“If our girls live by the Girl Scout Law, they will be set for life,” said Carolyn, a retired educator, grandmother and co-troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 245. Carolyn and her co-leader Marilyn, also a grandmother and educator, are dedicated to the Girl Scout Movement. And we love their story.

This duo’s passion for Girl Scouts is rooted in their family trees. Carolyn was a Girl Scout, her daughter Julia earned the Girl Scout Silver Award, and her granddaughter Brenna is in Troop 245—that makes three generations of Girl Scouting.  Marilyn added, “On our side, we span four.  My mom was a leader and council volunteer and I was a leader. My daughter Julie earned her Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards, Rose Award, and served on Girl Scouts Heart of Central California’s board of directors.  I found that when Julie went off to college, I missed attending Girl Scout meetings!”

For Marilyn, missing Girl Scouts sparked a need to start a troop again—this time for her granddaughter, Lyla. So when she realized Carolyn’s granddaughter was in the same class as Lyla’s, she asked Carolyn if she would be interested in co-leading a troop.  Carolyn’s response was a huge and enthusiastic smile… and Girl Scout Daisy Troop 245 was created!  Carolyn and Marilyn had worked together for many years in Sutterville Elementary’s PTA when their children attended school there and were even PTA presidents in consecutive years.  One thing’s for certain: They have always enjoyed each other’s company and even though they’re pressed for time with busy schedules, they love being co-leaders.

Marilyn said, “Leading our troop is joyful!  Every time I tell someone about our troop, I laugh and smile.  The girls are so cute, full of energy, and we have both seen a lot of growth in them this past year. We have also had three grandmas who love to come and help at almost every meeting—they rarely miss a meeting.  As a result, we are fondly known as ‘The Grandma Troop.’

These days it’s hard for moms to find time for volunteering, but each of our troop members’ families are supportive, sending snacks, helping with parties and events, and sending so many bags of food that Troop 245 won the Land Park Service Unit prize for the most canned goods for its donation drive last November.  The families are also very appreciative, thank us often, and have said that every child should be able to get the lessons and experiences we and Girl Scouts are providing.”

Carolyn and Marilyn, we can’t thank you enough for your dedication to Girl Scouts!

Each year we have thousands of girls who want to become Girl Scouts, but not enough volunteers to lead the number of troops needed. If you’re interested in joining the fun and starting a Girl Scout troop, please visit our website at girlscoutshcc.org/join.