Well, a chapter of Hadley’s life has come to a close. We celebrated Troop 2299 on Sunday. It was a bittersweet evening with this amazing group of girls as this chapter of their lives closes. I’m not going to lie, I figured I’d be a bit emotional, and I was. (I waited until I got home to shed the tears) I feel like I blinked and the whole troop went from little chubby cheeked girls with toothless grins to young ladies with who’ve blossomed right before our eyes.
The girls were blessed with an amazing leader, and wonderful co-leaders throughout the years. Hadley and crew have camped, learned about nature, cleaned up local parks, baked treats for a local cancer center, attended COSI, sold cookies, gone on outdoor adventures, met with other troops, and so much more.
I will always remember going on a walk with Hadley as a kindergartener. She was home sick with a croupy cough, so we went for a walk to get some fresh air. She told me her friends were joining a Girl Scout troop and she was interested. I said, “Hadley I’m not sure if I can handle one more activity.” She said, “Well, mom, I can!” I should have known better than to try to talk Hadley out of doing something she had her mind set on. I’m so thankful for her decision to join her troop. She’s learned so much and made memories (and friendships to last a lifetime!)
I made friends too! Some of “my people” (AKA: the mom gang) I met because of Girl Scouts. Truly, our girls brought us together. We’ve had fun through the years helping, going on field trips, organizing cookie orders and more. I know these ladies will be in my life forever.
Bridging Ceremony:
On Sunday, we met at a nearby park which is where we’ve had a few activities through the years. The girls enjoyed pizza, drinks, and cupcakes while hanging out for a bit. We were able to get a few photos and the girls looked through the photo albums their leaders made for them.
It was such a thoughtful gift, and I plan on printing some more photos to add to it. That way, Hadley will have so many Girl Scout memories all in one place.
Each girl walked across the bridge one more time as their leader said their name. That tradition was a sweet way to close the Girl Scout chapter.
Memory Lane:
At the end of first grade, the girls bridged from Daisies to Brownies.
At the end of third grade, they bridged from Brownies to Juniors.
And then one more bridging ceremony to complete Junior scouts.
I can’t get over how the years have flown by and what wonderful young ladies they have become:
Here they are with their awesome leaders:
And this one is my favorite pic:
It’s from Breakfast with the Babes (baby animals) at Shaker Village in April 2017….you know, back when they’d let us make them match in cute shirts!
Through the years…
Here are some of their field trips and activities over the past six years.
Fun at the orchard:
These moms slept on the floor of a nature center for one night…haha
Have you ever tried to sleep with a stuffed wolf staring at you?!
Tea party time:
Every Girl Scout needs to master the bow and arrow…
The dads took them to the Girl Scout night baseball game (while the moms stayed home, drank some wine and watched Troop Beverly Hills!)
…and the girls were recognized at a volleyball game…
Ice skating and pizza to celebrate the holidays.
The girls dropped off gifts they’d collected for Shriner’s Children’s hospital.
They also learned about having a healthy mind and body while doing yoga.
The girls took over the capitol! (Frankfort, Ky)
…and attended COSI in March of 2020…right before the world shut down.
Cookie Time:
Cookie sales through the years have been so much fun. One mom volunteered to pick up cookie orders, organize the orders, and collect money. She’s a saint! We couldn’t have done it without her.
The girls had fun selling cookies at Kroger. The first year, they had the fun cookie costumes.
Hadley surpassed her cookie goal each year! We are so appreciative of all who supported her.
One final look:
from Daisies…
to Brownies…
…to Junior Girl Scouts
I did Girl Scouts until my troop leader moved in the 4th grade. I’ve told Hadley before that there aren’t very many who can say they were in the Girl Scouts for six years. I’m proud of her commitment to her troop and know that she will look back fondly on these years.
~Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring, courageous and strong,
and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others,
respect authority, use resources wisely,
make the world a better place,
and be a sister to every Girl Scout
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful.
These girls have done just that 
For six years, they’ve learned so much, shared amazing experiences, grown as individuals and impacted our community in such a special way. They will most certainly continue to make the world a better place.
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