This time of year means summer camp, baseball, and Independence Day. As we reflect on the holiday, we at Girl Scouts of Western Ohio celebrate each girl, helping her to grow up to be independent, thoughtful leaders of tomorrow.

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is unapologetically focused on girl empowerment. And, because of supporters like you, girls can dream their biggest dreams and achieve their audacious goals through Girl Scouts. There is no better feeling than when you know that the activities a girl experienced in Girl Scouts changed her life.

In this issue, you will read how Girl Scouts continues to empower girls in our region. You’ll meet Kai, a Girl Scout from Dayton whose interest in firefighting was sparked by a Girl Scout camp. Peggy, a long-time Girl Scout supporter, is sure to inspire as you read about the difference she is making as a City Council member in Lima, OH. Finally, enjoy reading about an upcoming innovative summer camp session where girls will engage in a construction project at Camp WhipPoorWill.

Empowering the next generation of female leaders is what we are all about, and this work is critically important. Your investment in our programs provides girls opportunities to overcome a pervasive gender wage gap and underrepresentation in Entrepreneurship, STEM, and other careers.  

Also in this issue, don't miss the announcement of our first-ever Girl Pulse virtual meeting. I’ll be joined by two community leaders engaged in tackling important issues for girls - issues including the youth mental health crisis encompassing our communities, as well as equity and access and it's role in advocating for girls’ mental wellness. Please plan to join us!

Thank you for continuing to invest in girls. I am honored that you choose to go on this journey with us!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Aimée Sproles

Chief Executive Officer

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

Meet Peggy Ehora

Longtime Girl Scout supporter and community leader in Lima, Ohio, Councilwoman Peggy Ehora, shares her values and why investing in girls is important to her. She reflects on how she sees Girl Scouting retaining its relevance, meeting the needs of girls, and helping them to develop a strong sense of self, community problem-solving skills, and positive values. 

As Peggy prepares for her retirement, she reflected on what made you who you are.

"The Girl Scouts had been a part of my development since joining my Brownie troop at Lincoln Elementary School in Lima, Ohio in the mid-1960s. That truly was the beginning of an empowerment journey that would stay with me throughout my life and career.

The need to support and empower girls is greater than ever. In the 20th century, I could not have envisioned the year 2023, where the need to support girls would be even greater. Similar inequities and frustrations still exist, and it is imperative for us to help girls reach their full potential."

Thank you, Peggy, for your tireless support and investment in girls.

From Education to Empowerment

When Girl Scouts of Western Ohio offered our Camp Horizon during the summer of 2016, one mother-daughter pair couldn’t wait to sign up!

Kai, whose mom is a firefighter and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, was inspired to attend the Girl Scout weekend where she learned about emergency services, including what firefighters and EMT’s do, and about the roles of other emergency responders such as police and paramedics in emergency medical scenarios. Wow!

Today, Kai has decided to pursue a similar path as her mother. Kai recently passed her State Level 2 firefighting test.

Girl Scouts showed Kai how to use her leadership skills to make the world a better and a safer place.

Independence at Camp

Lasting memories are created for Girl Scouts who go away to camp during the summer. Girl Scout camp is not only about gaining outdoor skills and friendships - it’s about helping girls discover who they are and exploring the world around them. At camp, girls realize that anything is possible…and that their next great adventure is just around the corner.

This summer, we are offering a unique session to older campers to help girls discover a new interest. During a week-long overnight camp, our Juniors and Cadettes will engage in building a new amphitheater stage at Camp Whip Poor Will, surrounding the council fire ring. This project will not only contribute to the community we create at our camps but will also become a legacy for the participating Girl Scouts. As these campers return to camp each year, they will each be able to claim, “I built that!”

The current fire ring area of camp will soon be transformed

This project will encompass woodworking for a stage and back wall and will include electricity and lighting, roofing, and gutter drainage. We can't wait to see how the girls will transform this space!

Do you know someone who would be a great fit for our Board of Directors?

We are now accepting referrals to form a highly qualified, diverse pool of candidates for a limited number of positions on our Board of Directors and Board Development Committee. Complete the referral form before September 30. 2023!