Member Stories

15 years ago I brought my little girl, Suzie, to a meeting about Girl Scouts.  I wanted her to grow into someone I knew she could be, but I also knew I couldn't do it alone. I needed to surround her with other women in our community who she could be inspired by.

I never knew Girl Scouts would change me too. I remember when our community hosted a baby shower for a local community center. As girls were helping me get items out of my car, one girl whispered to the other, "Miss Tricia could slay a dragon in heels." Wow! Best compliment ever! It was at that very moment I realized I could slay a dragon, and in heels no less, but only because I was a Girl Scout.

Today as part of West Wind Community, we are slaying dragons by taking on challenges and leadership roles at the Camp Wildwood barn. We are part of Daisy’s Circle so another little girl and her adult can learn to slay their own dragons. But in heels only if that's their thing, because cowgirl boots are way more practical when dealing with horses (or dragons)!

"I don't have kids and I don't even like kids..." 

In 1993 the Connectional AME Church recommended that all local churches incorporate Girl Scouts as a part of their outreach ministries, because their missions and values were in line with the church's.  The committee at my church, St. Luke’s AME, asked me about volunteering, and I adamantly declined, saying "I don't have kids, and I don't even like kids."

After about two years observing the troops at church, I thought we could do better instilling the promise and law to the girls. Through my efforts, we are the only church in our conference (Tampa, St. Pete & Lakeland) that has had Girl Scouts since 1993.

Fast-forward over 20 years. I'm a Troop Leader and have held just about all the Service Unit positions, from Service Unit Manager to Encampment Director to Cookie Manager, and everything in between. I love seeing the girls grow and mature as they progress through the program, and I am most proud of exposing the girls to new adventures that they probably never would have without Scouts. Many girls in our troops come via financial assistance, so camping, sleepovers, gardening, yoga and dance classes, field trips (both locally and out of state) and countless other activities would not be available to them without Scouts. Daisy’s Circle helps ensure these opportunities continue to be available for every girl in our community. 

Helping the next generation find adventure... 

When I think back to my childhood summer memories, they are filled with adventures at Girl Scout summer camp - where I rappelled for the first time, learned to canoe, and expanded my confidence to try new things. As a Troop Leader and a Girl Scout Alumnae, I choose to support Girl Scouts through the Daisy Circle to ensure all girls in our community get this same opportunity - to build their character, confidence, and skill sets!

It taught me how to be a leader... 

As a young professional, I support Girl Scouts because it made me who I am today. From ages 4-18, my experiences in scouting taught me how to be a leader. Just 10 years out from receiving my Gold Award, I can already see how having those opportunities early on has positively contributed to my career success. I've continued to try to grow those skills, most recently through participating in a leadership coaching program as part of pursuing an MBA. By donating through Daisy's Circle, I can share those opportunities and experiences with the next generation of girls who will be leading us into the future.

It's a natural progression...

In my three years as a troop leader, I have seen our girls spend their first night away from home at camp, take their first shot on an archery range and even wake up next to a glass wall with a whale staring at them from the other side.  All of the experiential learning the girls receive builds their confidence, strengthens their character and has formed a bond between them over the years.

As leaders and volunteers, we pour our time and our hearts into these girls.  It’s a natural progression for us to also support the organization financially.  Daisy’s Circle provided me with an easy way to give monthly, and to know that my funds are going to directly enable girls in our council to have a scouting experience.  These girls are our future leaders, so let’s enable them to reach their full potential!

Empowered Women Empower Women

I give to the Daisy’s Circle because I truly believe in “women supporting young women”.  As a proud Board member of the Girls Scouts of West Central Florida and participant in the amazing Camp CEO program, I hear first-hand the impact of having successful, professional women coming together to support this next generation of G.I.R.L.’s.  The girls I have met have inspired me to give and to be generous with my time, talent and treasure.  Giving to the Daisy’s Circle is a great way to support all the girls in this great program that fosters girl empowerment, leadership and the value of relationships.