Local Girl Scouts make their voices heard at national convention
Council delegates and individual Girl Scouts attend triennial meeting in Florida
September 08, 2023
ORLANDO, FL – Dozens of Girl Scouts from New Hampshire and Vermont attended the 56th triennial National Girl Scout Convention and Phenom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, July 20–22.
Girl Scouts of the USA, the largest girl-led organization in the world, hosted the event, where attendees engaged with Girl Scouts, troop leaders, caregivers, volunteers, and some of the most influential women in the world to support the enrichment of Girl Scouts’ journeys. The mega event provided attendees with unforgettable experiences as they gained inspiration, tools to empower themselves, and the know-how to lead change in their communities. This event was open to all, including Girl Scout members, non-members, alums, and families.
Amanda Riccardi, leader of Troop 51943 in Salem, NH, took five Girl Scout Cadettes to the convention.
“Lexi, Bella, Morgann (all going into 8th grade), and Sophia and Mackenzie (going into 7th grade) had a blast at the opening ceremony, exchanging SWAPS, shooting archery, participating in some mentoring sessions, exploring the Hall of Experiences, and meeting Girl Scouts from around the country,” she said. “They also learned about travel opportunities in Savannah, Georgia, and at the WAGGGS properties. At the Education Day at EPCOT, Lauren and I (their leaders), taught them how to network. They met Maryann, VP of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bella talked to Maryann about opportunities to do photography in Animal Kingdom, and Lexi talked to her about veterinary opportunities at Animal Kingdom. Of course, we added on some extra days to our trip so we could visit the Walt Disney World parks. It was amazing proudly wearing our Girl Scouts troop shirts and having other adult Girl Scouts stop us throughout Walt Disney World to talk to the girls and share stories about how GS has impacted their lives. This trip was everything that we wanted for our Cadettes - and more!”
Riccardi added, “We’re looking forward to another convention trip in 2026!”
Among the other local Girl Scout members attending the convention were Tiffany and Alanna Bonneau of Troop 13946 in Portsmouth, NH; Karlene Desmond and daughter Gabriella of Troop 59148 in Westminster, VT; Tanya Whittum and daughter Shelby of Troop 58002 in Whitefield, NH; Devin Robbins and daughter Delainy of Troop 62244 in Rochester, NH; Girl Scout Junior Laura Law of Troop 58806 in Winooski, VT, and Pam Lyman with Troop 40126 of Bethel, VT.
“It was absolutely amazing to have so many Girl Scouts together in one place—making new friends from across the country, learning from one another, and discussing issues they care about, all while celebrating each other’s accomplishments,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. “Every time I meet with our Girl Scouts in person, I leave feeling inspired. After seeing thousands of them in action, I am even more excited about our Movement’s future.”
In the Hall of Experiences, attendees heard how Telva McGruder, executive director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering at General Motors and newly elected GSUSA National Board member, rose to a leadership role within GM, blazing a trail for aspiring professionals in STEM. They also heard from Fiserv ambassador and soon to be two-time Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman on her rise to a successful career, how she navigated gender stereotypes, and her advice for young women as they pursue various career paths.
Phenom By Girl Scouts, with the theme “Our Time to Shine,” was a can’t-miss experience for all Girl Scouts. Accomplishments and achievements were highlighted during the National Bridging Ceremony and Gold Award Girl Scout Celebration. Unique hands-on and collaborative activities as well as in-depth discussions took place, allowing Girl Scouts the opportunity to laugh, share, and celebrate one another. The importance of mental wellness was highlighted through programming and was also supported by remarks from a diverse list of accomplished speakers.
Throughout the event, Girl Scouts had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by their sisters from around the world—including Gold Award Girl Scouts—and women leaders in diverse fields.
Headlining the event at the opening ceremony was actor, writer, producer, rapper, singer, and Nickelodeon star That Girl Lay Lay, who connected with Girl Scouts on the topic of building confidence, courage, and character. Lay Lay graced the stage with a live performance followed by a surprise meet-and-greet for attendees.
The event also featured inspiring speakers such as Erika J. Kendrick, a bestselling author and mental fitness expert, and Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEM entrepreneur who is confirmed to be the first African American woman to fly with Jeff Bezos’ private spaceflight company, Blue Origin, on the New Shepard rocket.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.
