Volunteer Spotlight: Christy Campbell
The creativity and dedication of Girl Scout volunteers is the secret sauce that makes the magic happen. Our alum understand first-hand the impact that a great troop leader can have and research shows that having just one trusted adult in their lives can help young people develop resilience and a strong sense of self-worth. Christy Campbell, leader of multi-level Troop 602, has been with the troop since it started six years ago and has made it her mission to be a person who Girl Scouts can count on while they have fun through life’s adventures. From cookie booths to enjoying nights out under the stars, Troop 602 is full of fun, friendship, and so much joy.
Christy said, “I went to an interest meeting at A Place for Girls, and when they said they needed a leader to make it happen, I decided to step up. I was a Brownie for a year and a half as a girl and my memories of it are not great due to a leader that yelled a lot and was not very nice, so I wanted my daughters and other girls to have a different experience! For me, I think the greatest benefit I can give is to change the experience I had so other girls can have a better Girl Scout journey.”
This year has been full of exciting experiences for Girl Scout Troop 602, with Brownies earning badges like A World of Girls, Cookie Decision Maker, and Outdoor Adventurer. Juniors tackled the Amuse Journey and geared up for their Engineering Journey. Several Juniors in the troop are now focused on their Bronze Award, creating a pet food pantry, while others have been dedicating time to their Junior Aide program by supporting a sister Daisy troop. Together, their multi-level troop has enjoyed an assortment of activities including a Norfolk Tides game, sleepovers, goat yoga, camping, and a troop favorite — horseback riding.
Their troop participates in the Girl Scout Cookie Program to help fund these adventures. The cookie program also allows them to give back through community service projects. The troop has sewed bears for CHKD, caroled at a retirement community, and donated boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to Meals on Wheels recipients along with handwritten cards.
“Last year we sold 5,693 boxes with only 14 girls and had our highest ever troop PGA of 407 boxes per girl! We went to Great Wolf Lodge last year with cookie proceeds and the girls enjoyed it so much that their goal is to go back again with cookie proceeds this year. They also voted they want to do an overnight at Triple R Ranch as well with cookie proceeds this year, so we are working hard to get both trips accomplished with cookie funds! This year, after enjoying caroling at the retirement community so much, the girls voted to do an event there in April where we will serve them our locally donated cookies and do bingo or a craft with them!”
With so many badges, adventures, and community contributions, this year has been memorable for Troop 602. Memories and experiences like these are made possible by the generosity of volunteers who say “yes” to Girl Scouts!
