A note from our CEO
and board chair
Girl Scouts is the best leadership experience for girls in the
world, built by more than a century of knowledge and data, and
fueled by passionate advocates who believe in the power of
girls. Our time-tested program delivers each girl one-of-a-kind
experiences with benefits that last a lifetime.
GSWPA’s girl-centered environment is a safe space where girls
are encouraged to try new things, from bubbling science
experiments to whitewater rafting. You’ll see a sample of Girl
Scouts’ amazing adventures on the pages that follow and you’ll
learn about the exciting new programming designed to connect
girls with STEM and the outdoors.
Girls are empowered to take on leadership roles, too, which is
evident in the stories about Girl Scouts highest awards.
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.
Earning the Gold Award continues a 100-year-old Girl Scout
tradition of tackling important issues, but there’s nothing old-
fashioned about the experience. The two Gold Award Girl
Scouts we feature in this report are taking action in a 21st-
century way, using the internet to help them change the world
for the better.
So many of girls’ best-ever moments—like camping, travel,
community service, STEM activities, and more—are powered
by the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Those iconic cookies provide
the resources girls need to explore their world and learn
essential skills. And like the Gold Award, the Cookie Program is
only available in Girl Scouts.
At GSWPA, everything we do is designed with and for G.I.R.L.s—
the Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, and Leaders we have
the honor of serving in western Pennsylvania. We’re excited to
watch them grow, learn, and succeed in Girl Scouts.
Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Patricia A. Burkart
Chief Executive Office r
Lois Kuttesch
Board Chair
Mission Statement ...
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Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence,
and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania 2016-2017 Annual Report