“If they can see it, they can be it.”
By Jaime Alvarez, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Each year, our sisters from Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania host Troop PA at the State Capitol in downtown Harrisburg, bringing together members from councils across the commonwealth.
At its core, Troop PA is about expanding what Girl Scouts believe is possible when women serve in public service and government leadership roles—rooted in the idea that seeing representation firsthand can help shape a young person’s future aspirations.
Twelve GSNYPENN Girl Scouts from Bradford and Tioga counties attended Troop PA 2026, joining their sisters from the Heart of Pennsylvania and Eastern Pennsylvania councils.
During their time at the Capitol, our council contingent met with their local legislators, explored the historic complex, and, most importantly, gained a firsthand perspective on the impact women are making in public service today by engaging directly with the leaders serving in those roles.
Two of our Girl Scouts participated in an even more meaningful way during Troop PA’s annual Investiture & Rededication Ceremony to recognize bipartisan female members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly as part of an honorary Girl Scout troop.
Ambassador Katherine Kuhl of Mansfield addressed attendees, while Senior Holly Peers of Osceola pinned legislators. They were joined by our council CEO, Julie Dale.
Our full delegation also met with Rep. Tina Pickett, who represents the 110th legislative district in Bradford County, and Rep. Clint Owlett, who serves the 68th district in Tioga County.
Our Juniors and Cadettes took part in a Democracy Badge Workshop, and our Seniors and Ambassadors attended a panel discussion featuring women in a range of legislative and public service roles, from a member of the state’s liquor control board to a lobbyist.
As they walked the halls of their state capitol and connected with those shaping future policy and community outcomes, our Girl Scouts didn’t just learn about women serving in government leadership—they experienced it.
More importantly, they can now visualize their place within it.
Experiences like Troop PA help bring leadership to life for our Girl Scouts—igniting a spark that further lights their confidence, curiosity and courage to use their voices and be heard.
We can’t wait to see how these members will carry their experience forward into the future. And as leaders in their communities—and beyond.
Big ideas. Bold leaders. Bright futures.
That’s the power of our Movement—and the promise of every GSNYPENN Girl Scout who dares to imagine what they can be.
