Why a Girl Scout? Let me count the ways! - Wini K's story

Actually, I can't count the ways, there are too many!

My dad knew there was pretty much nothing girls couldn't do or learn to do. He helped me start as a Brownie and I am now a Life Member. In high school, I was a Mariner. We lived in a town with no large body of water. No problem! We had a pond. We found a way. Our senior pack trip was canoeing in, around, and out of the Boundary waters in Minn. and Canada. We packed in everything.

Maybe I can't count the ways, but I can say, it's because of the girls. That's why I became a leader.

It was a blessing to watch my Girl Scouts grow from giggles and crayons to pitching tents and mining quartz. To run service projects, like making a quilt for a local non-profit, gathering supplies for another, and on and on. Through all their years together they discovered who they were, sharing their weaknesses and strengths as they grew together, bonding and supporting each other.

Whether they were pitching a tent, digging a latrine, learning the characteristics of quartz and silver, or picking up trash in the 31st St. canal, they were learning skills, building confidence, setting goals, and looking to their future. Learning and teaching respect for the outdoors and the same for those who they meet. And once they had learned those new skills, they taught them to younger Girl Scouts! That's what Girl Scouts is all about.