Girl Scouts Celebrate a Year of Growth, Service, and Sisterhood

Lithia, FL – The Fossil Valley Girl Scouts are proud to reflect on a phenomenal year filled with courage, confidence, and character, as the Service Unit works toward earning the prestigious CEO Award of Excellence. From leadership development and hands-on STEM exploration to meaningful community service and unforgettable adventures, Girl Scouts across all levels have demonstrated outstanding dedication to living the Girl Scout mission.

“This year, our girls truly embodied what it means to be a Girl Scout,” said Michelle Barker, Service Unit Manager. “They pushed boundaries, served their communities, and grew into strong, compassionate leaders. We’re incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished.”

Highlights from the Year:

🎓 Badges & Journeys Earned

Throughout the year, girls worked toward badges and completed Journeys that challenged them to think critically, act with compassion, and develop real-world skills:

• World Thinking Day: Celebrated each February 22, girls joined the global movement of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides by exploring international cultures, taking action, and celebrating worldwide sisterhood.
• Babysitter & First Aid Badges: Scouts learned essential caregiving and safety skills, from managing behavior and responding to emergencies to running their own babysitting businesses.
• aMAZE Journey in a Day: Cadettes dove deep into friendship, communication, and conflict resolution during this unique, one-day exploration of social dynamics.

💚 Community Service Projects

Giving back is central to the Fossil Valley mission. Girls across the Service Unit participated in impactful service projects—many of which were inspired by Gold Award work:

• Adopt a L.A.M.B. Family Program: Supporting families affected by pediatric cancer with essential household supplies.
• Deliver the Sweetness: Collecting Valentine’s Day cards for children of migrant family workers to ensure they feel included in classroom celebrations.
• Sock Cupcakes: A troop-sponsored effort to deliver handmade sock "cupcakes" and cards to local nursing homes, bringing comfort and smiles to residents.

🎉 Ceremonies Celebrated

Girl Scout milestones were recognized and celebrated through meaningful events:

• Volunteer Leadership Rally: Service Unit and troop leaders kicked off the Girl Scout year with a celebration of leadership and impact.
• Gold Award Ceremony: Honoring girls who achieved the highest award in Girl Scouting for their leadership and community service.
• Bridging Ceremonies: Celebrating the growth and transition of girls from one program level to the next in their Girl Scout journey.

🌎 Field Trips & Adventures

This year brought exciting opportunities for learning and bonding outside of the classroom:

• Space Scouts Sleepover at Kennedy Space Center: An unforgettable overnight event packed with STEM activities, space exploration, and adventure.
• Supersized Encampment: A hurricane-rescheduled, all-ages campout themed around favorite fast-food spots, complete with axe throwing, archery, and s’mores.
• Me & My Guy: The Amazing Race: Older Girl Scouts teamed up with father figures for a day of fun-filled challenges at Camp Dorothy Thomas.
• Leader-Daughter Tea Party: An elegant celebration honoring the bond between troop leaders and their daughters, with tea, games, and appreciation.

As the Fossil Valley Girl Scouts continue to strive toward the CEO Award of Excellence, they celebrate not only their achievements, but also the dedication of volunteers, leaders, and families who make each moment possible.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to an extraordinary year!
For more information about Girl Scouts in Fossil Valley or to get involved, visit https://www.facebook.com/FossilValleyGS.