Helping Hands at Horton Hill

To paraphrase the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child,” it takes a village of volunteers to run a beloved day camp.

That is Joanne “Jo” Nelson, director at Camp Horton Hill’s experience. She said, “Girl Scout volunteers have a passion for Girl Scouting, love what they're doing, and are willing to do whatever they can to help!”

For volunteer-run Horton Hill, that means unit counselors often come in earlier than expected to look after campers who arrive ahead of the rest, donate craft supplies, take time away from other volunteer pursuits, and even to help handle nances. Whatever it takes to run this summer village for Girl Scouts, Jo has a team member who is ready to help, all for the love of Girl Scouts. There’s even a volunteer who loves to bake and often treats the sta with homemade cupcakes and other surprises.

Of course, every camp needs and values the volunteer with the largest vehicle who can help with the hauling. There’s a Horton Hill volunteer who has transported lumber, program supplies, and hefty containers of water to the Chautauqua County camp, and other volunteers are happy to help her empty her vehicle and put all manner of things in their rightful places.

Jo is most proud to say, “Our volunteers are the best and work hard to make our girls and the Girl Scouting organization all that they can be! They are a blessing and can be counted among the many who routinely work at making our world a better place by simply saying, ‘Yes, I'd love to help!’”

Help a Daisy Blossom! International Day of the Girl

There were giggles, sighs, encouragements like “you can do this” and yelps of “that was so fun!” at Girl Scouts of WNY’s International Day of the Girl program.

More than 200 girls and dozens of adult volunteers attended a full day of fun and sisterhood which included a fashion show featuring the latest Girl Scout apparel, activity stations that helped girls earn their Take Action badge and learn about global initiatives, and a service project where girls collected school supplies for Journey’s End Refugee Services. Modern Charm School, Challenge Island, Niagara University, and Theatre of Youth were sponsors.

The heartwarming highlight of the day was the exhibit of Shero role models where girls celebrated their personal sheroes with original artwork, poetry, and display boards. Violinist Hilary Hahn, pop star Taylor Swift, anthropologist Jane Goodall inspired our girls along with moms, and grandmothers. This was a beautiful tribute to the women today’s girls hold in highest esteem.

Our Daisy Scouts - our youngest members - are just being introduced to the fun and friendship of Girl Scouting. Your support will help them start their Girl Scout adventure in a special way.

The Daisy First Year Troop Kit includes all the supplies and programming that a troop needs for that critical inaugural year. Daisy Scouts start earning their petals (badges) right away by learning how to be fair and honest, friendly and helpful, and how to respect themselves and others. They will have their rst Outdoor Challenge, and will participate as entrepreneurs during Cookie Season. It’s a whirlwind rst year for sure, packed with valuable lessons and good times, too.

GSWNY can provide these kits at no cost to troop leaders because partners like you believe in the power and passion of Girl Scouts. Your investment today will help the next generation of Girl Scouts have an outstanding rst year. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Girls Have a Voice on GSWNY Board

The Girl Scouts of Western New York Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who share a life-long passion for the success of our council. These volunteers provide governance, help open doors to community engagement, and o er guidance to sta as needed.

The board can also include a Senior or Ambassador Girl Scout, a unique opportunity for a girl to gain authentic leadership and governance experience. Long-time board member Patricia have youth involved,” says Patti. “This really reinforces Girl Scouts’ mission and values.” The youth board member position was written into GSWNY’s bylaws to have at least one and as many as two girl directors.

Youth board members serve a one year term of service. In that time, she will learn the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure, attend board meetings, and will participate on a board committee. She’ll also be expected to participate in key council events and participate in fundraising. During her year, she’ll also meet with a designated board mentor to discuss best practices for board members and the importance of governance.

The rst youth board member was Arianna McKnight and it was her service that sparked Patti’s thinking about the value of this opportunity for the girl. “I kept thinking, what is the girl gaining?

Is she learning something?,” Patti said. When the next youth member was selected, Grace Tabone, the board had implemented the mentoring element.

Grace was enthusiastic about her year of youth service. She said, “Serving on the Board of Directors as a youth member has been one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences I've had as a Girl Scout. Being on the Board has given me an understanding of how Girl Scouts and non-pro ts as a whole are run that I would not have gotten anywhere else. I am able to watch and participate in important decision-making like approving the appointment of Javeena Edwards as the Interim CEO and approving Council Support for National Council Proposals.”

When her year of youth service was up, Grace accepted a position to continue serving on the board. She’s currently a student at Canisius University majoring in biology and minors in business and neuroscience. “I would strongly recommend any Ambassador Girl Scout to consider applying for the youth position to put the L in G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader),” said Grace.