By Lori Winkelstein – Lifetime Girl Scout

10 amazing Girl Scout women have set the standards for my life. Most of them worked full time, kept their families running smoothly and still had time for Girl Scouting. Their examples along with a lot of love and caring have helped to establish my personal character.

I have chosen to purchase a brick for each of these 10 women to help honor who they are, their impact on my life and their passionate commitment to Girl Scouts.

The first four are for my troop leaders as I was growing up in Missouri – Lee Wilkerson, Sharon Pike, Jane Casati and Sharon Garrett! Each of these women provided me with opportunities that I never would have had otherwise. I can still remember the first campfire I lit! I pitched my own tent and slept in it – then re-staked it in the middle of the night when it fell down. I learned to steer my canoe! I had to eat my own cooking! The icing on the cake was when my Girl Scout Senior troop went to Our Chalet in Switzerland! I never would have had the chance to travel to outside the US without my Girl Scout opportunities. These four brick represent how Girl Scouts has given me courage to continue to try new things.

The next four bricks are in honor of my wonderful mentors as an adult volunteer with Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines – Sally Gill, Gwen Harker, Rachelle Deats and Dottie Gilbert. Each of these women has helped me along my path and guided me to be better in all the roles I have had in Girl Scouting. These four bricks represent how Girl Scouts has given me confidence to make a difference in my world.

Mary Daly is a life-long Girl Scout friend, we started Girl Scouts together 44 years ago and we are both still actively involved. Her brick represents the life-long relationships you gain in Girl Scouting.

And lastly, the final brick is in honor of Sasha, my daughter. She has given me a chance to re-live my personal Girl Scout experiences as she has made her own discoveries through Girl Scouting. Not only have I grown as a Girl Scout, but have had the honor and privilege to see her grow into a young woman of courage, confidence and character.

Each of these women, have help pave the way to the person I am today – and I am grateful. For me, dedicating a brick in the Camp Graham campfire circle was a wonderful way to honor these fabulous women who have helped me become a better person.

Do you have a special Girl Scout in your life? Someone who helped you in a way you’ll never forget? Purchase a commemorative brick for the Camp Graham Fire Circle in their honor and help us build a foundation for our girls’ success for many years come. Don’t forget to join Lori by becoming a Girl Scout volunteer and giving back to girls in your community! Use event code 367F22 when you register and be entered to win an iPad!*

*First time, new members only are eligible to win. Must register by 9/30/14 to qualify.