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LUMBERTON – Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines have named Lumberton Girl Scout Troop No. 699 to one of Daisy’s dozen elite for their 2020-2021 membership year.
The Daisys Dozen Elite Status Award is given to troops who go way beyond that in their participation in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. In honor of the vision that Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, affectionately known as “Daisy,” had for girls, the Daisys Dozen Troop Assessment Program was created by Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines to ensure that girls have an enriching life Girls get scouting experience.
After reviewing hundreds of ratings, only 12 of the council’s 1,500 or so soldiers were selected from the council’s 41-county region. Girls must work together as a force to be successful in all leadership activities throughout the year.
“We did Daisy Dozen every year, but the elite, you are chosen for it,” said Pam Cummings, the group leader.
Robeson County Girl Scout Troop No. 699 is a multi-tier troupe with girls in fourth and fifth grades. The group consists of eight members and is jointly led by Sheena McMillan. Scouts include Olivia McMillan, Chelsea Bullard, Myah and Nyah Watson, April Cummings, Jahari Roberson, Addison Rooks and Alannah Simmons.
The force was awarded Daisys Dozen Elite Troop status in 2021 by making positive changes in their community.
The Daisys Dozen Elite Status Award includes an assessment tool that outlines the steps troops can take to explore the pillars of the Scouting Entrepreneurship, STEM, Nature and Life Skills program year-round. Troops can pursue “elite” status by showing that they have involved girls in planning a balanced, varied, and level Scouting experience. The 2020-2021 membership year was particularly significant due to the COVID-19 changes, and each Daisys dozen elite troop remained committed to the Girl Scouts despite the difficulties.
“It was difficult with the pandemic, I have to admit that. My girls don’t like virtual ones, they like to meet face to face, but for security reasons we have to meet virtually, â€said Cummings.
Despite the setback, the force still found ways to give back to the community, such as making Cupid Care cards that could be given to residents of the Wesley Pines charity in Lumberton.
“We meet at Wesley Pines so we do a lot with them all year round,” said Cummings. “We love Wesley Pines.”
The Boy Scouts also broadened their experience by visiting New Life Ranch, where they learned more about various animals and horses.
“The girls enjoyed the riding,” said Cummings.
The girls are committed to what it means to be Girl Scouts and during this year’s biscuit season they were able to donate biscuits to a soldier stationed in Korea.
“With this elite award, girls and their leaders have shown they have invested in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” said Jennifer Carter, program director, Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines. “Her exemplary commitment to service in her communities and her commitment to the growth of Girl Scouts make her an outstanding group of girls across the state.”
Since the small group was formed, Cummings noticed a maturity in the girls.
“Your confidence has definitely grown,” said Cummings. “Our shy little girls we started with are now expressing themselves more and wanting to share their life stories.”
This was the seventh year for Daisys’ Dozen Troop Assessment Program. The annual membership year of the Girl Scouts runs from October 1st to September 30th.
Troop members are honored locally to commend their dedication to developing girls’ leaders and leading the Girl Scouts. They will also meet virtually to celebrate their achievements with Lisa Jones, CEO of North Carolina Coastal Pines.
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