Need a shot of inspiration?  Attend a Girl Scout Reflections Ceremony. 

I did, and am delighted to say that at this year’s Reflections Ceremony on June 7, hundreds of Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors were honored with various awards.  It was an afternoon full of inspiration.

Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, kicked things off by sharing with over 900 audience members how her dream - Build-A-Bear - got its start, and encouraged the girls to reach for their own dreams.

Then, it was on to the awards presentation.

Seventy-seven Girl Scouts graduated from high school this year.  Fifty-four of them have been a Girl Scout for 13 years, which means they started as Girl Scout Daisies while in kindergarten.  Another 128 Girl Scouts celebrated having been a member for 10 years.

This year, over 325 young ladies completed all of the requirements for the Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn.

Finally, 76 Girl Scout Ambassadors were honored for earning the highest award a girl may earn – the Girl Scout Gold Award.  Each girl came up on stage with her parent(s), who in turn, presented the award to their daughter.  Each honoree also received a personalized resolution from the Missouri State Senate honoring their individual accomplishments; recognition from the White House, the Missouri Governor and Attorney General; the United States Army; the Military Order of the World Wars; and Girl Scouts of the USA among others.

But what I loved most was hearing what some of the girls had to say about being a Girl Scout:  

“… developed my leadership potential, to expand my horizons, and to help others.”

“… increased my imagination and ability to solve problems.”

“… let me try things I would not have attempted otherwise, has made me a leader at school and in my youth group.”

“… allowed me to explore many areas I may not have been able to otherwise.”

“… has given me the opportunity to meet a diverse group of girls who have all had an impact on my life.”

“… made me confident, outgoing, well-rounded, and prepared me to face challenges with a positive attitude.” 

The Gold Award is quite an accomplishment.  A number of requirements must be met, all culminating in a “Project.” And that “Project” is something that a girl can be passionate about – in thought, deed and action. It should fulfill a need within a girl’s community, create change, and hopefully, is something that is sustainable.

Thanks to all the Girl Scout volunteers, parents and other family members who have helped all these girls grow into successful young women.