Many years ago, I served as a co-leader of my daughter Katie’s Girl Scout Troop in Austin.
We had our campouts, cookie sales and educational “badge-earning” programs.
But step into the current world of Kingsland Girl Scout Troops 40010/40020 and you will discover that helping community is at the heart of their efforts.
The two troops combine under the leadership of two leaders and two co-leaders and meet most Monday nights at the Kingsland Public Library.
Troop 40020 leader Savannah Hock spearheads the younger girls, which includes her daughter Kennedy. Watching their progress over the past four years has been her highlight.
“I love seeing the girls grow confident and build lasting relationships with others. Along with helping others and showing the good in the world to them, this is giving them a safe place to come and be themselves,” said Hock.
One of the most visually stunning sights I saw last September were the estimated 2,000 Ameri- can flags planted on the Kingsland Community Church grounds on 1431.
I learned from Hock that this was an annual tribute orchestrated by Troops 40010/40020.
“My favorite activity that we have done was the 9/11 flag memori al where our goal is to place a flag for every life that was lost on that day and remember them. We are still gathering more flags to get to the final number of 2,996.”
Patricia Bowser and Kia Milano are co-leaders for Troop 40010, the older girls, and like other moms who take on this role, they share the experience with their daughters.
Bowser said she wanted hers “to build sisterhood, learn life skills and effective communication.”
Milano listed the notable projects Troops 40010/40020 have been involved in, including the collection of more than 300 pounds of food for Sharing the Harvest and a drive to gather food and items for a cat sanctuary in Granite Shoals.
Fundraisers, like the upcoming May 25 dinner and play, are a key part of giving back to the community and supporting the Girl Scout programs.
Given that these Girl Scouts sold 3,400 boxes of cookies, double their goal, no doubt the determined future leaders will continue to deliver positive changes to the Kingsland area.
“Everything they earn goes back into providing them the best possible experience and to make lasting memories,” said Hock.
Reserve your tickets Troop 40010’s fundraiser on Monday, May 25, with a spaghetti dinner and “The Happily Ever After” performance.
It will be held at Johnson Park Amphitheater, Marble Falls. Contact Patricia Bowser at 830220-3792 to purchase the $15/$10 tickets and for more information.
