People and Organizations That Steel Our Heart

The Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania

When most people think of Girl Scouts, they probably think of cookies – Thin Mints, Tagalongs, and Shortbreads have all been a popular par of  Girl Scout Cookie history. But let’s go beyond cookies! There is much more to being a Girl Scout than simply selling cookies and other fundraising items. The Girl Scouts of today are following a long tradition of trying to make the world a better place through building character, courage, and confidence. There are several hundred divisions of Girl Scouts throughout the United States, and Western Pennsylvania is comprised of the Trillium Council; the Councils of Beaver and Lawrence Counties; Penn Lakes; Tallus Rock; and Keystone Tall Tree.

The national tradition began in 1912 with the first Girl Scout, Juliette Gordon Low. At the same time, the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania were established. Although several generations have passed since the first Council, what hasn’t changed is “the need for personal development and community service.” Like a VEO, or Vibrant Entrepreneurial Organization, the Girl Scouts have a winning tradition that allows future generations to build on and benefit from values already established. In the 1920s, the Girl Scouts were making many strides. They assisted national organizations like the Salvation Army by helping pack and deliver holiday baskets, and worked in conjunction with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to help make the New York borough a cleaner place to live.

Not only incorporating a strong tradition into their organization, the Girl Scouts also innovate to make sure current and future members can enjoy traditional organizational benefits while always thinking ahead. They continued to evolve, offering new merit badges and the opportunity for older Girl Scouts to develop leadership and management skills. The 1930s brought the first national cookie sale, which taught girls the value of setting and achieving goals. Their work branched out to hospitals, libraries, museums, and schools, and they could also be seen helping the environment, encouraging charity, and promoting a feeling of acceptance and accomplishment within the organization itself and through the many lives they affected.

Today, the Girl Scouts are more active than ever. The Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania recently were at the Petersen Events Center for a Pitt Women’s Basketball Game promoting good sportsmanship and the importance of physical activity. They also have several options available for camping, including resident, day camp, family programs, horse camps, swimming camps and adventure camps. The council has six different properties that provide girls with different skills, challenges, and learning experiences each summer.

The Girl Scouts also have a strong emphasis on mentoring, a way for alumnae to give back to the organization and its participants by sharing their experiences, donating their time, and teaching the girls valuable skills they can use not just in Girl Scouts, but in their personal and professional lives. Volunteer recognition is also an integral aspect of the Girl Scout community. They have 30 “rules” for letting someone know their contributions are acknowledged and valued, including “smile,” “say thank yous in public,” and “listen.” Simple things like that enable everyone to feel included and valued in the organization, and is something that anyone can use to let coworkers, friends, or acquaintances know they are appreciated. These simple gestures can easily transfer to any business or organization, because they’re based on trust, loyalty, and communication, all of which are cornerstones of KEYGroup’s VEO. It’s no wonder the Girl Scouts continue growing: They have shown they can adapt to change and still keep a lasting tradition alive in the organization. Even though their values are intended as lessons for girls and young women, the Girl Scouts’ strategy is useful for anyone looking to succeed in business, and in life.

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