“Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout” is a guiding philosophy that demonstrates how the values, skills, and camaraderie of Girl Scouting stay with a person for a lifetime. The lifelong sisterhood, leadership, and commitment to making the world a better place extend long after active participation or girlhood ends. Candyce Strafford, a Naples resident, is a shining example of this philosophy, role-modeling the courage, confidence, and character she developed through her scouting years. Today, like many others before her, she continues her involvement by mentoring and supporting the organization, guiding young girls and women, and demonstrating how to develop healthy coping skills for life.

A Girl Scout for life, Strafford currently leads a troop of five girls. “There were originally nine girls. One is now a practicing lawyer and has shared with me that, without my influence in her life, she would never have gone to law school or accomplished what she has. Another of the girls who graduated last year is also enrolled in law school. Expressions of gratitude are an amazing gift to me, because I believe that what we give out comes back to us in spades,” says Strafford, who currently has two girls working toward their Girl Scout Gold Award. One is developing an emotional learning project, while the other is creating an ocean pollution awareness program that she will present at local elementary schools to educate students about the importance of protecting the oceans from litter.

The Gold Award

The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. It is earned by high school students in grades 9 through 12 who create lasting, sustainable, and measurable community change. The award requires at least 80 hours of work, often spanning one to two years, on projects that address the root causes of community issues while implementing sustainable solutions. Because of its rigorous requirements, only 5.4 percent of eligible Girl Scouts earn the distinction. The leadership, project management, and networking skills gained through the process are invaluable for future career opportunities, and many colleges and universities offer scholarships and special recognition to Gold Award recipients.

“Even though the girls have graduated, they continue coming to meetings. It means so much to them to be part of a sisterhood that sees itself as the generation that will make a difference in the world. They are seasoned travelers and all have passports. Excited that they will be old enough to register to vote in the next presidential election, they are motivated to help shape the future,” says Strafford.

The girls have passports because Strafford took them on a two-week international trip two years ago. “Our itinerary included Bath, England, where we stayed at a youth hostel; London, where we stayed at the Girl Scout World Centre; and Paris, where we stayed at a sports youth hostel. It was a great adventure for all of us, and it strengthened their emotional maturity while building their confidence,” recalls Strafford, who has been a Girl Scout leader for 26 years.

“The girls are more like a family of siblings. They’ve grown up together, learned from one another, and matured into delightful and responsible young women. They step in to support one another when they see someone making poor choices. They enjoy cooking together, have each other’s backs, and hold one another accountable if someone isn’t pulling her weight. It’s done in loving ways, and they understand the importance of standing strong rather than giving in to peer pressure. With solid ethics and a clear sense of what they stand for, they give my generation hope for the future,” says Strafford.