Celebrating Military Appreciation Month
At Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines, we know that every Girl Scout journey is unique. For military families, that journey often includes frequent moves, sudden changes, and the challenges of building community from the ground up—all while modeling courage, confidence, and character every step of the way.
This Military Appreciation Month, we’re honored to highlight a Girl Scout family based at Fort Bragg-whose Girl Scout experience has spanned across three military installations and over a decade of service and sisterhood.
A Journey That Started in Hawaii
Stephanie B., a dedicated Service Unit Manager and co-leader, has been involved in Girl Scouts for 13 years. Her journey began when her oldest daughter, Hailey, joined Girl Scouts in kindergarten at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii—during the 100th anniversary year of Girl Scouting. Like many volunteers, Stephanie jumped in when her daughter’s troop needed a leader.
From Hawaii to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, and finally to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Girl Scouts has remained a steady and supportive presence for the family, even when everything else was changing.
“Military moves are chaotic,” Stephanie shared. “New houses, new neighbors, new schools… but Girl Scouts offers an incredible amount of consistency. That little bit of normalcy is incredibly valuable for military children.”
Community Through Consistency
Stephanie describes Girl Scouts as a “support system” that welcomes military children with open arms—something her family has experienced firsthand again and again. She recalls how troops quickly became a source of connection for her daughters and herself, easing the stress of relocation.
One powerful example stands out:
On New Year’s Day in 2020, thousands of Fort Bragg families received unexpected deployment orders with just 18–48 hours’ notice. In response, Stephanie and a fellow volunteer created the “Boots Back Home” program—monthly gatherings designed to support Girl Scouts with deployed parents. With the help of other community partners, the program offered art classes, yoga, affirmation cards, and moments of joy for girls facing uncertainty and change.
“We reminded them they were strong—and that hardship is temporary,” Stephanie said. “Girl Scouts helped them find a way through.”
Growing Up Girl Scout
All three daughters—Hailey, Alexandra, and Aubrey—started Girl Scouts in kindergarten. Hailey, now graduating high school and bridging to adult membership, has already purchased her lifetime membership and is ready to become a Girl Scout volunteer.
Stephanie reflects with pride on Hailey’s growth, especially the moment she saw her daughter come full circle—from being inspired by older Girl Scouts to becoming one herself.
“I told her back then that one day, younger girls would look up to her—and now they do,” Stephanie shared, reflecting on the time Hailey led a display about her troop’s Bronze Award project, which focused on teaching younger Girl Scouts the importance and proper handling of the U.S. flag. One new Daisy was so inspired, she wrote, ‘I can’t wait to carry the flag.’
The Unique Strength of Military Girl Scouts
Military troops face unique challenges—frequent moves, rotating leaders, and rebuilding from scratch. But with that comes incredible strength and adaptability.
“Our Girl Scouts may not graduate with the same troop they started in, but they gain something just as powerful—a massive Girl Scout network,” Stephanie explained.
From collecting relief supplies for hurricane victims to stepping up as leaders in new communities, military Girl Scouts grow up seeing service modeled daily—at home, at school, and within their troops.
What More People Should Know
“Military families are resilient, adaptable, and fiercely committed to creating stability for their children,” Stephanie said. “And Girl Scouts gives them that foundation—something steady to hold on to”.
Behind every military Girl Scout is a family rebuilding, reconnecting, and recommitting to their community. Whether they’re setting up a new troop in a new state or organizing a service project during deployment season, military families go above and beyond—not just in service to their country, but in service to each other.
This May, and every month, we thank this Girl Scout family and all of our military-connected Girl Scout families for showing us what strength, service, and sisterhood truly look like.
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