers, chaperones, parent helpers, and the many others who choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts. They are making a huge difference in girls’ lives and helping build the next generation of exceptional leaders and change-makers.

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month! Please enjoy some of our favorite volunteer moments, and stay tuned for exciting ways to celebrate the special volunteers in your life throughout the month of April!

Yours in Girl Scouting,
Bonnie Barczykowski
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of the USA

12 Gulfcoast Girl Scouts earn Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting

by Jessica Miano

Twelve outstanding young women across Lee, Sarasota, and Manatee Counties dedicated over 80 hours each to attain the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to recognize twelve outstanding young women for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award recognizes high school Girl Scouts who address issues they are passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Local Gold Award Girl Scouts and their projects include:

  • Abigail Dalesandro, North Fort Myers High School; Art Through Lee: Behind the Scenes and LOTHCAT Draws
  • Alexis Morrison, homeschooled in Sarasota; Mental Health Awareness
  • Alexis Smith, Lehigh Senior High School; Heart to Heart
  • Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts; Girls Who Soar
  • Faith Chaney, Sarasota High School; Period’s Aren’t Taboo
  • Jainley Garcia, Oasis High School; Educating The Youth On Deforestation & Urbanization
  • Julia Sammons, Lakewood Ranch High School; Reading and the Mind
  • Madison Witherspoon, Riverview High School; L.F.A Program
  • Natasha Agarwal, Canterbury School Ft. Myers; PAGETURNER Digital Learning Library
  • Olivia Thorstad, Cypress Lake High School; Removing Barriers to Student Success
  • Tristan Blankenship, North Port High School; Tristan’s Blankets of Love
  • Victoria King, Bonita Springs High School; Volleyball for Confidence

The girls will be recognized for their achievements on Sunday, April 30th at the 3rd annual GSGCF Gold Award Celebration Luncheon at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, FL, where they will receive their Gold Awards and have the opportunity to speak about their projects to friends, family, and members of the Board of Directors of GSGCF. The girls will also be distinguished at GSGCF’s annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony, which will be held this year on May 21st at the Charlotte Harbor Convention Center in Port Charlotte, FL.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Abigail Dalesandro, Alexis Morrison, Alexis Smith, Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Faith Chaney, Jainley Garcia, Julia Sammons, Madison Witherspoon, Natasha Agarwal, Olivia Thorstad, Tristan Blankenship, and Victoria King among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

Abigail Delasandro
Alexis Morrison
Alexis Smith
Autumn Pepper Rhodes
Faith Chaney
Jainley Garcia
Julia Sammons
Madison Witherspoon
Natasha Agarwal
Olivia Thorstad
Tristan Blankenship
Victoria King

Don’t miss these special volunteer benefits for Volunteer Appreciation Month and beyond!

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

It’s no secret that the Girl Scout Leadership Experience would not be possible without volunteers, but did you know the impact of volunteering reaches beyond troops? In addition to the community service and donations facilitated by Girl Scout volunteers, 94% of parents and caregivers say their girl’s leader made their family feel like part of a community.

It’s time to give back to those who give so much! Whether you’re a volunteer or just a fan of one, you don’t want to miss these special discounts available now, including promotions for Volunteer Appreciation Month and beyond.

Secure your special lifetime membership rate for volunteers with ten or more years of service. 

From troop meetings to camping trips and epic adventures, years of Girl Scout memories are made possible by the incredible work of volunteers. For our longtime volunteers, “thank you” doesn’t even begin to cover the lifetime of experiences they offer to the Girl Scouts they support. However, we are happy to share that volunteers with ten or more years of service are eligible to renew as a Girl Scout lifetime member at a special rate of $200 (reduced from $400!) as a thank you for being a part of our history and our future. Become a lifetime member today and enjoy special benefits, including invitations to memorable events, discounts, and more!

Get crafty with a JOANN Girl Scout Rewards Card. 

Get ready to unleash the full creative power of your Girl Scout troop! Did you know that all volunteers and active Girl Scout members are eligible to receive a 15% discount on purchases at JOANN stores and online with the Girl Scout Rewards Card*? Additionally, when you shop with your JOANN Girl Scout Rewards Card, JOANN gives a donation to Girl Scouts of the USA! Learn more and register now for your Girl Scout Rewards Card!

Add to your cart with a Girl Scout Shop discount.

If you’re treating yourself (as you should!) or celebrating a volunteer with a special gift, a little appreciation discount goes a long way! During National Volunteer Week, from April 16 to 22, shoppers can use the code THANKS23 for 15% off** most items with your purchase of $75 or more. Whether you’re shopping for camp season or bridging ceremonies, it’s the perfect time to spring for a wardrobe refresh with items from the new official adult apparel line. How cute would the chambray shirt be for campfire s’mores this year? And parents, the legacy vegan leather carry-all would be perfect bridging ceremony group gift for your fearless troop leader. 

Celebrate female artists with discounts on JIGGY puzzles. 

JIGGY, a new female-founded puzzle company, is offering a 15% discount off orders of $75 or more*** during Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 16–22). Use code JIGGYGS15 at jiggypuzzles.com. Each puzzle features art by an emerging female artist, comes in sustainable and elevated packaging, and includes specially formulated puzzle glue to frame and keep your masterpiece. 

Explore NEW Troop Year Plans—available now for current (and new) volunteers! 

The best way to thank a volunteer this month? Become one and lend a hand in making amazing Girl Scout memories! Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month by joining the incredible people who make Girl Scout adventures possible all year. Our volunteer application is always open and there’s never been a better time to get started. In addition to the extensive training materials available in your Volunteer Toolkit, we’re excited to introduce NEW customizable Troop Year Plans, available now in print and digital formats, for each grade level so you can easily guide your troop through our most popular activities for a year of fun and adventure.

To all volunteers, from experienced to brand new, we are forever appreciative of your efforts to keep the Girl Scout Movement in motion. In addition to our heartfelt thanks, don’t miss your special note from Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Bonnie Barczykowski!

Joann Terms & Conditions: 

*Exclusions may apply.

GSM Terms & Conditions: 

**The code is active April 12 through April 25, 2023, and excludes uniforms, customized products, national brands such as Deuter, gift certificates, and ships from council merchandise. Shipping, handling, and sales tax charges are determined by merchandise total prior to discount. This offer cannot be combined with any other promo code/discount, and is valid only on girlscoutshop.com from April 12, 2023, 12:00 AM ET through April 25, 2023, 11:59 PM ET. 

Jiggy Terms & Conditions: 

***15% discount off orders totaling $75 or more, before tax and shipping. Discounts cannot be combined. Discount code is good for one-time use per customer only, online only at jiggypuzzles.com. Cannot be redeemed as cash. Will not be applied to previous purchases. No rain checks. Coupons are void where prohibited.

Girl Scouts Announce “Play Ball!” at Red Sox Spring Training

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida were invited to the Red Sox’s Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day on March 26th. Two Girl Scouts were presented with $5000 scholarships in a pre-game ceremony.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida recently partnered with the Boston Red Sox to host the first ever Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day at JetBlue Park Stadium on March 26th for girls and their families to enjoy. A total of 60 Girl Scouts and their family members purchased tickets for the weekend game.

Those who attended reported they had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to attending future Girl Scout events with the Red Sox.

“This was a lot of fun for the girls,” said Christine DiBenedetto, a Girl Scout parent who attended the game on Sunday.

Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track. All of the Girl Scouts who attended also had the opportunity to announce say “Play Ball” before the game over the PA system. Girls had the chance to meet and fist-bump with players, as well.

In a pre-game ceremony, the Boston Red Sox also presented 15 high school seniors each with the Lee County Red Sox Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship for academically talented Lee County public high school seniors who are making meaningful impact through service in their community. This prestigious scholarship award is for students pursuing a two-year or four-year degree at any college or university.

Two of the recipients, Autumn Pepper Rhodes and Alexis Smith, are Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Gold Award Girl Scouts in high school complete projects to make the world a better place and earn the highest award available to Seniors and Ambassadors. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award.

“It was really cool to attend a game like this,” scholarship recipient Autumn Rhodes said. “It was something I have never done before, and it was really cool to meet the other scholars, to talk to them and to see how diverse everyone was. Next fall, I am going to college at Rice University in Houston and I am going to be a dual major in mechanical engineering and astrophysics.”

“Attending the game was better than I would have ever imagined,” said Alexis Smith. Girl Scout Day was her very first experience attending a baseball game. “The staff were extremely friendly and seeing all the Girl Scouts there made the experience even better. This scholarship is really going to help take off some of the financial burden and stress I was having. I am working towards becoming an orthopedic surgeon and will be attending Florida International University in the fall to major in health science. I am also pursuing an internship in sports medicine while there.”

The March 26th game was between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. According to ESPN, the Twins won, with a game score of 7 – 2.

For every ticket purchased a portion of that ticket was generously donated by the Red Sox back to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts say play ball before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

All of the Girl Scouts who attended had the opportunity to announce say “Play Ball” before the game over the PA system.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track.

Girl Scouts met and shared fist-bumps with players.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida were invited to the Red Sox’s Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day on March 26th.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track

Autumn Rhodes, 2023 Red Sox Scholar

Autumn Rhodes and Alexis Smith, both Gold Award Girl Scouts from Gulfcoast Florida, received the Lee County Red Sox Scholarship on March 26th, a $5,000 scholarship for academically talented Lee County public high school seniors who are making meaningful impact through service in their community.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Scholarship winners are recognized before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

Girl Scouts head to NYC as national representatives for 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations

by Jessica Miano

Three members of the Girl Scouts Gulfcoast Council were among those representing the Girl Scout movement and serving as delegates at the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City in March.

The Gulfcoast delegates included Girl Scout Seniors Mackenzie Shockey, Olivia Trader, and Mackenzie Valenza.

Each year, more than 5,000 women and girls from around the world gather for this session focused on the worldwide state of gender equality. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is one of only five Girl Scout councils, out of more than 100 councils nationwide, selected to send a delegation to the 2023 session.

The girls submitted applications to the council and were selected to join fellow Girl Scouts from California, Florida and Oklahoma.

During the Commission on the Status of Women, girls attended sessions, listened to speakers and advocated for what they believe is important and relevant for girls today. They engaged with non-governmental organizations, U.N. agencies, country missions and other youth delegates from around the world. Delegates also took part in and spoke at Girl Scout parallel events about STEM, digital literacy, access to technology in rural areas, and the importance of Girl Scouts and other organizations to champion digital literacy for girls.

Along with attending inspirational events led by women leaders and professionals from across the globe during their visit to the U.N., the girls were also part of advocacy groups, conversation circles, assisted with girl statement writing, and moderated their own event in collaboration with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. They also met people from all over the world, visited GSUSA headquarters, sat in on the UN General Assembly and more.

To prepare for their roles during the experience, Girl Scouts participated in bi-weekly Zoom training beginning in August 2022.

Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship Fund Applications Open Now!

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

1/6 Update – Applications are now open! The links to the guidelines providing eligibility criteria for the 2023 award year and the application for the Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. are available below:  

Scholarship Application DocumentDownload
Guidelines and RubricDownload

The completed application, including required attachments and letters of recommendation, must be received by February 28, 2023 as stated on the application.

Scholarship recipients will be honored at the Young Women of Distinction celebration on May 21, 2023. For assistance, contact Marie Graziosi at marieg@gsgcf.org or 941.921.5358 ext. 338/800.232.4475.

The Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship Fund was established to recognize and celebrate graduating high school Girl Scouts who demonstrate the characteristics of the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law; leadership to self and the community; and outstanding academic success. 

It is named for the late Dr. Elinor Crawford, a former Gulfcoast board member.  In 1987 she was a member of the Girl Scout Scholarship Committee which was subsequently renamed The Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship Fund, in her honor.  She served on the committee up through her death in 2016, and was proud to read each application and girl story.  

As a professor of physical education at the University of Northern Iowa for thirty years, she served as a member of the committee that contributed to the writing and passage of Title IX, the most significant piece of federal legislation impacting girls and women in education.  Dr. Crawford was fiercely committed to lifting up Girl Scouts in support of their education. 

The application will be available January 6 and is due no later than February 28.  Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Young Women of Distinction celebration in May. 

Eligibility requirements and applications and will be available here, January 6, 2023. 

Over the years, individual donors have also given generously to the college scholarship fund, to increase opportunities for Girl Scout graduating seniors. Dr. Crawford believed, as do we, that when girls succeed through education, so does society. Today, we are proud to continue her legacy. Please join us in continuing her legacy and providing more opportunities for girls by donating.