Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

Today is my daughter's first birthday. For those of you that don't know me, a brief introduction--I've been a Girl Scout since 1st grade (before Daisies!), a Gold Award recipient and a lifetime member, and I've been a council staff member since 2001. So, it's inevitable that she'll be a Girl Scout--third generation. My daughter has two "Future Girl Scout" bibs and a "FGS" onesie already. I sing her Girl Scout camp songs each night, ending with Taps, of course. (Blame the recent rain on me, I've been singing Johnny Appleseed lately.)

As fast as this year's gone, I've been thinking that another four years will fly by and then she can become a Girl Scout Daisy. As I edit event guides and camp books, I eagerly think of the fun she'll have and remember the fond experiences I had as a Girl Scout. I'll have plenty of stories to tell her, from bridging to Adult Girl Scouting in Juliette's garden to several involving camping and unexpected water...and the occasional bat and baby mice!

Everyone involved with Girl Scouting has a story – a reason they became involved, a special memory, a skill learned, a friendship forged. While we all share the common thread of Girl Scouting, the great thing is that everyone’s story is as unique as the person telling it.

How has Girl Scouting helped you or someone you know develop courage, confidence and character? How have you made your corner of the world a better place because of the lessons learned through your Girl Scout experience?

Sharing your story can help others learn the real difference that Girl Scouting makes each day to girls, women and men, too! To share your story, e-mail me. Please include your first name, last name, age, county, phone number and number of years involved in Girl Scouting.

Note: By submitting this information, you agree that the Girl Scouts and its affiliates have the right to use it in any marketing or other materials, including print and electronic. Only the first name of girls will be used when their stories are shared.

After you've shared your story with me, check out the stories of Girl Scouts from across the nation on the GSUSA memory board.

And stay tuned for more stories!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Hillary Blevins