Girl Scouts is where girls grow and families connect within our communities.

When Michelle Cramer’s family moved to Florida from Wisconsin, she signed her daughter up for Girl Scouts to help her make friends and feel at home. “It helped her get a friend base, kept her busy, and helped her learn about her new surroundings,” Michelle said.

Ten years later, Michelle leads two Girl Scout troops with 21 girls across multiple grade levels—and Girl Scouts has become a true family affair. Michelle’s daughters are both involved in the program, and her husband, Scott, volunteers with the troop and teaches emergency preparedness at council events. Michelle shared that Girl Scouts has brought their whole family closer together, and they’ve made unforgettable memories.

In addition to leading her troops, Michelle serves on the Service Unit Leadership Team, coordinates local events, and helps train new leaders. Her dedication was recently recognized with the Girl Scout Appreciation Pin, a national award honoring outstanding volunteer service.

Girl Scouts is truly a place where girls grow, in confidence, skills, and leadership. The program is girl-led and emphasizes learning by doing and teamwork with supportive adults guiding the way. For example, Michelle’s troops plan their own service projects each year—like preparing 200 meals for Hunger’s End during the pandemic or organizing a campout for younger Girl Scouts. These experiences build teamwork, responsibility, and resilience, qualities girls carry with them for life.

Girl Scouts helps girls grow every step of the way. From their first Daisy meeting to earning the Bronze, Silver, and prestigious Gold Award, girls are encouraged to take initiative, solve problems, and support one another.

Now, Zoe has earned the most prestigious honor a Girl Scout can—the Girl Scout Gold Award. Through her project, Zoe designed and installed beach toy borrow bins on Holmes Beach to help reduce waste and keep beaches clean. Her efforts will save the lives of Florida native species and reduce litter on Manatee County beaches. The Gold Award recognizes girls who create lasting change in their communities through an 80-hour, sustainable service project that includes research, team leadership, community outreach, and a positive measurable impact.

Whether she is growing into a confident leader, sparking a love of service, or building family connections, Girl Scouts will leave a lasting impact on her and the community.

You can grow with us. Join as a girl, volunteer, or donate to help the next generation of changemakers thrive.