Suffolk Spring Break 2026 Community Troop Program
The Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Spring Break Community Troop Program reached girls across Suffolk at multiple schools and recreation centers, including Booker T. Washington Recreation Center and Creekside Recreation Center. While this spring break session was a special, one-time opportunity at these locations, the broader community troop program is active at many sites, with some schools and centers hosting year-round participation. This flexible model allows Girl Scouts to meet girls where they are, making the experience more accessible and consistent for families with varying schedules and resources.
The Community Troop Program is designed to remove traditional barriers to participation by bringing Girl Scouts directly into schools, community centers, and local spaces. Instead of requiring families to seek out and join independent troops, this program creates structured, on-site opportunities where girls can engage in Girl Scout programming in a familiar and supportive environment. It ensures that every girl—regardless of transportation, cost, or availability—has the chance to benefit from the leadership, wellness, and life skills that Girl Scouts provides.
During the spring break sessions, the focus remained on building both a healthy mind and a healthy body. Activities like journaling, affirmation portraits, and mindfulness exercises helped girls explore their emotions and build confidence. The obstacle course and healthy snack activity reinforced the importance of physical activity and nutrition for overall wellness. These experiences work together to show that strong leaders take care of themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally.
These special programs were led by Community Support Specialist Caitlyn Clark. “As a former Girl Scout, it is an incredible privilege to pass on the same confidence, leadership skills, and purpose I gained from a young age to the girls today in Community Troops,” she shared. “To see the smiling faces, friendships formed, and the strength to speak your mind and feelings shows the impact we have on these girls. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Program and our mission to meet girls where they are no matter what background or access, we create more girl leaders of, not tomorrow, but today.”
Throughout the week, the Girl Scouts built friendships, practiced teamwork, and gained new tools for self-expression and self-care. They also learned the Girl Scout Promise and Law and what it means to have the courage, confidence, and character of a Girl Scout.
Being a Girl Scout through the Community Troop Program offers meaningful benefits without the usual barriers to entry. Girls gain leadership skills, develop a sense of belonging, and participate in enriching activities at little to no cost to their families. Programs like this create a welcoming entry point, especially for girls who may not have otherwise had access to Girl Scouting. By embedding programming directly into the community, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast continues to open doors for more girls to grow into strong, healthy, and empowered leaders.
