Meet the Board: Rhonda Hunt

Our council, Girl Scouts of South Carolina- Mountains to Midlands, is governed by a regional board of directors who each invests his or her time, talent, and treasure into making sure that every girl has the opportunity to experience Girl Scouts. As we’ve spoken to volunteers over the course of this year, we’ve heard time and time again that they want to know more than just the board members’ names. They want to know who their stories, and what drew them to Girl Scouting. We listened and we’re excited to kick-off our Meet the Board blog series. Today, we’re starting with board member, Rhonda Hunt.

Rhonda’s Childhood

“I am an only child that born of parents with a strong value for academic excellence and diversity of experiences…My parents believed strongly that an individual should serve in the communities in which he or she lives.”

Girl Scout Experience

“My most memorable Girl Scout experience was accompanying my Girl Scout Troop and their parents on a four day trip to Savannah, Georgia. We were blessed with the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Juliette G. Low and the home of Andrew Low. This trip was rich in experience and culture. Those scouts, who are adults now, still remember of Andrew Low. This trip was rich in experience and culture. Those scouts, who are adults now, still remember and talk about that trip!”

Career

“I serve as a Health, Safety, and Environmental Manger for North America. I am passionate about my role because it is important that our employees remain safe and healthy. When our employees are injured/ill, they suffer as well as the company and their families. All accidents/injuries can be prevented.”

Advice to Young Women

“You know your individual strengths and weaknesses. Continue to use your strengths to sharpen your weaknesses. Be authentic. Network. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” but be open to gain knowledge and learning new skills. Set smaller milestones to reach your larger goals. Be early… which is really on time. As you grow, be willing to share your experiences with others so that you may help them to grow.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about board member, Rhonda Hunt today! Make sure to join us next week as we highlight two more members of the board as we get to know them better! Want to learn more about our council and ways to get involved? Check out our upcoming events here.

A Bridging Tradition: A Guest Post by Kelly Stover

One of my favorite traditions that we have in my troop is our Bridging/Rededication Ceremony that we have at our first meeting in the Fall.  On our first trip to Savannah when most of our troop were Brownies, they had a beautiful driftwood candle holder with one space for each of the ten parts of the Girl Scout law.  I loved the ceremony so much that one of our parents who is a cabinet maker made one for our troop.

We have used it for every one of our Bridging/Rededication Ceremony since that trip which has been for the last 10 years.  The ceremony is what connects us to Girl Scouts all across the country.  It bridges our future to our past.  The basic ceremony is the same where each part of the law is read as the corresponding candle is lit until all ten are glowing.  We have changed the beginning and end of the ceremony to add for each level as the bridge up. Silver keys are given to our Cadettes for the Silver Award.  Gold Keys are given to our Seniors as they bridge up for their Gold Award.  The Bridging section is for all girls Bridging to the next level, while Rededication is for the girls who are at the same level as they were last year.  All of the girls receive their year pin and if they Bridge up a certificate, bridge patch and key necklace for their new level. 

We made a wooden bridge that has 10 sections, one for each part of the law.  Each girl walks across the bridge to receive her bridging packet or year pin.

As we are starting our 12th year, I am so happy that we share this connection with the girls and families in our troop as well as Girl Scouts from the past and the future.

Kelly Stover Troop 2900

Is Girl Scouts something you’ve been thinking about for your girl? Join now by creating your own troop or joining a troop in your area!

How to Make a Quick, Easy Sit Upon: Step-by-step

What’s a sit upon? Great question. Sit upons are to Girl Scouts what popcorn is to the movies. A sit upon is a mobile cushion you can take anywhere, and use to “sit upon” the floor, at the park, or outside camping! They are a staple craft for your first troop meetings, low cost, and useful to have for years to come.

What you will need:

• Reusable sturdy, plastic bags, like the kind you buy at the grocery store, or get from a shoe store (it will even have a built-in handle!)
• Shredded newspaper for the filling (you can have the girls shred it themselves!)
• Duct tape for sealing them up
• Sharpies for decoration

Step 1: Stuffing the Bags

Take your shredded newspapers and stuff the plastic bags until they resemble chair cushions.

Step 2: Sealing the Sit Upon

Take your duct tape, any color you like, and seal up any openings to keep the stuffing in and any moisture out.

Step 3: Decorate to Your Heart’s Content!

Take out your sharpies and let the girls go crazy decorating their new sit upons, and of course add their name at the end.

We told you it was an easy craft! Now that you have sit upons, pop a squat in the floor for a fun game, story time, or to enjoy the outdoors and let us know how they turned out!

Meet Camp WaBak

What do you remember about your own childhood? Kayaking on a lake for the first time with your best friends? Maybe it was gathering the courage to climb up in the saddle and take a ride on that tall horse? What about hiking out to a waterfall in the mountains and feeling wonderstruck by nature? Maybe those aren’t your memories, but they could be your daughter’s.

Today, I would like to introduce you to our residential camp property, Camp WaBak. This camp is located in Marietta, South Carolina and is set in the lush green country side, with its’ own mountains, lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Driving down the small road that leads into the camp, you’ll pass the Administration Office, where you’ll check your daughter in and pick her up. That’s where our trained camp staff will greet you, and make sure your daughter is set for the best week of her life. Follow that small, camp-only road and you’ll see the stables to your left. In that large barn is where your girl will learn to care for the horses, and out in the riding ring is where she’ll have the opportunity to saddle up and ride.

As we keep driving (slowly of course because there are future leaders at play!) down this small path, we will pass the Arts and Crafts Hut where girls will create and explore. And just a little further past that, we will see the hub of camp- the Dining Hall. This is where girls gather to sit together as they eat a hot, fresh meal and talk about the incredible day they’ve just had.

Just a little ways past the Dining Hall, we have the large, in-ground pool where girls will cool off together on those hot summer days. Our camp counselors, who stay with the girls throughout the week are also trained life guards. They instruct the girls on safety, and are posted on-duty while girls are in the water.

As we wind around the big corner that leads closer to the cabins, you’ll see a large lake with kayaks and canoes floating out on it’s glassy surface. This is where girls are taught how to use these water crafts, and take the lead as they go out on the lake with their friends (in life jackets of course!).

 

 

And as we continue around that big corner, we’ll be led to the lodging areas. This is where your girl will bond with her new camp friends, tell stories of the day, and rest up for another adventure.

While we are certainly proud of all the amenities Camp WaBak has to offer, we know that the natural glory of the camp is one of its’ best features. With hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, and river walks that bring girls to a waterfall, Camp WaBak’s natural splendor is unrivaled in the Upstate area.

Our new Camp Director, Michelle Pugh, is excited to greet each and every girl this summer! As a lifetime Girl Scout, and Gold Award Girl Scout, Michelle is passionate about connecting girls with powerful leadership experiences and the outdoors!

“This summer I’m looking forward to learning the traditions that make WaBak it’s own special place, while joining in universal camp traditions and celebrations that are comfortable and close-at-heart to anyone with a camping background.” – Michelle Pugh, Director of Camp WaBak

We hope you will join us at our ACA accredited Camp WaBak this summer! It’s not too late to register, and our camps are open to Girl Scouts AND non- Girl Scouts! See you there!

Click here for our full Camp Book.

My Week at the State House: A Guest Post by Elizabeth Stevenson

 

Elizabeth on the Senate Floor during Page Week

Hello fellow Girl Scouts! My name is Elizabeth Stevenson and I was a participant at this year’s Girl Scout Honorary Legislative Page Program. During my time at the South Carolina State House, I learned and experienced so many new things. From making copies for a senator, to meeting Governor McMaster, to going out for a late night ice cream treat, this past week will be an experience I will never forget.

In my government class at school, I learned about the legislative and the election processes. Being a Page allowed me to apply what I learned at school in a real world setting. I was able to see bills being passed in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate about issues that affect all South Carolinians. Before coming to Columbia to work as a Page, I did some research about my representative and senator. Once I finally arrived at the State House, I was amazed that my state legislatures, along with the other representatives and senators, actually care about my community. Additionally, I was able to meet and interact with the representative from York County. Some of the errands I had to run included handing out papers from lobbyists, passing along messages from legislative aides, and picking up coffee and a bag of chips so representatives could work through lunch.

Elizabeth with her Representatives

As a senior in high school, I know that the foundation for a fun time is great people. The girls that were first strangers to me, left being really good friends; I met wonderful girls from all across the state. At the end of our work day, we would talk, attend a painting class, go shopping, and watch movies. These supportive and lively girls made this adventure a top highlight in my high school career.

 

I encourage any high schooler to apply for this program in the future. The South Carolina Girl Scout Page Program allows girls to have real-world experience in government, network, and learn while having a good time with lifelong friends.

A Guest Post from a Traveling Girl Scout: Written by Lily Hendrickson

In August of 2017, our council held our first ever Destination- and it was a once in a lifetime experience. With our council right in the path of totality, girls from across our nation traveled to Camp WaBak to learn from NASA scientists, discover at the Challenger Learning Center, take part in experiments, and experience the solar eclipse.

The following article was written by a Girl Scout who attended the Destination, Lily Hendrickson:

“The Eyes to the Skies Destination at Camp WaBak in Marietta, South Carolina has inspired me to do things differently in many ways. One of those ways is to always look up, because you never know what you might see. Another one is to try new things, even if you think you won’t like them at first. Finally, don’t be afraid to mess up or fail, everyone makes mistakes.

During the solar eclipse, we all thought that the sky was going to remain cloudy during totality. However, when it reached totality we all looked up and the clouds had parted.

Even when it was cloudy we all kept looking for changes in the environment. On the brink of totality an owl flew from the woods surrounding us to a secluded pine tree.

At this destination, at least for me being from Illinois, there were tons of new opportunities. We all went for barbecue, I tried hush puppies for the first time. There was a flight simulator at the Challenger Learning Center, I was a little scared at first, but it turned out to be tons of fun. Trying new things will never be a disappointing opportunity to experience.

There were a lot of things that I messed up on. We made bottle rockets out of two two-liter bottles, mine wasn’t the best but I wouldn’t necessarily say that it failed. We also did creek walking and I have to say, that’s the one thing that I messed up. Once we had gotten to the waterfall I slipped and fell into the knee deep water and skinned my knee on a stone. After that I had tons of fun wading in the ankle deep water with some of my new friends.

This destination has really taught me to always look up, try new things, and not to be afraid of messing up.”

 

A Message From NASA’s First Female Launch Director and South Carolina Native, Charlie Blackwell Thompson

She grew up in Cherokee County. She attended Gaffney High School, right here in South Carolina. And in her days in those high school halls, Charlie never dreamed that she would join the ranks of famous female “firsts” like Amelia Earhart and Sally Ride. In those days, she was still just a small town girl with a passion for science- with a thirst for knowledge, and a drive to succeed. Charlie is now the first female launch director for NASA.

Let that sink in.

It was in high school where she felt her passion spark inside her heart and mind. A teacher began encouraging her, and pushing her towards her dreams, even though women were a true rarity in the STEM fields. She could see that her future in STEM would have difficulties, but she was determined to break the obstacles down piece by piece and make it work. She innovate new solutions, and be a true Go-getter.

Charlie in action at NASA

“I didn’t know all the challenges that I would face at that time, but I owe a debt of gratitude to that teacher. I always will.” Charlie Blackwell Thompson, NASA

In 1988, Charlie had the opportunity to interview with NASA as they were preparing to return to flight after the Challenger accident. When Charlie walked into the room as they were testing the space shuttle, she saw the fully staffed control room. And something just clicked inside her. Even though the team each sat separately in front of their own little monitors, they were all critical to the mission. She wanted to be part of that. She had to.

Charlie has been with NASA now for 28 years and she says it still feels the same as her very first day. She still gets excited when she gets in the elevator each morning, and prepares her mind for the day. She still feels that the missions she undertakes help make our world a better place. She is still inspired.

Charlie speaking on behalf of NASA

“I would tell a young woman to pursue her passions. STEM is open to everyone. Especially if you are passionate about it. The opportunities are endless when you combine passion and hard work.” Charlie Blackwell Thompson, NASA

 

 

A Father’s Dream for his Daughter: The Gerald Vanlandingham Story

Gerald Vanlandingham has a dream for his daughter. A dream so many of us have for our own children. To have an unforgettable childhood, to have opportunities to discover their full potential, to become the kind of adult who makes the world a better place. More than just a hope, Gerald decided early on to do everything he could to make this dream happen for his little girl, Elizabeth. See, Gerald shares our Girl Scout DNA. When he saw the experiences the Girl Scout Leadership Program would allow his daughter to have, he didn’t stop at signing her up, he signed up as well. Gerald Vanlandingam is #manenough to be a Girl Scout.

Gerald and his daughter Elizabeth

 

“I have this goal for my daughter to be independent and self-reliant. To be open to new ideas. As much as possible, I want to prepare her to stand on her own as a woman that is unafraid to speak up and chase her goals. If I can have some small part in helping her, and helping other girls grow into self-reliant, empowered women, I will be happy.” – Gerald Vanlandingham, Elgin, SC

Initially, Gerald thought he would play more of a “behind the scenes” role in the troop- making supply runs, driving the girls, etc. Until one day when the troop leader couldn’t make the meeting and Gerald had a decision to make. He could tell Elizabeth and the other parents that the meeting would be cancelled, or he could step up and take the lead. Can you guess what Gerald did? Though unsure of himself at the time, and a little nervous, Gerald showed his daughter that leadership isn’t just defined as being the president of the United States or becoming a rocket scientist, leadership lives in those everyday moments where we choose to step up and be heard.

Gerald hasn’t gone back to “behind the scenes” since. When we asked Gerald why it was that he chose to give so much of his time and lead, his response was immediate and simple: “Because there was a need.”  This is the very essence of leadership the Girl Scout way. From the Gold Award Recipient who identifies a need in her community and makes a plan to address it, to the Daisy who asks the new girl to sit at her table, Girl Scouts use those everyday moments to create a lifetime of leadership. 

“The world is changing and these girls are the future of it.” -Gerald Vanlandingham, Elgin, SC

Gerald is getting ready for another year of Girl Scouts with Elizabeth, and the girls in her troop. In Girl Scouts, he has found a community of other volunteers who share the Girl Scout DNA and share that same dream for their girls. Gerald is constantly looking for new trainings or classes he can take so he can bring new skills and opportunities to his girls. All year round, but especially on this Father’s Day weekend, we are so thankful for our Girl Scout Dads, like Gerald, who are #manenough to be a Girl Scout.

Are you #manenough to join the Movement? Click here to become a Girl Scout today!

 

Maybe it IS Rocket Science: An Interview with NASA’s Michelle Thaller

Some of Michelle Thaller’s earliest memories consist of gazing at the night sky in her backyard. Just a child in the early 1970s, Michelle felt something strangely magnetic pulling her to explore the worlds beyond our own. This intense curiosity sparked her passion for science and ignited her mind.

“I always wanted to go out and look at the stars. It’s something that runs deep inside me.” -Michelle Thaller, NASA

Michelle Thaller (right) in her Space Camp suit

Over time her curiosity only intensified. Michelle loved to study math and science in school. And sure, those subjects weren’t popular for women. While no one particularly discouraged her to pursue her interest in science, no one really encouraged her passion either. That didn’t stop her. Michelle refused to settle for what was average or comfortable. She refused to give up on her dream just because others couldn’t see it.

Michelle dedicated herself to school and the pursuit of knowledge. By the time she graduated from her small rural high school, Michelle Thaller had been accepted to Harvard University. She decided to major in astrophysics.

In her small high school, Michelle had been a big fish in a small pond. But Harvard was more like the ocean. Michelle found herself struggling in her classes. She felt ill-prepared for the challenges she faced. Family and friends all encouraged her to consider changing tracks. They asked why she wouldn’t choose something a little easier.

“Anything worth doing hardly ever comes easy.” -Michelle Thaller, NASA

Michelle decided they would have to kick her out before she would leave. She would study relentlessly. She would defy expectations. She would boldly take the necessary risks in order to achieve her dream.

“Just because something isn’t easy, doesn’t mean that you aren’t meant to do it.” -Michelle Thaller, NASA

Michelle Thaller is now a graduate of Harvard. She holds a masters from Georgia State University. She narrates the show, How the Universe Works. She is the Director of Science Communication for NASA. She is living proof that your dreams can become your reality.

“The bias is that scientists aren’t warm and emotional people. But people might be surprised to know that I love shopping and dancing. I am silly and enthusiastic. I put a lot of effort into my personal life and my family. If you love something, do it. You don’t have to fit into a certain type.” -Michelle Thaller, NASA

Do you have big dreams of your own? Do you have even bigger dreams for your girl? Then the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is exactly what you need. Teach your girl to be a Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, and Leader. In other words; a Girl Scout.

 

 

 

Silencing the Bullies: Building Confidence Through Girl Scouts

With a little backpack slung over her shoulders and shoes laced tight, Ashlynn Slay takes the long walk into school each day. School should be fun. Ashlynn shouldn’t dread the harsh words of other children. She should never come home crying.

But for her first year of school, this was the story of Ashlynn Slay.

Ashlynn picking strawberries in her favorite Girl Scout shirt

Reading felt like wading through mud for Ashlynn. The letters didn’t seem to make sense. Instead of encouragement, words like “stupid” or “dumb” were thrown at her by classmates. Ashlynn’s mother, Cheri, was distraught and angry. How could other children be so cruel? Cheri was regularly at the school advocating on behalf of her daughter, but nothing seemed to help. The bullying continued. It increased.

After months of relentless bullying, Ashlynn told her mother that she hated school.

“For her to feel like that, it broke my heart.” -Cheri Slay

Ashlynn and her mother, Cheri

When one of Cheri’s friends encouraged her to enroll Ashlynn in Girl Scouts, Cheri was hesitant. All Cheri knew of Girl Scouts were the famous cookies and camp. While both sounded fun, she wasn’t sure how being a Girl Scout would change anything. But in a desperate effort to help her daughter, Cheri took a chance and signed them both up with Girl Scouts of South Carolina- Mountains to Midlands.

 

When the time came for their first troop meeting, Ashlynn was hesitant. Her past experience with other children her age had been traumatizing. However, her new troop embraced her with enthusiasm and friendship. Ashlynn began to take more risks. She started asking questions. Her troop created a safe environment to try and fail.

Ashlynn Bridging to Brownies

Just a few months into Girl Scouts, Ashlynn received a reading scholarship through the Girl Scout Daisy Power Project. This scholarship meant everything to Cheri. This scholarship would allow Ashlynn to strengthen her reading and build her confidence.

Over this summer, Ashlynn worked hand in hand with a tutor.  When she started the program she was reading at a very low kindergarten level. By the end of this summer, Ashlynn was reading at a high second grade level.

Cheri is amazed by the positive impact of the Girl Scout Experience. Ashlynn has found her confidence again. She isn’t afraid to raise her hand in school. She takes risks. She leads like a G.I.R.L. Scout.

Ashlynn reading one of her favorite books

 

“Girl Scouts teaches me to read and always raise my hand. I love to read now!” -Ashlynn Slay, 1st Grade

 

Do you want your girl to become more confident? Give her everything she needs to lead with confidence and join Girl Scouts.