Cookies, Connection, Character

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona Celebrates 90 Years

By Christy Krueger

While selling cookies and earning badges have long been recognizable traditions of Girl Scouts, today’s troop members see a more worldly view of their scouting experience. 

They’re being prepared for leadership positions, high-tech jobs, male-traditional roles, and skills they can use throughout their lives. This year is especially noteworthy as Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona celebrates its 90th anniversary.

“It is truly a gift to have served generations of girls across Southern Arizona in all its uniqueness,” said Kristen Garcia-Hernandez, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. “From our border communities to the mountain towns, from desert valleys to urban neighborhoods, hundreds of thousands of girls have had a brave, empowering space to belong, to grow, and to lead.”

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, which started in 1935, has indeed served hundreds of thousands of girls throughout its history. The organization allows for variance in structuring its troops. Some are formed through schools, sometimes a group of moms will start a troop, and some have been formed at Boys & Girls Clubs. The girls of each troop devise their own badges.

Although there may be significant differences between the troops, they are all built upon what is known as the four program pillars – STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), the outdoors, entrepreneurship and life skills.

“Southern Arizona has its own strong history of leadership and innovation and our council ensures that girls here are seen, supported and celebrated,” said Garcia-Hernandez. “That’s why our presence matters.”

This year’s 90th anniversary events are well underway. During the summer, nominations were collected from members of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona communities for “Honoring 90 Women” as part of the milestone celebration.

Members of the council’s communities were invited to fill out nomination forms on the Girl Scouts’ website. Questions included the nominee’s field of success, leadership and how she demonstrates the values of Girl Scouts – honesty, compassion, leadership and service.

Garcia-Hernandez said mentorship is a big part of Girl Scouts, and “to honor the mentorship component is to honor women who are working examples and paving the way for the next generation.” 

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is included on the list of nominees. “She’s an alumna and has given back to the organization,” Garcia-Hernandez said. “Gabby spoke to the girls while in Congress and she’s maintained contact with the Girl Scouts.”

A second celebratory event, “90 Acts of Service,” will encourage groups and individuals to complete service projects that give back to Southern Arizona. One example is a troop that used part of its cookie proceeds to help teachers at the girls’ school. 

The 90th anniversary celebrations will culminate with the ScoutChella festival on Dec. 6 at Kino Stadium, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

“We want to throw a party and celebrate by connecting alumnae and bring people together to celebrate female leadership with activities and live, local female musical acts,” Garcia-Hernandez said. “We’ll honor all we’ve done over the years. We welcome everyone, and there are opportunities for past Girl Scouts, no matter where you grew up.”

At ScoutChella, the 90 honorees will have the opportunity to meet in a speed-mentoring event. “Each girl will get a package on the women,” Garcia-Hernandez explained. “If a girl is interested in robotics, for example, she’ll be connected with someone she can reach out to. The goal is to have the resources of 90 women.”

Such resources have long been a distinction of Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona.

For example, Visit Tucson’s Pamela Traficanti was a Girl Scout and returned 15 years ago to offer her time and support by serving on the council’s board of directors. “Girl Scouts is near and dear to my heart,” said the national sales manager for Tucson’s official tourism marketing organization.

The board sets the strategic direction, oversees operations and raises funds for the council which includes seven counties and 4,000 scouts. 

Through the year, fundraising events include Cookies and Cocktails; Glamping at Whispering Pines, the Girl Scout camp on Mount Lemmon; and Over the Edge, an annual November event in which scouts and members of the community rappel 17 stories down the high-rise office building at 5151 E. Broadway. 

“It’s a good way to raise awareness and it helps to overcome fear,” Traficanti said, having participated herself.

One of Traficanti’s favorite programs is Camp Fury. “It was started by two female firefighters and it highlights being first responders – from Border Patrol to police and firefighters. Even troops from Canada have come down to check it out. What inspires me is girls have saved lives by learning CPR, and they face their fears.”

Pictured above – Kristen Garcia-Hernandez, CEO, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. Photo by Brent G. Mathis