I joined Jane Barringer’s Girl Scout troop in Sanford, NC when I was in the 8^th grade and stayed until I graduated high school. My troop leader, “Ms. B” as she is affectionately called, encouraged me to seize every opportunity and even travel the world! Ms. B has given over 50 years of service to the council, as a troop leader, volunteer, and Gold Award advisor.

Emily and Ms. B

I was part of the group that began the Jane S. Barringer Award for Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines. It was originally an idea hatched by a few of “Ms. B’s girls” because we wanted to honor “the best Girl Scout leader ever!” (in our opinion). We began our fundraising by sending letters to all the parents of girls who had been in Ms. B’s troop and others in our community who knew of her influence. That campaign raised the funds so more than 20 girls could receive between $750 and $1,000 to pursue future leadership and educational endeavors since the award was established in 1996.

Now, with the council’s help, we’re embarking on the next step: to make the Jane S. Barringer Award a permanent opportunity for girls in our council by opening an endowment fund for the Award. Endowing the Jane S. Barringer Award restricts and invests the funds, meaning that we can support Girl Scout Gold Award recipients in their future endeavors for years and years and years…

When we started the Award in 1996, we hoped that it would encourage and reward girls who exhibit the characteristics Ms. B had hoped to instill in every Girl Scout she works with. I’m reminded of a quote by Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide:

“But when you look – look WIDE; and even when you think you are looking wide – LOOK WIDER STILL.”

This is what Ms. B encouraged her girls to do. She was always pushing and encouraging us to go further and do more!

Her influence has stayed with me throughout my life. I have been a Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadette leader. I continue to volunteer as a member of the Gold Award Committee for the council. My daughter was a Girl Scout and just this year, earned her Gold Award! I’ve been a Girl Scout for over 40 years!

Emily, her daughter, and Ms. B

I support the Jane S. Barringer Award to honor Ms. B, but moreover, to support all the girls who have succeeded in earning their Gold Award. The Jane S. Barringer Award Endowment Fund will continue to help girls who are the epitome of Girl Scouting continue to broaden their own horizons.

A gift made toward the Jane S. Barringer Award Endowment fund will ensure that the positive benefits of receiving the award continue long into the future and help many more girls in our council follow – and reach – their dreams. Visit www.investingirlsNC.org to make your gift today. Thank you.