Envision a young girl battling anxiety, a teenager navigating life after a traumatic brain injury, a police officer coping with PTSD, or a mom facing the weight of depression. What binds them together? The potential for healing, thanks to the dedicated individuals committed to bettering our world and nurturing the growth of courage, confidence, and character.

Through the 2022 Giving Challenge, donors to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida made a difference by enabling the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all girls, including those facing unique mental and physical challenges.

Two years ago, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida embarked on a quest to find a nonprofit partner that shared our passion for making a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of others. Enter the transformative collaboration between the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and Prospect Riding Center during the 2022 Giving Challenge – a partnership poised to make a difference in the lives of those facing unique challenges.

Our partnership with the Prospect Riding Center developed organically, and quickly grew into a collaborative and prosperous relationship that we are still bragging about to this day.

Prospect Riding Center, nestled on 10 acres of farmland in the picturesque Myakka City, offered therapeutic and recreational horseback riding but also championed a mission to assist individuals with special needs through equine-assisted therapy. Their dedication to overcoming physical, developmental, and psychological challenges aligned seamlessly with the Girl Scouts’ commitment to making the world a better place, guided by the core value of courage.

The highlight of our partnership was undoubtedly the “Hootenanny at Honi,” a spectacular community event that unfolded at the Girl Scout Camp Honi Hanta on April 26, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This event wasn’t just a gathering; it was a celebration of unity, compassion, and the collective strength that arises when individuals come together for a shared cause.

Our ambitious goal for the evening was to “stuff the boot” with supplies and gift cards for Prospect Riding Center’s therapeutic riding program. And let me tell you, the community responded with overwhelming generosity. The event transformed the camp into a vibrant haven of live music, delectable bites, yard games, stick horse races, and a donation station buzzing with the spirit of giving.

The atmosphere was electric, drawing in not only our steadfast supporters but also new donors eager to contribute to the cause. Laughter echoed through the air as children engaged in stick horse races, families enjoyed the live music by the 301 Travelers, and everyone reveled in the joy of giving back.

The impact of the “Hootenanny at Honi” extended far beyond the bounds of the event itself. On that remarkable day, the Prospect Riding Center described the collaboration with Girl Scouts as extremely successful. With funding from the 2022 Giving Challenge, both organizations could hardly wait to start dreaming up plans for future collaborations.

Our relationship didn’t fade away after the Giving Challenge; instead, it flourished into a lasting commitment. Prospect Riding Center became an integral part of the Girl Scout Cadette Leadership Program, bringing horses to teach girls about the role of large animals in therapeutic care and leadership.

Troops eagerly scheduled days to travel to the farm, gaining hands-on experience in animal care and exploring their interests with horses.

With educational sessions and recreational riding days, the impact of our partnership extended beyond just helping those with disabilities – also educating the public about the role of large animals in therapeutic care.

Additionally, Girl Scouts performed acts of service at the farm. The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast sent troops to Prospect Riding Center to revamp their sensory riding trail, ensuring it remains in top shape for therapeutic riding.

This collaborative spirit not only embodied the #BeTheOne theme but also reflected the Girl Scouts’ commitment to giving back to the community. Our mission to #BeTheOne to uplift those struggling did not end with the 2022 Giving Challenge; it evolved into a way of life.  The dollars raised that weekend continued to enable educational programming for girls throughout our council, well beyond the Hootenanny and into the next Membership Year. Our participation in the Giving Challenge enabled us to connect with new donors and community partners, some of whom we are partnering with for the 2024 Giving Challenge.

As we fast-forward to 2024, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is staying true to our mission of empowering girls to make the world a better place. This time, we are collaborating with the non-profit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota Manatee Counties and our for-profit business partner, Children’s World, for the 2024 Giving Challenge.

Our collaboration with NAMI has already commenced. Through this partnership, girls will have the chance to earn GSUSA’s new Mental Health Badges at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital in March. Licensed facilitators will guide the girls through activities designed to help them earn the Junior Knowing My Emotions Badge, Cadette Finding My Voice Badge, and Senior and Ambassador Showing Up For Me and You Badge. The badge curriculum, developed by GSUSA in collaboration with NAMI, aims to foster mental health awareness and increased well-being.

A Self Care Fair, sponsored by the GSGCF Board of Directors, is planned at Camp Honi Hanta on April 6, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free family event promises an afternoon filled with arts & crafts, games, yoga, and other mental wellness activities. Attendees will learn to identify and journal their feelings, relax with yoga and meditation, and gain insights into valuable community resources. The event will be open to youth throughout community, and Girl Scouts will receive a 2024 Giving Challenge Patch for attending.

In June, a third collaborative event is planned with NAMI. At our annual Volunteer Celebration at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice for their volunteer leaders. During the event, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties will facilitate a 30-minute wellness-based training activity that the Girl Scout leaders can then present to their troops.

You too can join the movement to #BeTheOne to #KnowYourWorth, as the Girl Scouts continue to support girls’ mental health and empower them be unique, united, and unstoppable.

“Through our partnership with NAMI Sarasota Manatee Counties, we are not just fostering mental health; we are igniting a flame of resilience, courage, and strength. At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we believe in being the one to make a difference,” said Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO. “By standing shoulder to shoulder with NAMI, we are amplifying our commitment to inspire courage, build confidence, and shape the character of the young girls we serve. Together, we are not only breaking down stigmas but also creating a community where each individual can recognize their worth and celebrate their uniqueness. This partnership is a testament to the enduring power of unity, compassion, and the belief that, collectively, we can #BeTheOne to uplift and empower every girl, fostering a world where mental wellness is a shared journey towards strength and resilience.”

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register soon, as attendance is limited. Let’s come together and #BeTheOne to make a difference! Register for the Self Care Fair today on Eventbrite.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida would like to share a successful career exploration event recently hosted by Girl Scouts from Collier County. The event, held on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at 14700 Immokalee Road in Naples, brought together girls of all ages to interact with accomplished women across various professions, inspiring them to dream big and explore diverse career paths.

Troop 392 Ambassador Girl Scouts Kaitlyn and Marissa successfully organized the event, creating a platform for information-sharing, networking, and showcasing the endless possibilities available to young girls as they navigate their future career paths. Several Collier troops enthusiastically participated in the “You Can Be Anything” Event, where an inspiring array of accomplished professionals shared their experiences with the eager attendees.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, also attended the event as a guest speaker. She spoke enthusiastically about the impact of the event: “At Girl Scouts, we believe in providing girls with opportunities to discover their potential and pursue their passions. The career exploring event was aligned perfectly with our mission to empower girls to become leaders in their chosen fields. The fact that it was led by girls, for girls, is also inspiring. It was truly amazing to see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the girls as they engaged with successful women from different careers.”

The event featured over a dozen guest speakers, including law enforcement officers, physicians, animal shelter workers, a judge, and Mary Anne Servian herself. These accomplished women shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving their goals. Attendees had the unique opportunity to meet and interact with women from various career fields, including a judge, a CEO, a CAO, a doctor, an author, an engineer, an animal rescuer, an animal biologist, a social media specialist, a public relations director, a retired Army helicopter pilot/current Medflight Chief Pilot, and Collier County Sheriff’s Officers. The girls not only gained valuable insights into different professions but also had the chance to connect with these role models, fostering a sense of empowerment and expanding their horizons.

Girls of all ages were treated to hands-on activities suitable for diverse interests. High school girls, in particular, gained access to valuable information about potential career paths and job opportunities. The event also fostered a sense of inclusivity by encouraging girls to bring friends along.

The event was open to Girl Scouts as well as the general public, with a nominal registration fee of $2. Attendees also received an exclusive event patch.

Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida (GSGCF) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $5,000 from The Community Foundation. This significant contribution will empower GSGCF to further deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to girls in Lee and Hendry County, fostering their growth as leaders and contributing members of their communities.

The grant was officially presented to GSGCF at a ceremony where Connie Martin, a dedicated employee of Girl Scouts, accepted the check on behalf of the organization. This funding will enable GSGCF to expand its reach and impact, providing the GSLE to even more girls in Cape Coral and surrounding communities in Lee and Hendry County.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a transformative program that encourages girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. Guided by supportive adults and peers, Girl Scouts engage in age-appropriate activities that are girl-led, cooperative, and hands-on. Participating in the GSLE helps girls develop crucial leadership skills needed for success in adulthood.

“Girls who engage in the GSLE are more likely to enjoy and attribute their leadership skills to Girl Scouts,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO at GSGCF. “The GSLE delivers ‘fun with purpose’ by helping girls gain valuable life skills and amazing new experiences while having fun and building friendships!”

GSGCF currently serves more than 95 troops and over 1,000 Girl Scouts in Cape Coral and other surrounding communities in Lee and Hendry County. With the support of The Community Foundation’s grant, GSGCF can continue its mission of empowering girls to become confident leaders, compassionate individuals, and responsible citizens.

“We are proud and thankful to receive this grant from The Community Foundation,” expressed Mary Anne Servian. “It will significantly contribute to the positive impact Girl Scouts is making on the lives of young girls in our community.”

This partnership between Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida and The Community Foundation exemplifies the shared commitment to fostering leadership skills, personal growth, and community engagement among girls. The grant will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, positively shaping the lives of countless young girls in Lee and Hendry County.

Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation to Enhance Camp Honi Hanta Amenities

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is delighted to announce the generous grant of $5,000 awarded by the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF).  This grant will be instrumental in providing essential air conditioning units for Camp Honi Hanta, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for year-round activities.

Camp Honi Hanta, a cherished retreat nestled in the heart of our community, serves as a crucial space for Girl Scouts to embark on their Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). The GSLE empowers girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make a positive impact on the world. With this grant, Girl Scouts will now have the opportunity to engage in these transformative experiences throughout the entire year.

The air conditioning units funded by the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation will not only enhance the overall experience for the Girl Scouts but also enable them to participate in age-appropriate, girl-led, cooperative, and hands-on activities. Guided by supportive adults and peers, the GSLE fosters the development of important leadership skills that are crucial for the girls’ future success.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly thankful to the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation for their generous grant. This support will make a significant difference in the lives of our Girl Scouts, providing them with a comfortable and enriching environment to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships.”

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are excited about the positive impact this grant will have on the girls’ experiences at Camp Honi Hanta and extends its heartfelt thanks to the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund and the Manatee Community Foundation for their commitment to supporting the development of our future leaders.