Your Monthly Donor Impact Report
September 2021

As I reflect on the waning days of summer and look ahead to a new program year, there is something I find myself saying more and more often: Girls need connection now, more than ever. At Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, we are committed to connecting girls – to each other, to trusted adults and to experiences that help them navigate changing times with confidence.

One of the most important experiences we can provide a girl is time spent outdoors. More and more, we are learning how spending time outside supports positive mental health. Studies show time outside builds confidence, teaches responsibility, gets kids moving, and creates a sense of wonder that no other environment can provide.

YOU helped connect girls to the outdoors this summer, with experiences like sleeping under the stars for the first time, navigating the challenges of a ropes course, finding a four leaf clover, or finding a friend for life. In total, you provided financial assistance to more than 1,500 girls -- 150 who attended resident camp, 65 who attended day camp, and 1,360 who received adventure-where-you-are kits.

In our newsletter this month, you will read about a troop that had their first experience at TAC – Troop Adventure Camp, and about a former Girl Scout who is giving back in a big way. And we are thrilled to announce our upcoming Women of Distinction Presents: Girls Change the World event in Cincinnati. You can nominate a Girl Scout anywhere in our council to be recognized for her work toward positive change. 

Thank you for all you do to keep girls thriving and connected during times they need connection the most.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Roni Luckenbill
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio
You helped a troop connect at camp

After a year of virtual school, lost connections and Girl Scout troop meetings held over Zoom, Troop 33327 from Dayton was eager to attend their first Troop Adventure Camp, an outdoor troop camping experience that strengthens both leadership skills and their connections to each other.

Troop Leader Anissa said, "Everyone was nervous about staying overnight. For some of our girls this was their first night ever away from home. Arriving at camp, they were thrilled to choose their own experiences. They filled their days and nights with pottery, campfire cooking, exploring creeks, night hikes, water games, lots of great food, and the find camp counselors challenge. With every new adventure, each girl's strength showed through."

"When I did the Flag Ceremony I was really scared to be doing it in front of all those people but when I finished I was really proud of myself. I loved making swaps and met a new friend when swapping." Asena (5th grade)

"It was my first time at Troop Adventure Camp, so I didn’t know what all was going to happen. My favorite things were the food, the scavenger hunt, and learning how to make a campfire. I can’t wait until we get to go again." Savannah (5th grade)
Some Girl Scouts want to say thank you! Watch this quick video of girls from Camp Libbey sharing how much they appreciate your support this summer.

Women of Distinction Presents: Girls Change the World

For over 30 years, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio has honored women who are business and community leaders as part of our Women of Distinction event. Every March, during Girl Scout week, we invite supporters to join us as we recognize these women who have made a difference in their communities.  It’s truly an inspiring evening!

This year we are excited to bring back the Women of Distinction in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March of 2022. Not only will we honor outstanding women, but we are also happy to announce that we will recognize a corporation that has advanced women in their careers, and we will recognize outstanding Girl Scouts from anywhere in our council as part of the program as well

Do you know a woman, a business or a Girl Scout who has made a significant impact in our community? If so, check out the nomination page, and consider nominating a changemaker! Nominations are due by October 15, 2021.
Donor spotlight: Jenny Michael and CareSource Foundation: A Perfect Combination

When Jenny Michael was a Girl Scout in Hillsboro, Ohio, a small town just west of Chillicothe, she never imagined how her Girl Scout experience would intersect with her professional career. Even as a child, Jenny knew Girl Scouts was special, “My passion for leadership was cultivated early in life and I’m excited about the leadership skills girls can develop through their Girl Scout experiences.”
 
As the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications for CareSource, a Board member for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and a previous Women of Distinction awardee, Jenny’s personal and professional worlds couldn’t be more closely aligned. Recently, she helped Girl Scouts of Western Ohio connect the dots with the goals of the CareSource Foundation. Together, we are addressing mental health and promoting healthy living by:
  • Improving girls’ cardiovascular health and physical fitness by engaging them in challenging outdoor experiences, year round and at camp.
  • Emphasizing family engagement and positive connections with peers and adult mentors.
  • Bringing healthy living messages to low-to-moderate income families, which represent 40% of GSWO’s membership.
 
A $50,000 grant from the CareSource Foundation (Wow!) will ensure that all girls in the Miami Valley, Lima Metro and Toledo Metro areas can benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership experience, regardless of their ability to pay. We are so thankful to the CareSource Foundation for their commitment to building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
Thank you for investing in girls, and supporting the visionary doers, innovators, creators, and thinkers of tomorrow. Together, we can help girls discover their untapped potential and build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Make a gift today!

In Honor of Girl Scouts Founder Juliette Gordon Low, you can leave a gift that will impact girls for generations. Learn more about planned giving through the Juliette Gordon Low Society.
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