Celebrating Silver and Gold at Our Crystal Anniversary
“Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver; the other is gold.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Boone this past weekend as we celebrated 15 years of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. We thanked our Board Chair, Carolyn Brickey, as her term of service is ending, and welcomed Trish Johnson as our new incoming Board Chair. We also celebrated four impactful years of Jennifer Wilcox’s leadership as our council’s Chief Executive Officer and wish her continued success as she prepares to serve Girl Scouts of Citrus in Florida. Kathryn Benison was introduced as our Interim CEO while we continue the search for our next Chief Executive Officer.
We were excited to have an opportunity for you to meet Kathryn in person and will have plenty of other events where you will see her cheering on the Girl Scout Movement. Kathryn has been working with our Engagement Team, where she has provided consulting services. Her thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit and deep understanding of our mission have already made a positive impact.
Kathryn Benison has over 30 years of experience in non-profit leadership and volunteer development. She studied Economics at The George Washington University and recently earned a certification in Non-Profit Performance and Innovation from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education.
Kathryn’s journey with Girl Scouts began in Pennsylvania, where she first experienced its transformative impact as a young Girl Scout. She later became a leader, guiding 24 Daisies through High School at Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, where she served in every volunteer role before transitioning to staff, contributing over 20 years of service. Most notably, she spent a decade as Director of Membership and Data Analytics, spearheading initiatives that expanded adult and girl membership, facilitated two council mergers, and led change management efforts—including the development of an innovative online Troop Catalog.
Kathryn’s leadership continued as Chief Mission Delivery Officer for Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, where she oversaw Membership, Girl Experience, Camping, Volunteer Training, and Program Development. She later served as Chief Operations Officer for Girl Scouts of Alaska, managing risk, implementing policies, and enhancing support systems for volunteers. Her role also included overseeing membership strategy, data analytics, retail operations, and expanding communication channels to strengthen volunteer engagement.
Driven by a deep commitment to empowering girls, Kathryn established KB Membership Consulting and Training, LLC, providing guidance to multiple clients, including Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. As Interim CEO, she is dedicated to ensuring that every girl—regardless of background or location—has access to leadership experiences, outdoor adventures and a strong sisterhood. Under her leadership, Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont will continue to focus on:
- Expanding membership opportunities, ensuring more girls experience leadership, life skills, outdoor adventures and financial literacy.
- Strengthening Service Units, building supportive communities for volunteers and fostering meaningful connections among members.
- Growing philanthropic support, investing in camps, programs and initiatives that create lasting impact.
- Promoting Girl Scouts’ legacy, elevating Gold, Silver and Bronze Award projects that address community challenges.
- Enhancing partnerships and collaborating with schools, businesses and local organizations to expand access and engagement.
Beyond her passion for Girl Scouts, Kathryn is an avid runner and half-marathoner, determined to complete a half-marathon in every U.S. state.
Time Is Running Out for Maximum Spring Renewal Savings
Did you know that your troop could earn a $20 rebate for every girl membership renewed in your troop through this Wednesday, April 30? Get ready for another year of Girl Scout fun with more money for supplies and adventures in your troop account!
And, when you renew your troop early, you can also take advantage of our Sisterhood t-shirt reward! Make sure all of your members are renewed so that you can match on your next big adventure. Learn more about all of the Spring Renewal rewards you can earn on our blog.
We’re here to help! Join us for virtual Spring Renewal Office Hours tonight, Monday, April 28.
State of the Girl: Highest Awards Gala Registrations Close THIS Week
Get ready to dress up for our big event because when girls take the lead, big things happen! Everyone is invited to the State of the Girl Gala honoring the highest achievements of our Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Girl Scouts. Experience an inspiring evening at the Morganton Community House on Saturday, May 17 featuring a delicious dinner, an empowering guest speaker and a firsthand look at how Girl Scouts are shaping their communities with courage, confidence and character.
If you have earned a Girl Scout Bronze, Silver or Gold Award from March 16, 2024-March 15, 2025, you should have received an invitation as an honoree that includes an opportunity to showcase your project at the Leadership Expo and a discounted ticket for Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award honorees. Please contact info@girlscoutsp2p.org if you did not receive your invitation or if you have any questions.
Celebrating Graduates
Class of 2025, we want to know what’s next for you! Submit a photo with this form so we can give you a special shout-out on social media for all you have accomplished! Plus, you can also use the form to stay connected about resources and opportunities for Girl Scout alum.
Giant Panda Winner
Congratulations to Ryleigh D. of Troop 2830 for being the Girl Scout to sell the most girl-delivery packages through their e-commerce link between February 24-March 9. Don’t forget that Cookie Dough and Daisy Dollars earned during our 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program are now available in your account and can be applied to event registration fees- including summer camp!
Summer Camp Transportation Requests Due May 18
To ensure that every member has the opportunity to participate in our overnight summer camp programs this year at Keyauwee Program Center, GSCP2P will be offering free transportation assistance from our Asheville and Hickory Service Centers for select weeks of camp! We will be offering direct transportation assistance for full-week campers during Renaissance Revival week (June 22-27, 2025) and Magnificent Makers week (July 27-August 1, 2025). To sign up for this FREE service, register your camper for one of these two sessions through Campwise. Campers will be transported in either council-owned vans or charter buses, depending on interest and availability.
Summer Camp Employment Opportunities
If you are an adult interested in working with us this summer as a Wellness Manager, your eligible camp-aged child can attend summer camp for free! The Wellness Manager is responsible for the general health and safety of campers and staff, maintaining the camp infirmary, administering medications and first aid care, reviewing health history forms, health screening checks, keeping accurate and detailed records and ensuring that all health and wellness standards are met. We are also still accepting applications for Boating Specialists, Staff Support Manager and Business Manager. Learn more about what to expect and apply today!
Patch of the Month: Project Get Out
Get outside of your comfort zone and try something new while learning about keeping our bodies and minds healthy. The Project Get Out activity guide has all the information you need to earn the patch!
Adult Volunteer Resources & Trainings
Has one of the Girl Scouts in your troop earned free admission to our G.E.O. event happening at Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe on June 7? Celebrate her success as a troop and join the fun! More information is coming on discounted tickets for Girl Scouts available for purchase, but save the date and lead your troop into summer with a splash!
Upcoming Adult Programs:
VIRTUAL: Troop Leader Support and Q&A – End of Year Reporting and Plan of Action
Wednesday, May 14
Register by May 13.
Camp Ginger Cascades Family Work Day
Sunday, May 18
Lenoir, NC
Register by May 8.
VIRTUAL: Basic Camping Skills License Renewal
Tuesday, May 27
Register by May 21.
VIRTUAL: Basic Camping Skills License Renewal
Wednesday, June 18
Register by June 13.
Upcoming Programs at a Glance
State of the Girl: Highest Awards Gala
Saturday, May 17
Morganton, NC
Register by May 1.
Camp Ginger Cascades Family Work Day
Sunday, May 18
Lenoir, NC
Register by May 8.
VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Wednesday, May 21
Register by May 14.
Keyauwee Family Fun Day
Sunday, June 8
Sophia, NC
Register by May 8.
VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Tuesday, June 10
Register by June 3.
Monday Markdown
A perfect pairing: a cozy campfire pillow with a S’mores fashion necklace! Grab this perfect duo today for 30% off while supplies last! Order yours for only $16.80 today using the GSCP2P Shop Form for in-store pickup or to be delivered to your door.
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