By: Cecily Nisbet

“Thirteen years of fun, challenge, and achievement” was how I described my time in Girl Scouts while attending the dedication of the National Girl Scouts Headquarters in New York City, 1993 – when GSUSA moved in to their new offices.

When I joined Brownies as a second grader in 1980, little did I know what a significant impact it would have on my life.  I have now been an active member of Girl Scouts for over forty-five years.

When I was a Cadette Girl Scout, I wanted to travel – I was a Go-getter.  I applied for the first national Girl Scouts trip that I was old enough to attend.  I was chosen to go to National Center West and experience a rodeo, camping in the snow (in June) and meeting girls from the entire country.  I’ve been able to attend National Conventions in Florida and Minnesota.

I still love to travel –  and in two weeks, I am taking my sixteen Juniors to Kitty Hawk, NC. In preparation for our trip to the coast, the girls learned about flying and built their own kites, which we will fly at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.  They are using their minds like Innovators.

My hope is that I can help these girls learn to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.  I want to help them be Risk-Takers and try new activities.  I want them to be Leaders with heart – to think of others and how they can help solve problems.

Learning new things should be fun – and in Girl Scouts it is.  Our troop has learned to make candy from chocolate, we have toured the 911-emergency call center for Orange County, we have learned to make clay pots from Mark Hewitt and explored his huge kiln in Pittsboro, and we have done archery and played Quidditch (with the NC State Quidditch Team!). We – as a troop – have learned to unleash our inner G.I.R.L.

I enjoy being a leader because I learn new things and have fun.  When I was chosen to be a principal speaker at the dedication ceremony in 1993 as a girl member of the National Board, I’m sure I couldn’t imagine my future self.  But if someone had told me that I would become a Girl Scout leader, I wouldn’t have been surprised.  Over the years, I’ve had troops in Brooklyn, Boston, and Chapel Hill – and I can’t think of a better way to give myself to an organization that builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

You can join leaders, like Cecily, in support of girls who are ready to unleash their inner G.I.R.L. through volunteering or giving today. Thank you!