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Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Linke
Linda has staying power! A First Class Girl Scout and Lifetime Member from New Jersey, Linda returned to Girl Scouting after her education and work as a respiratory therapist. In 1982, soon after their daughter, Heather, became a Girl Scout Brownie, husband Tom was transferred from USCG Boston, Massachusetts to USCG Base, South Portland, Maine where Linda became a Girl Scout troop leader (and Tom became a registered volunteer, as a camp gear delivery person). Through several transfers which led them from their hometown in New Jersey to Massachusetts, to Maine, back to New Jersey and again to Maine, Girl Scouting has been a perfect fit for this Coast Guard family who finally moved to Virginia in 1999.
Here at GSCCC, Linda offered The Butterfly Project (2014) workshop, derived from a project initiated by the Holocaust Museum of Houston, Texas. During the program sessions, Girl Scouts learned about the dangers of hatred and bigotry, with activities that led them to understand empathy and social responsibility. The Butterfly Project inspires people to use hope as a vehicle for social change. Over the years, it has resulted in the creation of more than 1.5 million stunning butterflies, handmade from every conceivable material, in every color and form. GSCCC sent hundreds of pottery and mixed media butterflies, made by the girls, their leaders, their families and friends to the Holocaust Museum.
Linda enjoys singing together with Girl Scouts, young and old, and she enjoys leading Girl Scout workshops in areas such as the outdoors and progression. She believes progression in camping and outdoor adventures is fundamental to the Girl Scouting experience. In addition, Linda has developed a “Discover, Connect, Take Action” workshop module to help teach volunteers the differences between participating in community service projects and taking action to make the world a better place with the girls in their care.
Last but not least, Linda has served on the GSCCC Gold Award Committee for more than a decade. She has mentored many Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors as they set about to earn the highest award in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. Things have changed a bit and now the committee has regenerated to become GSCCC’s Highest Award Committee, one that oversees both Girl Scout Silver and Gold applicants. Linda is looking forward to serving on this committee, learning more about new processes that have been introduced by GSUSA, and supporting GSCCC Girl Scouts who are inspired to reach for the Silver and Gold!
