Raising Change Winter 2026 Final by Girl Scouts of Western New York

CEO Message

When you observe Girl Scouting through a girl's eyes, you see more than activities or achievements—you see connection, courage, and a deep sense of belonging that spans generations.” “

You’ll often hear our team at Girl Scouts of Western New York refer to Girl Scouting as youth-led—throughout every age and grade level, Girl Scouts are empowered to make decisions together and guide their experience of our program. When I pause for a moment and look at the impact of this foundational part of Girl Scouting, and observe Girl Scouting through a girl’s eyes, you see more than activities or achievements—you see connection, courage, and a deep sense of belonging that spans generations. Victoria Lesh’s powerful essay captures this beautifully. Her jar of camp re ashes, warmed not by ame but by shared songs, service, and sisterhood, reminds us that every Girl Scout stands in a long line of women who learned to lead with con dence and compassion. From a mountaintop in Switzerland to camp res across the globe, Victoria’s story is a testament to what happens when young people are trusted with real responsibility and supported by a movement that believes in them.

That belief—our why—has always been at the heart of Girl Scouts. We exist to build girls of courage, con dence, and character who make the world a better place. Whether they are learning lifesaving skills, managing a team under pressure, or nding their voice among peers from di erent backgrounds, Girl Scouting prepares our youth not just to succeed, but to step forward when it matters most. On April 16, we are especially proud to honor our rst Rising Woman of Distinction—a new category recognizing a current Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador who embodies the spirit of the Women of Distinction program and reminds us that leadership is not de ned by age, but by impact. I hope you will save the date and join us at Salvatore’s as we celebrate another extraordinary class of

We are also energized by the work of our helping shape the future of our council. We are committed to listening closely to their insights, learning from their lived experiences, and using our platform to amplify their voices. Our young people know what they need—and when we listen, we

Ambassadors. Designed around priorities that Girl Scouts have shared with us, this initiative will focus on practical,

Cara with our 2025 Women of Distinction and Girl Scout emcees, presenters and ag bearers.

Donor Spotlight: United Way of Chautauqua County

United Way of Chautauqua County has long been proud to partner with Girl Scouts of Western New York to help more girls discover what it means to lead with con dence, curiosity, and courage.

Through an annual investment of $25,000, United Way helps make Girl Scout programming possible for girls throughout Chautauqua County—supporting troop experiences as well as local after school programming.

This past year, 389 girls participated in programs supported by the United Way of Chautauqua County. Participants strengthened essential soft skills through community service and civic engagement, taking part in activities such as beach cleanups, holiday parades, Trunk or Treat events, and service projects bene ting local soup kitchens and service members.

In addition, 75 students participated in Girl Scouts’ After School Programming. These experiences supported STEM skill development, critical thinking, problem solving, and increased con dence and persistence—bringing high-quality Girl Scout lessons and leadership-building opportunities directly into the school setting.

In addition to funding vital programming, United Way of Chautauqua County also plays an important role in bringing local organizations together. UWCHQ recently held one of its quarterly roundtable meetings at the Girl Scouts’ Horton Hill Lodge, bringing together 38 partner agencies to discuss issues currently facing the local nonpro t sector and strengthening collaboration across the county.

Together, United Way and Girl Scouts of Western New York are ensuring that every girl locally has the chance to dream big, build skills, and grow into her full potential.

The United Ways of Chautauqua County recently completed a merger and now operate as one agency serving the entire county. UWCHQ runs an annual fundraising campaign of $1.75 million to facilitate local programs that improve the lives of children, families, and seniors locally. To learn more, visit

Junior Girl Scout Jemma and Amy Rohler, Executive Director, United Way of Chautauqua County

Through A Girl Scout's Eyes

I have a small jar of camp re ashes on my desk. They are still warm from the weekend I spent directing a campout for my local younger troops. The warmth is not from re but the singing and sharing of camp re songs. These are not normal ashes. They are sixty years old and more traveled than most people.

This is a Girl Scout tradition. At the start of each camp re, we pour in the ashes from the last. At the end, we scoop up the new ones. The old ashes bring the history and joy of all the previous camp res to the current. The new ashes are a unique mixture of memories and particles of soil that have been all around the world. I have a record of their journey: Taiwan, 1968. Mexico, 1973. California, 1992. The rst notable place on the list is Our Chalet, 1962–The Girl Scout World Center in Switzerland. This appears on the list again in 1977, 1981, and once more in 2024. That was the rst international trip I took with Girl Scouts. There, I met women from all over the world. Amsterdam. Kenya. China. Women who had ashes of their own, stories of their own.

On this trip, my troop saved a life. We were on the top of a mountain nishing a hike when a man collapsed. Though we were all CPR certi ed, we never expected to need to do it on the top of a mountain in a country where English was not the native language. However, in quite a beautiful way, my troop, which had been torn by the drama and stress of international travel, immediately snapped into action. Several girls and I knew what number to call, alerted emergency services, and then provided our coordinates when we couldn’t gure out the name of the peak we were on. My friends ran into the nearest building to search for an AED, which they eventually learned was called a "de brillator" through broken French and German. My leaders put the man in a recovery position, woke him up, and encouraged him to get onto the emergency helicopter. It was over in an instant.

As the tension calmed and the helicopter buzzed away, all I could really see was the crowd of locals around us. They were looking, pointing, some were recording, but no one took action. I realized then that it was Girl Scouts that gave me not just the knowledge but

the con dence to take action. In that moment I felt not just the presence of my troopmates, but the presence of so many strong women around me, from my late troop leader to the girls from 1962. Our Chalet, 2024. A few days later we all stood around the camp re. Sixty-two years ago, girls my age stood there. They might have come up with the songs I was singing then. I poured my ashes into the re, and they sparkled red and orange. Sixty-two years ago, girls my age saw those same sparks. And again, forty-eight years ago. And again, forty-four years ago. Girls from all di erent backgrounds and stories, connected by one camp re.

The experience of being one in a long line of women who continue to add ashes to this jar has broadened my social and cultural perspectives. The jar not only symbolizes the countries I have been to but it also connects me to the many women who have been adding to these ashes for decades. It connects me from home to the rest of the world. These ashes underscore the global and extensive reach of being a Girl Scout. I may not know who started them, but I am connected to them in a fundamental way through scouting and shared beliefs, the same way I am connected to these places around the world and those girls from many years ago.

Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:30pm - 8pm

Salvatore’s Italian Gardens 6461 Transit Rd. Buffalo, NY 14043

Purchase your tickets today:

Victoria Lesh, Ambassador, Troop 30350

Voices of Tomorrow's Leaders

We asked our 2025 Scholarship Applicants to describe how the Girl Scout Promise and Law have brought them to where they are and how it impacts their future plans

The Girl Scout Promise and Law have shaped my character and guided my actions throughout my life, playing a pivotal role in my future aspirations. The Girl Scout Promise, especially the promise of helping others, has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to community. From a young age, I learned the importance of helping others and making a positive di erence. This sense of service has in uenced my decision to seek opportunities where I can give back. One example of this is the great sense of satisfaction that I have found as a teaching assistant for a dance class of students with special needs.

The Girl Scout Law has been equally impactful, teaching me the importance of values such as honesty, fairness, helpfulness, and responsibility. We are often faced with situations that require us to make choices in life and sometimes the easy choice can be in direct con ict with the principles in the Girl Scout Law. Following these principles has positively shaped how I interact with others, approach challenges, and make tough decisions. By adhering to these values, I have developed a strong moral compass that guides me in the right direction in life.

Looking to the future, the Girl Scout Promise and Law will continue to in uence my path. I am going to pursue a career in criminal justice with the intention of helping people who have been a victim of crimes. Whether in my career or volunteer work, I am to focus on making a meaningful impact and fostering kindness. These values will be central to how I navigate my career with colleagues and will help to ensure that I live with purpose and integrity.

—Alexis

I was sitting in a big circle with other little girls, all of us trying to hold our three ngers up as straight as we could while trying to recite all of the words of the Girl Scout Promise and Law that our troop leader was telling us. The rst time I promised to follow the Girl Scout Law and Promise I had no idea how much it would inspire me to make a di erence every day. Those simple words became the foundation of who I am today. they have guided my journey, teaching me values that continue to shape my past, present, and future. The Girl Scout Law taught me to be considerate and caring, a lesson I embraced when I completed my Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Each project was about more than the physical thing I had done for my community, but it taught others how to be considerate of those in our community. As I pursue a career in Medical Technology, the lessons of being friendly, helpful, courageous and strong I learned in the Girl Scout Law will fuel my passion to help others and to make a di erence for other girls in STEM. Even though my circle is a lot smaller now, the e ect of the words are just as strong. The Girl Scout Law is not just words I once memorized, they are the words guiding my actions and aspirations.

As I step into the next chapter of my life, I carry the lessons with me, ready to lead with courage, serve with kindness and make the world a better place.

Real Girls, Real Growth, Real Impact

We asked our Gold Award Girl Scouts a simple but powerful question: What difference has Girl Scouting made in your life?

“Girl Scouting has provided me with countless opportunities that I never would have had access to without it. Through my troop I have learned valuable lessons, learned so much about di erent people and places, and have been taught to give back to the community, especially through completing my Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Scouting has given me life experiences that could only come through an organization like this. All of the trips, campouts, cookie booths, and other events share one thing that Girl Scouts has given me, and that is a group of sisters for life. Once my whole troop has graduated and we go our separate ways, the sisterhood that is Scouting will always be something I share with them, and having that family has made a huge di erence in my life. I hope one day all girls will have an incredible Scouting family like I do. The people make this organization what it is, and I am so grateful for all they have done for me.”

—Annabelle,

Gold Award Girl Scout

“Girl Scouting has had a major impact on who I am today. Earning my Bronze, Silver, and now Gold Award has pushed me to grow as a leader and taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and follow through on long term goals. It’s given me the con dence to take initiative and the mindset to look for ways to improve my community. Overall, Girl Scouting has helped shape me into someone who’s responsible, motivated, and committed to making a positive di erence.”

Gold

Award Girl Scout

“Being in Girl scouts for the last 13 years of my life has not only helped me grow into the woman I am today but also gave me a second family. My troop leaders and all of the women that have mentored me along the years have become like second moms to me along with all the girls I have met have become like sisters to me. I have learned so many valuable skills and lessons I will carry with me through life that I am grateful for. “

—Ella, Gold Award Girl Scout

“Girl Scouting has made me a more con dent and well-rounded person. It has given me a chance to come out of my shell and be signi cantly more comfortable when talking to strangers and making new friends. Additionally, Girl Scouts has given me so many opportunities and experiences that I would have never been able to have if I hadn’t joined the program when I was a Daisy.”

—Grace,

Gold Award Girl Scout

Out & About

Winter Wonderland Welcomes New Families

This past December, our Recruitment team transformed three of our council locations into festive Winter Wonderlands, welcoming new families into Girl Scouts of Western New York with holiday cheer and hands-on fun.

With support from additional sta and older girl troops, families were invited into our shops to experience the magic of the season while learning more about the Girl Scout journey. Girls enjoyed creating snowman stress balls, visiting the hot cocoa bar, and listening to holiday music—all while connecting with dedicated sta who shared what Girl Scouts of Western New York is all about.

The events welcomed 60 girls and were met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Families praised the engaging activities, delicious hot cocoa, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“Inviting families into our shops and giving them a warm welcome to Girl Scouts is such an important part of our job,” said Ashley Ayers, Assistant Director of Recruitment and New Troop Development.

Based on the success of this initiative, our Recruitment team plans to make Winter Wonderland an annual event, with even more opportunities to invite families into our spaces and introduce them to the Girl Scout experience. We look forward to continuing this tradition and spreading the warmth of Girl Scouts throughout our community.

Adulting 101 is a new, ongoing series developed speci cally for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts to support their successful transition into adulthood. This engaging program provides participants with essential life skills and practical knowledge needed to thrive after high school and beyond.

Through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences led by local professionals, Girl Scouts will build competencies in key areas such as nancial literacy, cooking, basic home maintenance, car care, wellness, and college and career readiness. Participants will practice real-world skills including budgeting, meal preparation, changing a tire, and completing simple household repairs, all while strengthening con dence, independence, and leadership abilities.

In addition to skill development, Adulting 101 connects Girl Scouts with in uential women from Western New York who share their professional experiences and personal insights, o ering valuable mentorship and inspiration.

The rst session in the Adulting 101 series, Financial Fitness with Impressia Bank, will be o ered on March 15 in Rochester and . Girl Scouts are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

Adulting 101 is designed to equip participants with the tools, knowledge, and con dence to succeed in their next chapter. https://www.gswny.org/en/discover/activities/events.html

Adulting 101 Program Highlight

4433 Genesee St., Suite 101 Bu alo, NY 14225