Together, We Make a Difference
For more than a century, Girl Scouts San Diego has been a space of belonging, empowerment, and fun for girls.
With a variety of activities across four program pillars—STEM, Outdoors, Entrepreneurship, Life Skills—we strive to be the go-to partner for developing and elevating girl and women leaders in San Diego and Imperial counties.
Beyond traditional leadership development, our relevant programs and experiences foster a sense of well-being in girls, so they are well-rounded individuals poised for success in life.
Your support is key in this vision! In the following pages, you will discover how your many contributions benefited girls across San Diego and Imperial counties during our 2023 membership year (Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023), including how:
2,008 campers embraced the adventure and wonder of the outdoors;
9,509
cookie program entrepreneurs built key business skills and accomplished huge goals;
638 dynamic Girl Scouts took action to earn the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards;
9,369
adult members dedicated themselves to personal growth and learning as they supported their Girl Scouts and each other.
To our community of champions: our volunteers who mentor the next generation of leaders, our staff who bring these programs to life, and our donors whose financial contributions keep Girl Scouting within reach for every girl, thank you for your collaboration and investment in our mission. Together, we are making a lasting positive impact in the community as we build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Natasha Bowman Board Chair
Carol M Dedrich Chief Executive Officer
908
Girl Scouts attended day camp
1,100
Girl Scouts attended sleepaway camp
2,008
Girl Scouts attended summer camp
Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors!
Girl Scout outdoor programs promote a sense of independence, self-confidence, well-being, and resilience as girls navigate challenges and explore their capabilities in a supportive environment.
In our 2023 membership year, the natural beauty of our properties served as the perfect backdrop for girls to discover passions, make connections with their new best friends, build an appreciation for the environment, and step outside their comfort zones.
From campers who attended summer camp:
“I learned that I can do things I didn’t know I could do.”
Sheila, Brownie Girl Scout
“Thursday was my favorite day at camp because we got to go fishing and at night we had an ice cream party. After the ice cream, we went stargazing.”
Delilah, Junior Girl Scout
246 outdoor summer sessions offered
From campers who received financial aid:
“I am so thankful that I got to go to camp for my first time…I had the best time even though I was nervous! Thank you.”
Maggie, Cadette Girl Scout
“Thank you for making my week at camp possible. I love camp!”
Lucy, Junior Girl Scout
106 outdoor non-summer programs offered*
$100K+ in financial aid provided for camperships
Girl Scouts Take Action to Earn Highest Awards
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Girl Scouts have a vision for a better world and the courage to bring it to life.
To earn the highest awards as Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors/Ambassadors, Girl Scouts created lasting change by researching an issue they care about, developing a plan to address it, and making a difference in their communities and beyond.
638
Girl Scouts earned highest awards
232
Cadettes earned the Silver Award
40
56
Seniors and Ambassadors earned the Gold Award
350
Juniors earned the Bronze Award
Seniors and Ambassadors claimed the title “Trifecta Girl Scout,” after earning all three highest awards
Completing my Gold Award was a fun experience and a great way to give back to the community while growing leadership, time management, organization, and other personal skills."
Jessica, Ambassador Girl Scout
Percent of girls who pursued a highest award project around these areas:
61% educating youth and adults on disability awareness, STEM, and life skills
Note:
54% health (including mental, physical, emotional well-being)
20% environment and sustainability
A Lifesaving Feat: Amelia Umstadter Earns Medal of Honor
In June, Cadette Amelia Umstadter was presented with the prestigious Medal of Honor for her courage and action during an emergency at home.
The Medal of Honor—one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting—is awarded to young leaders who have shown heroism and sound judgment in an emergency to save a life without risk to their own lives.
When her father experienced a choking incident and fall that left him unconscious, Amelia initiated CPR and called for her mother, who dialed 911. Her quick actions saved her father’s life and allowed him to walk away from the incident with only minor injuries.
Way to go, Amelia! We are so proud of your heroism.
Emerging Leader Girl Scouts
The Emerging Leaders program is designed for girls in grades 10-12 who embody the courage, confidence, and character that define the spirit of Girl Scouts.
Emerging Leader Girl Scouts participate in skill-building workshops aimed at developing crucial abilities in networking, business etiquette, public speaking, and the basics of personal branding.
This year, participants connected with 22 accomplished female leaders, gaining insights, guidance, and inspiration during speed networking and mentoring sessions. The pinnacle of the program was during the Cool Women Celebration on Friday, March 24, 2023, when 35 Emerging Leaders took centerstage alongside five 2023 Cool Women honorees:
Rashmi Char Vice President of Engineering, Qualcomm
Liza Crisafi
Chief Investment Officer, San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (retired)
Norma Diaz Chief Executive Officer, Community Health Group
Kimberley Layton Chief Advancement and Communications Officer, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Deanna Mackey General Manager, KPBS
Congratulations, class of 2023 Emerging Leaders and Cool Women!
Girl Scout Cookie Program
By participating in the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial program, Girl Scouts grow their confidence and learn five essential life skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
100 percent of Girl Scout Cookie Program proceeds stay local, making the magic of Girl Scouting available and affordable in San Diego and Imperial counties. Cookie program funding benefits more than 24,000 youth and adult members through year-round leadership development programs, volunteer training, outdoor adventures at Girl Scout summer camp, property upkeep, financial assistance, and more.
Operation Thin MintSM Reaches Impressive Milestone
Since Operation Thin MintSM (OTM) began in 2002, Girl Scouts in San Diego and Imperial counties and their generous customers have sent more than 4 million cookie packages to military veterans and troops overseas. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this important service project over the years.
9,509 cookie entrepreneurs
73 Elite Entrepreneurs marketed 2,023 packages or more
2.3M+ packages marketed
151,619 packages donated to OTM
Together, With Our Volunteers and Adult Members
Volunteers are the cornerstone of Girl Scouts San Diego and the impact we have across the region.
More than 9,000 fantastic adult members and volunteers provided mentoring, support, and guidance, showing an unwavering commitment to helping more girls in San Diego and Imperial counties experience the limitless power of Girl Scouting.
Through meaningful and inspiring contributions from adults, girls are growing into the leaders and change-makers the world needs.
9,369 adult members, helping us serve…
150 adult volunteers who attended Outdoor Skills Weekend
15,084 girl members
400 attendees at 2023 Volunteer Conference
28 adult volunteers honored at Volunteer Celebration for their commitment to Girl Scouting
Urban Campout: Adventures Await!
On Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 our beloved fun fundraiser returned to the Balboa Campus after a three-year hiatus.
At Urban Campout: Adventures Await, 310 attendees experienced a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the outdoor fun and adventure of Girl Scouts. It was an epic evening of thrills and camaraderie as guests indulged in Girl Scout memories and reconnected in the great outdoors.
“The theme speaks to the bright futures Girl Scouts have,” said event co-chairs, Janice Kurth and Maggie Watkins. “Many adventures await, and their experiences in Girl Scouting help them build leadership skills, independence, character, risk-taking, and more, as they aim to navigate their lives with confidence.”
$474K+ raised to support Girl Scouts San Diego programs
310 attendees experienced the outdoor fun and adventure of Girl Scouts
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Barbara and David Groce
Carole J. Larson
Tange and Tom Gavin Wrethinking, The Foundation
Local Community Partners Provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
Highlights:
community partners
30 community partners collaborated with GSLE team to host programs.
Sports Day, in partnership with Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation, Girls Rugby, On Track Wellness, San Diego Gulls, San Diego Rowing Club, San Diego Wave FC, Tide Baton Twirling
78 Girl Scouts rotated between sessions to learn about and practice new sports. They earned the Sports Day patch and completed steps towards earning the Athlete badge.
Crime Stoppers: End Human Trafficking, in partnership with FBI Human Trafficking Task Force and Play It Safe Defense
62 Girl Scouts learned tips to remain vigilant against human trafficking, learning necessary skills to become self-aware and self-reliant. Participants took a self-defense workshop, where they practiced hands-on techniques.
Money Madness Summit, in partnership with Mission Fed Credit Union
80 Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts experienced a “cents-ible” and entertaining approach to financial literacy, earning a Money Madness patch and Financial Literacy badge.
STEM
Incredible Race
In partnership with Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum; Sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton.
Teams of Girl Scouts worked together to solve clues and race to complete STEM challenges in Balboa Park like straw gliders, racecars, magnet maze, cracking codes, binary bracelets, 3D constellations, and more.
In 2023, the Incredible Race was awarded the Igniting Innovation sPARK Award from Forever Balboa Park, which recognizes organizations that use innovation and imagination to spark new ways of experiencing Balboa Park. We are so proud to be recognized for this collaborative effort. Thank you, Forever Balboa Park!
Operation Wing Scout
In partnership with Southwest Airlines and the USS Midway Musuem
Girl Scouts discovered careers in aviation, experienced a flight simulator, and listened to inspiring stories from a group of accomplished women in aviation. They explored the flight deck to learn about vital elements of an aircraft carrier and discover a diverse range of jobs that contribute to the field of aviation.
Cybersecurity Workshop
In partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton, First Citizens Bank, Haiku, San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence
Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts earned three Cybersecurity badges—Cybersecurity Basics, Safeguards, and Investigator—in three hours. Girls rotated between badge stations with their grade level.
334
Girl Scouts participated in the Incredible Race
37
STEM community partners
33 Girl Scouts participated in Operation Wing Scout
691 STEM badges earned
60 Girl Scouts participated in Cybersecurity Workshop
10,459 STEM badges purchased in GSSD retail stores
Girl Scout Outreach
The Girl Scout Outreach program (GSO) brings the unmatched power of Girl Scouting to under-resourced communities.
Our staff-led after-school programs are the core of GSO, with professionally trained, bilingual program leaders serving as facilitators and role models.
This year, GSO served 2,062 girls attending 33 Title I schools throughout San Diego County. In addition, 29 girls in grades 4-5 camped away from the city for the first time at our annual Mountain Adventure Weekend at Camp Whispering Oaks.
2,062
girls served
33 Title I schools
Level Up Program, Summer 2023
Our Level Up summer camp held enrichment programming for San Diego Unified and GSO students.
Funded with a grant of $106,034 from San Diego Foundation, GSSD was able to offer the Girl Scout experience to 75 San Diego Unified girls for five weeks at the Balboa campus. Many of these girls have never had the opportunity to experience the power of Girl Scouts.
Topics included health and wellness, STEM/STEAM, arts and humanities, financial literacy, the outdoors, and community service.
Girl Scouts San Diego Board of Directors
Natasha Bowman Chair
Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources Arcturus Therapeutics
Emily Rex Vice Chair Founder and CEO Departure
Michele Barrow, CPA Treasurer Partner
Lavine, Lofgren, Morris & Engelberg, LLP
Trisha Zulic Secretary Director, Human Resources Consultant Services Efficient Edge
Directors-at-Large
Neville Billimoria Senior Vice President of Membership and Chief Advocacy Officer Mission Fed Credit Union
Debra Feinberg Principal Jump Start San Diego
Suzanne Frontz President Metz & Associates
Ron Giannotti Co-Founder and CEO We Can Rise, Inc.
Joanee’ Johnson Manager, Mission Assurance Northrop Grumman
Janice Kurth, M.D., Ph.D. Physician Community Volunteer
John "Woody" Ledford, CPA Ledford Accounting
Monica Piepenkotter Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor Merrill Lynch
Laura Sand Senior Vice President, Legal Counsel Qualcomm Technologies
Jennifer Summers Director, Tribal Relations and Land Services SDG&E
Monica Ulibarri, Ph.D. Professor California School of Professional Psychology Alliant International University
Dawn Welch Retired Director Digital Enablement Services SDG&E
Noli Zosa Founding Partner Dirty Birds Restaurant Group
Carol M Dedrich
Natasha Bowman
Financials
For the year ended September 30, 2023
Income Statement Summary
Capital Expenditures
For the year ended September 30, 2023
Juliette Gordon Low Society
(as of Sept. 2023)
Juliette Gordon Low Society members—you shine so bright! Your commitment to girls is demonstrated by naming Girl Scouts San Diego in your will, trust, IRA or through your life-income gifts. You ensure future generations of girls can experience the unique leadership opportunities available only through Girl Scouts. We are so appreciative of you!
Melyn Acasio
Meredith and Robert Alcock
Barbara L. Alderson
Eva and Erik Andersen Girl Scouts Movement
World-wide Challenge Planned Gift
Sandra Banfield
Jeni and Elias Barajas
Virginia "Ginny" Barton*
Dianne Belk and Lawrence Calder Girl Scouts Movement
World-wide Challenge Planned Gift
Sally A. and Michael Bixler
Marla B. Black
Helen Bloomfield*
Marie and Lee Boozel
Natasha and Rob Bowman
Merle and Mitchell Brodie
Wendy Bryer McCreary
Regina and Shea Buckley
Nina de Burgh
Christopher Carstens
Sandra and Harry Carter
Sheila Cavanaugh
Pam Connors
Elizabeth Crisafi
Carol Crossman
Debra L. Cushman-Parrish
Carlo and Nadine Daleo
The DeBello Family
Carol M Dedrich☙ and Alex Nurse
Janet DeGruttola
Solveig and Dan Deuprey
Barbara J. Dickey*
Heather and Paul Dierolf
Kathy Drucquer Duff and George Duff
Robin and Kimberly Evans
Anne and David Fege
Arline M. Fisch
Michelle P. Fischer
Kimberly Fowler
Zita B. Gardner
Dr. Danell Scarborough Gavares
Tange and Tom Gavin
Lourdes Gonzalez ☙
Barbara Ann and David E. Groce
Grace Halvorson
Nancy C. Hanlon
Marni and William Hayman
Jim and Cheryl Hernandez
Molly Higley
Ryder and Clayton Hill
Ann and Edward Holler
Don and Susanne* "Sally" Huebner
Lucy and Tom* Jackson
Jo Dee and Glenn Jacob
Rebecca James
Susan Jeanette
Divya Kakaiya, Ph.D.
Shirley Kelly
Gerry L. Keshka
Kim and Evan Kleber
Terry and George Klein
Barbara J. Kramer☙
Drs. Janice and Matt Kurth
Stephanie and Paul Kwiatkowski
Sarah K. Lamade
Makenna Lang
Karen Linehan
Lynne and Bill Litwiller
Lani and Josh Longacre
Pamela Lynd
Patricia G. Macdonald*
The Madden Family Trust
Sue and John Major
Stacy Maxa and William Pashley
Elinore Y. and Ralph V. Mazza*
Honorable Margaret McKeown
Bob* and Cindy Moore
Melinda Mulkey
Michelle Mllen and Dennis Broyles
Mimi and Mike Murray
Sara and Anthony Napoli
Kristin and Bryan Newman
Barbara J. Norman
Matt and Katherine Nowak
Janestin Olaru☙
Justine Panian
Kassie and James Panian
Judy Peterson
Betty and Kenneth Peterson
Nichole Peterson
Kristen K. Pieper and Family
Debra and Charles* Poey
Annie Revel
Laura and Justin Rice
Debbie and Mike Rider
Patti L. Roscoe
Megan and Pete Scheid
Barbara Schettler-Jehl
Nancy L. Scott
Liz and Phil Sheahan
Dayana Silva-James
Ellen Roca Single
Kathleen Slayton* and Robert Kilian
Carol Sonnenberg
Claudette and Ralph Steinhauer
Jean B. Stewart
Pamela Stubbs
Ken H. Suerig*
Kathryn and Dan Sullivan
Sandy Sultz
Pamela L. Summers
Pearl and Andrew* Szymanski
Mary E. Talle☙
Judy Thompson
Coralie C. Thomson*
Evelyn Mack Truitt*
Elizabeth and Andy Van Pelt
Catherine Veatch*
Tammy and Louie Vener
Kelly Waggonner
Maggie Watkins
Laura and Erv Wheeler
Arelene Wolinski*
Sandy L. Woodhouse
* Deceased ☙ Staff
Individual Donors
(Oct. 2022-Sept. 2023)
Donors, we love you! You are ensuring that Girl Scouting is available and affordable for all girls, regardless of their ability to pay. You empower girls to find their unique voices and become leaders for our future. The Promise Circle recognizes those who donate $1,000 or more per year. Thank you!
Meredith and Bob Alcock
Barbara L. Alderson
Susan Armstrong
John Ayala
Brenda Baker and Steven Baum
Jeni and Elias Barajas
Michele Barrow
Marian Benassi
Joyce and William Biffar
Sally and Michael Bixler
Marla B. Black
Maureen Blackhall
Helen Bloomfield*
Natasha and Rob Bowman
Julia R. Brown
Denise and Larry Calvert
Sandra and Harry Carter
Joann Coffey
Lindsey and Don Crain
Liza and Tony Crisafi
Carol and John Crossman
Robin and Edwin Dahlberg
Carlo and Nadine Daleo
Rita and Keith Datko
Carol Dedrich☙ and Alex Nurse
Solveig and Dan Deuprey
Kathy Drucquer Duff and George Duff
Sister Ray Monda DuVall
Amy Ebling
Cathy☙ and Jason Ecija
Mary Erlenborn and Thomas Templeton
Christine Esau
Anne Evans
Pamela Farr
Debra and Robert Feinberg
Arline Fisch
Beth Fischer and Jamie Wong
Michelle P. Fischer
Jennifer Freet
Carolyn J. Fritz
Suzanne Frontz and Douglas Metz
Tange and Tom Gavin
Ron Giannotti
Joanne and Gary Gilbert
Craig Golding
Maritza Gomez☙ and Manuel Araujo
Inez Gonzàlez Perezchica
The Honorable Irma Gonzalez, Ret.
Norma and Samuel Gonzalez-Jasso
Cynthia and Tom Goodman
Julia Grant
Lawrence B. Gratt
Barbara and David Groce
Shelley Guerin☙
Arlene Harris and Marty Cooper
Jennipher Harris
Karla C. Hertzog
Suzanne and Clinton Hewey
Ann and Edward Holler
Rob Jackson
Jo Dee and Glenn Jacob
Divya Kakaiya, Ph.D.
Daniel and Bunny Krall
Cynthia and Daniel Kronemyer
Janice and Matt Kurth
Alexandra Kwoka and Robert Semmer
Carole J. Larson
Kimberley and Farrell Layton
Carole and Woody Ledford
Cindy and Jay Longbottom
Deanna Mackey and Chris Ingalls
Barbara M. Major
Susan and John Major
Lidia and Ted Martinez
Connie Matsui and Bill Beckman
Stacy Maxa☙ and William Pashley
Laurie McGrath
Debbie McGraw-Block
Julie and Manuel Medina
Amanda E. Montgomery
Mimi and Mike Murray
Amy Myers
Virginia C. Nelson and Mark W. Andrews
Lauren Nickerson
Carol Nienaber
Katherine and Matthew Nowak
Maxine Peoples
David M. Pepper
Coreen and Kevin Petti
Monica and Joseph Piepenkotter
Vicky Pion*
Emily and David Rex
Debbie and Mike Rider
Sofia and Jim Robitaille
Candi Rojas and Greg Gilbert
Patti Roscoe and Jim Tiffany
Marcelle and Adam Rossman
Robin S. Roulette
Danell Scarborough Gavares and John Gavares
Megan and Pete Scheid
Matthew Schnaider
Connie F. Schroeder
Phyllis Schwartz and Paul Leavesseur
Denise and Phil Scott
Betty Jo Shaieb
Susan Shirk and Samuel Popkin
Dayana Silva-James☙ and Christian James
Nancy Steddom
Janet Steiner
Kathryn and Daniel Sullivan
Arlene and Rob Tendick
Judy Thompson and Mike Conner
Monica Ulibarri
Albert Vitela
Jessica and Bradley Voytek
Carolyn and Kent Walker
Maggie and Robert Watkins
Dawn Welch
Jennifer J. Werner
Michael and Marissa Wesselhoft
Laura and Ervin Wheeler
Katherine D. White
Carisa and Andrew Wisniewski
Deanne L. Witt
Alin Worley and Karen Lenell
Douglas Wright
Isabel Ysassi
Trisha Zulic and James Kistner
* Deceased ☙ Staff
Corporations, Foundations, and Organizations
(Oct. 2022- Sept. 2023)
Partners, you are amazing! You show your belief in our mission through generous sponsorship and philanthropic gifts. You make it possible for Girl Scouts to explore their interests and make the world a better place. We appreciate you!
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Albert W. and Mildred Hubbard Non-Endowment Fund
American Legion 22nd District
American Red Cross San Diego/ Imperial County Chapter
Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Club
Bank of America
Benassi Family Foundation
Blue Shield California
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.
Boys and Girls Foundation
Bristol Myers Squibb
Charles & Ruth Billingsley Foundation
City of Escondido
Community Health Group
County of San Diego
Cushman Foundation
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Dirty Birds Restaurant Group
Dr. Bronner's
East County Economic Development Council
Edith Hazel Ondrasik Girl Scouts Campership Endowment
Efficient Edge
Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation
Elwyn Heller Foundation of San Diego
Episcopal Community Services
Etta Schwieder Fund - Girls Club of San Diego
Evolution Service Corporation
First Imperial Credit Union
Five for Fighting
GEICO Philanthropic Foundation
Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts San Diego Fund 4974
Hervey Family Fund
Island Architects
Jamul Indian Village of California
Keane Studios
KPBS
KPMG
Ledford Accounting
Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers
Little Brownie Bakers
Los Angeles Chargers
Major Executive Search
Managed Solution
Marsh & McLennan
Insurance Agency LLC
Mission Fed Credit Union
Nordson
Northrop Grumman
OtterCares Foundation
Parq
Philips
Pierce Family Charitable Fund
PNC Bank
Price Philanthropies
Qualcomm
Ranch and Coast Magazine
Rancho La Puerta Tecate
ResMed Foundation
RJS Law
Rotary Club of San Diego 33
Samuel H. French & Katherine Weaver French Fund
Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation
San Diego County Employees' Charitable Organization
San Diego Foundation
San Diego Gas & Electric Company
San Diego Gulls Hockey Club
San Diego Padres
Sellwood Consulting LLC
Sempra Employee Giving Network
Sharp Health Plan
SOLV Energy
Southwest Airlines Co.
State of CA Department of Justice
State of California
Sun Bum
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
The Boys and Girls Foundation
Trophy Nut Company
U.S. Bank
Union Bank
University of San Diego
ViaSat, Inc.
WalMart
Wrethinking, the Foundation
Rancho Santa Fe Foundation
San Diego Foundation
YouThank ForYour Support!
Balboa Campus
1231 Upas Street San Diego, CA 92103
619-298-8391
Escondido
3050 Las Palmas Escondido, CA 92025 760-740-2670
Imperial Valley
1402 W. Pico Ave. #164 El Centro, CA 92243