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2023 National Girl Scout Convention Recap
More than 8,000 Girl Scouts found their way to the magical destination of Orlando, Florida, for the 56th National Girl Scout Convention and National Council Session. Among them were delegates and visitors from Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast that included Girl Scout alums JoAn Berry, Eileen Livick and Cheryl McGrenra. These alum, who have all attended previous national conventions, agreed that the opening of this convention was exceptionally inspiring and set the tune for what was to come in the following days — awesomeness!
“The Girl Scout Promise and Law held new meaning for me after watching the Parade of Flags during the opening,” JoAn said. “The Citrus Singers from the Girl Scouts of Citrus then took the stage and sang the national anthem, which was amazing! That was followed by a welcome from Girl Scout officials and leadership. Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Barczykowski introduced keynote speaker, Dr. Pooja Lakshmi who spoke about mental health and well-being and imparted wisdom about finding your voice, being empowered, and empowering others. Her message really resonated!”
While there would be lots of inspirational moments and fantastic entertainment, the delegates were ready to participate in the business agenda over a course of three days which included debating, discussing and voting on proposals that would impact the future of Girl Scouting.
“Our Girl Scout delegates were thoughtful, bold and articulate — this is parliamentary governance in action,” Cheryl said.
Girl Scout Ambassadors Maureen K. and Taylor W., GSCCC’s national delegates, were prepared for their roles and were ready during proposal debating at the mic — proud moments for GSCCC!
“The overall excitement and energy of the room was overwhelming,” Eileen said. “So many delegates from around the nation, attending their very first NCS, all there for the very same reason — Girl Scouts, the movement we are all so passionate to be a part of, and advocate for — were all gathered together. I watched proudly as our GSCCC delegation supported each other in speaking out and being seen in the democratic and governance arena.”
Along with the business addressed during the National Council Session, there were opportunities to meet National Board Members, attend a Juliette Gordon Low Society reception, reconnect with friends and trade SWAPS, and take in the Hall of Experiences which included hundreds of exhibits and opportunities to meet celebrities from the Girl Scout ranks as well as the entertainment field. The Hall of Experiences was open throughout Phenom, the girl leadership event that followed the National Convention.
“Phenom was amazing,” Taylor said. “I was greatly honored to meet Juliette Gordon Low’s great-great-niece, who showed me some of Juliette’s belongings like photos, items from her camping kit, and Juliette’s journal!”
Adults, too, had a role at Phenom. Eileen volunteered at the Calm Corner, a quiet space for girls and adults to unwind and just breathe. In addition to instructed sessions on yoga and meditation, anyone who came in could color using the coloring sheets that were part of a Girl Scout’s Gold Award project, Coloring through Anxiety.
Cheryl spent time volunteering at The Retreat, a space for volunteers. “There were five stations: games, a yarn craft making a cell phone case, a photo booth with props, a place to purchase a snack and meet a new friend, an inspiration wall where volunteers could leave inspiring messages, and the workshop area,” she shared. “One workshop on mental wellness was overflowing, where a panel led a discussion on ways to use the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) resources and the new patch program.”
For these lifetime Girl Scout alum, the 56th National Convention will be a special memory that they will never forget!
View the convention page for details on the proposals, and check out the videos below for an inside look at the first two days of NCS!
