Volunteers and Community Partners Awarded for Sharing Inspiring Gifts with Girl Scouts

SPECIAL APPRECIATION: Allison Brown of Tulsa was awarded the Appreciation Pin.

TULSA, Okla. – On May 15 Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma recognized the hard work of individuals and organizations at their annual Adult Recognition Event. Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma relies on this incredible group of individuals to effectively serve the girls. The following individuals and community organizations are to be commended for their outstanding support and continued dedication to Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma:

Ada (1): Melissa Speed

Bartlesville (2): Joan Singleton and Tony Singleton

Broken Arrow (1): Susan Roskam

Durant (1): Barbara Montgomery

Inola (1): Cindy Manning

Jenks (2): Debra McClain and Marcy Wakeford

Mounds (1): Roger Beall

Okemah (1): Kathe McKinney

Owasso (3): Kathy Brandon, Kelly Overholt and Lynn Richardson

Ponca City (3): Robin Cnossen, Gregg’s Mini Storage and Shelli Hackney

Pryor (1): Roller City of Pryor

Tahlequah (1): Katy June

Tulsa (8): Arvest Bank, Alison Brown, Celeste Franklin, GableGotwals, Melissa Hamby, Christi Luks, QuikTrip, and Karen Slankard

ADA PROFILE:

Melissa Speed received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of helpfulness she shares with Girl Scouts. In 2010, Melissa devoted herself to making sure the Girl Scout Cookie Sale would be a success, not only for her own Aphchi Service Unit (Ada and surrounding communities), but for her entire region. She served as her Service Unit’s Cookie Coordinator and as the Ada Area Cookie Cupboard Manager serving Pontotoc, Seminole and Hughes Counties.

In her role as the Cupboard Manager, Melissa worked her schedule around the needs of many different leaders, sometimes visiting the cupboard several times a day. In addition to her other duties as a leader and co-leader, Service Unit event volunteer, and day camp volunteer, Melissa has been an active part of the Service Unit. She selflessly mentored leaders who were new to the Cookie Sale, encouraging them to not only survive but to thrive. She did all this while maintaining her cheerful disposition and always exhibiting good Girl Scout behavior!

About the Appreciation Pin: The Appreciation Pin is a nationally recognized award that honors an individual who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, Service Unit, or program delivery audience. These volunteers serve our Council in a variety of ways, but they are alike in that each of them goes above and beyond the expectations of the position they agreed to accept.

BARTLESVILLE PROFILES:

Joan Singleton was awarded the Thanks Badge for the gift of leadership she shares with Girl Scouts. From her profession as a library administrator to her role as administrator for the Bartlesville Cemetery and Historical Museum, it is clear how lucky Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma is to have Joan as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Joan Singleton started serving on the Board of Directors for Bluestem Council before being appointed as the Co-Chair of the Council Realignment Committee.

She served on the CEO Search Committee, Governance Committee and then took the helm as the inaugural Board Chair for the newly formed Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. In addition, she is now serving as a Sponsor for the Strategic Learning process, ensuring that GSEOK is well prepared for the changing nature of girls’ needs and Council planning.

Joan’s tireless commitment to excellence has her traveling throughout our Council to meetings, fundraising functions, and volunteer gatherings, as well as girl events like the Gold and Silver Award Ceremony. Joan leads with dignity and grace at all times. She exemplifies the Promise and the Law and uses the Mission of the organization to make decisions with the girls first in her mind. She consistently displays integrity and fairness.

Although faced with an array of challenging tasks, she has guided the Council forward to establish a sound strategic direction. Her calm, quiet presence and her willingness to see and work toward the greater good has helped the Council navigate the waters during anxious times and through difficult decisions. Her broad perspective, practical business skills, and strong-while-gentle leadership have helped build relationships and systems that will support services for Girl Scouts throughout eastern Oklahoma for years to come.

About the Thanks Badge: The Thanks Badge awardis the second highest award given to adults in Girl Scouting. It recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total Council or the entire Girl Scout movement.

Tony Singleton was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Award for the gift of dependability he shares with the Council. Tony Singleton is husband to Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Board Chair Joan Singleton. The work of the Board often requires Joan to review and approve Council documents in Tulsa at a moment’s notice, which could prove difficult as Joan and Tony live in Bartlesville. However, since June 2008, Tony has selflessly volunteered to supply courier service for these important documents.

Because of Tony’s flexible and dependable nature, not to mention a job that brings him to Tulsa daily, Joan always has the information she needs. Without compensation or personal gain, he travels out of his way to the Tulsa Girl Scout Service Center, even with last minute warning, to pick up paperwork, and then faithfully returns it all before going to his own job the next morning.He has even driven to Tulsa on days off because he knew the need was great.This is far beyond the expectations of the Board Chair, let alone her spouse!

About the Outstanding Volunteer Award: The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a volunteer’s outstanding contribution, typically to a Service Unit, however this year, the Council is awarding an individual whose exemplary service extended to all areas of the Council.

BROKEN ARROW PROFILE:

Susan Roskam received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of determination she shares with Girl Scouts. The Girl Scout volunteer experience can be challenging at times, so there is always a need for people who thrive in times of adversity, facing each challenge with strength and the determination that nothing will keep them from providing Girl Scouting to young women. Susan Roskam is one of these women. Her personal style of being hands-on and leading by example showcases this diplomatic, sympathetic, and supportive cheerleader who always has a smile on her face.

She has managed to help each leader find a place within a Service Unit that has merged three groups together. She draws upon the experienced leaders to serve as a backbone for their entire group. She instills a sense of loyalty and makes each person feel as though they are a valued member of the team. She not only serves as the Three Feathers Service Unit (Broken Arrow and surrounding communities) Manager, but as their Cookie Coordinator as well. She works directly with the girls passing along that same strength and commitment.And even though she was leading her own daughter’s troop, when another troop was unable to find a leader, she willingly took that task on as well.

DURANT PROFILE:

Barbara Montgomery received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of guidance she shares with Girl Scouts. Barbara Montgomery helped the Magnolia Service Unit (Durant and surrounding communities) emerge through change. When their previous Service Unit Manager had to step down, Barbara stepped up. She took on the challenge of reminding leaders why they were involved and delegated tasks so that everyone had a joint and vested interest in their success. She is driven to see not only the girls grow, but also their leaders. She continually leads by example as she takes on recruitment, registration, product sales and events. She is dedicated in creating a cohesive unit that can move forward together.

INOLA PROFILE:

Cindy Manning received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of sisterhood she shares with Girl Scouts. With more than ten years of experience, Cindy has consistently ensured that the opportunity for Girl Scouting is available to girls in the Eastland Service Unit (east Tulsa). As a Troop Leader of Ambassadors, she has encouraged her girls to become very active members through her happy, helpful attitude and unending energy. She has spent years working at the Shady Acres Day Camp, transitioning from a Unit Helper to the current Business Manager. In her time as the Service Unit Manager, she has held most of the responsibility for recruitment events, Thinking Day, Investiture, Rededications, Mother/Daughter or Father/Daughter projects, Bridging, and product sales. When McClure Park Service Unit lacked leadership, she invited them to join with her own leaders at their monthly meetings. She has welcomed them with open arms, offering the same informative meetings she provides to her own leaders. When she learned of a backlog at the Council with registrations, she came in to be trained on the new membership system so she could help enter the information.It is clear she embodies the Promise and Law and is truly a Sister to every Girl Scout.

JENKS PROFILES:

Debra McClain received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of diligence she shares with Girl Scouts. Protecting the financial resources of the girls is critical to the Girl Scout programs, so the Council is very fortunate to have volunteers like Debra who share their gift of monetary management. First as the Service Unit Cookie Coordinator and now as the Riversbend (south Tulsa and Jenks) Co-Manager, Debra’s attention to the financial well being of her area has been an integral part of their success. Her personality and friendliness make her approachable to all volunteers who have cookie or finance related questions. She assists troops in establishing bank accounts, reviews each troop’s finances regularly, and handles the Service Unit treasury. She is committed to knowing and following all Council guidelines and procedures and makes sure her troops are informed about them as well. Debra’s expertise and willingness to help make her an asset to her fellow Service Unit volunteers.

Marcy Wakeford received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of support she shares with Girl Scouts. Using her extensive organizational skills, Marcy has encouraged her Service Unit and troops to continue moving forward. As a Troop Leader and Co-Service Unit Manager for Riversbend (south Tulsa and Jenks), she goes above and beyond to deliver exemplary service. Marcy is quick to respond to the needs of her Service Unit and to help new leaders. She takes the time to personally call and talk with potential new leaders and prospective parents, encouraging them to join and to step up as leaders. She helps by mentoring new leaders and helping existing leaders with personal issues. As a result of her unending support, the Service Unit has blossomed and her troops are taking pride in offering excellent programs and opportunities to the girls.

MOUNDS PROFILE:

Roger Beall received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of service he shares with Girl Scouts. Roger is committed to fully preparing each volunteer he encounters in the Whispering Oaks Service Unit (Sapulpa and surrounding areas) with unconditional support.He has served as the Service Unit Registrar and Troop Organizer and went far beyond simply assigning girls to troops, following up with phone calls to be sure the girls are attending the meetings and if not, offering alternative troops to make attendance easier.

As a Co-Service Unit Manager, he conducts a thorough orientation with each new leader providing not only the basic necessities, but an entire welcome kit, customized with everything one might possibly need. He then arranges for a mentor to work hand in hand with that leader until she is comfortable holding meetings on her own. In his role as Service Unit Cookie Coordinator, Roger again delivers over-the-top support. He is always available for leaders to pick up more cookies. He packs his personal van full and visits every booth sale to be sure they have enough cookies. He offers to pick up lunch and makes certain that everyone is safe. If girls are selling cookies like crazy at a booth sale, Roger has been known to make multiple cookie deliveries so the girls can keep selling!

About the Appreciation Pin: The Appreciation Pinis a nationally recognized award that honors an individual who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, Service Unit, or program delivery audience. These volunteers serve our Council in a variety of ways, but they are alike in that each of them goes above and beyond the expectations of the position they agreed to accept.

OKEMAH PROFILE:

Kathe McKinney received the Honor Pin for the gift of spirit she shares with Girl Scouts. Having celebrated her 40th year in Girl Scouting last year, Kathe has had the opportunity to see both her daughters and granddaughters grow in Girl Scouting. She has made it her personal mission to make sure there is always room for the girls who want to be a part of Girl Scouts. She leads two troops that are constantly expanding and taking on new members, organizes events for Tulledega Service Unit (Okmulgee, Henryetta and surrounding communities), directs her local day camp and serves as a Council Trainer, Service Unit Team Member, Area Delegate and mentor to new leaders. Kathe is always willing to work with new and experienced leaders alike, ensuring that they are comfortable and truly understand all aspects of their positions.

She believes in the success of the program being girl led and sets a great example for others. She is always promoting the movement and looking for opportunities to be visible in the community, even visiting other camping events throughout the state to learn new skills to share with her girls as well as share her own experiences. Kathe exudes the very essence of Girl Scouting and promotes the values of the movement in everything she does!

About the Honor Pin: The Honor Pin is given to volunteers who have delivered outstanding service to two or more Service Units or program delivery audiences. It also recognizes the efforts of those who have gone beyond the expectations of their positions.

OWASSO PROFILES:

Kathy Brandon received the Thanks Badge for the gift of innovation she shares with Girl Scouts. Many successful business women today say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookies. Girls practice useful life skills like planning, decision-making, and customer service. During cookie activities, girls are members of a team working towards a common goal, with each girl striving to do her best. One person in eastern Oklahoma has the primary responsibility to see that girls get this incredible opportunity. Kathy Brandon has been overseeing the Fall Product Sale and annual Cookie Sale for 14 years.

Not satisfied with just accepting a “cookie-cutter” program, she strives each year to customize and improve the materials, the delivery and the program itself. Through embracing technology, the Council now electronically manages cookie orders, accounts and even booth sales. To recognize our top sellers each year, Kathy coordinates the 500 Club and 1000 Club to both reward and motivate girls.Three years ago she collaborated with the Communications Department to create the PR Stars, a group of girls trained in media relations and public speaking.

Above all, Kathy ensures that every Girl Scout has the opportunity to grow, not only in salesmanship and leadership, but as a person of honesty and integrity. She has assembled and trained a team of remarkable volunteers who speak of her long hours and hard work, but more importantly, call her their friend.

Her personal commitment to the success of the Cookie Sale in particular is seen in the large and small details of rising early to make appearances on the morning shows, standing in the rain or cold at the cookie warehouse, giving her personal contact number to volunteers so issues can be handled as promptly as possible, and making sure the girls are included in the planning process and that their opinions are valued.

Not satisfied with resting on her past successes, this year Kathy ran a pilot program to test holding a direct Council Cookie Sale. Using two different time lines and processes, it was like adding a third sale into her already overflowing calendar. Hearing all of her amazing qualities, it’s easy to guess where she got her start as well … Girl Scouts!

Kelly Overholt received the Appreciation Pin for the gift of courage she shares with Girl Scouts. When a leadership position opens up, especially at the last minute, finding the RIGHT person for the job often takes a back seat to finding ANY person for the job. When the right person steps forward twice, it is truly a gift.Kelly Overholt courageously took on the role of Day Camp Director for Camp Watastota when a sudden vacancy occurred in 2009, and she again filled in when the Osage Service Unit (Owasso and surrounding communities) was in need of a Cookie Coordinator.

Not only did she do so once when the need was great, but she is continuing in both of these positions. She does this on top of her troop leadership responsibilities, which are not small. She leads a very active older girl troop that participates in or volunteers at most Service Unit events. She has also been the Rally Coordinator, Daisy Organizer, and chaired various Service Unit events. She is gracious in accepting compliments for her efforts, and she consistently shows girls and adults both how vital volunteering in our communities is and the impact one person can have in touching lives. Growing up as a Girl Scout has given her an outlook on life that brings a generous, giving spirit to all she does.

Lynn Richardson received the Honor Pin for the example she sets for Girl Scouts. Lynn has an exhaustive list of positions she has held as a volunteer. She has served as the Troop Leader for both of her daughter’s troops, been a Consultant, chaired numerous committees – such as Leader Appreciation, Thinking Day and Summer Workshops – and served as the Cookie Coordinator. She has been a lifeguard, Watastota Day Camp Unit Leader and served as the Day Camp Director for six years. Now, she is serving on the Council Cookie Team and is a Juliette Advisor for the Osage Service Unit (Owasso and surrounding communities).

As her experiences within Girl Scouting continue to expand, it is clear that her desire to share that experience with girls and other volunteers is expanding as well. Lynn has such a calm demeanor that she creates a wonderful atmosphere for the other volunteers around her. She instills new leaders with the attitude that they, too, can be successful as she encourages and guides them to spread their own wings and take on new challenges. She makes them believe they can be great leaders like her.

PONCA CITY PROFILES:

Robin Cnossen receivedthe Appreciation Pin for the gift of nurturing leadership she shares with Girl Scouts. As a leader, Robin has instilled open minds and open hearts in her girls to see the difference they can make in the world.She helps them see that their contributions are not based on what badge or patch they are earning, but the satisfaction of making a difference, whether it is in the Cherokee Strip Service Unit (Ponca City and the surrounding communities) or halfway around the world.Robin Cnossen is a strong and confident leader who has built strong, confident girls. In addition to her responsibilities as Troop Leader, she has also served as the Service Unit Registrar for the last eight years and has coordinated numerous Service Unit and Council events. She is willing to share her wealth of experience and mentor any volunteer in need. And she is helping train the next generation of young ladies to become leaders in whatever they choose to do in life.

Tracy Gregg of Gregg’s Mini Storage receivedthe Outstanding Community Service to Girl Scouts Award.

Tracy Gregg has allowed the Ponca City Service Unit to use his mini-storage facility for their Girl Scout Cookie Sale delivery for the last several years. He assists in the unloading of the truck with his own forklift and allows Girl Scouts to use his pallet jack to transport the cookies around the complex. Tracy makes a special effort to clean out the big bay at his warehouse, providing additional room for the troops to sort orders free from the threat of inclement weather. For all the effort and work he puts forth, Tracy never asks for anything in return, not even a box of cookies!

About the Outstanding Community Service to Girl Scouts Award: The Outstanding Community Service to Girl Scouts Award is a Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma award, presented to special businesses and individuals. As an organization we recognize how fortunate we are to have such giving and gracious community partners. Without their generosity of spirit, we would be severely limited in the ways that we provide programs for girls. This award is given each year to groups or individuals who best personify this spirit of service.

Shelli Hackney receivedthe Appreciation Pin for the gift of devotion she shares with Girl Scouts. Shelli leads not one, not two, but three different troops. She has two daughters, whose troops she agreed to lead, but several years ago when another troop could find no leader, she stepped forward and agreed to take them on as well. And even though she leads three troops, Shelli still finds time to be an active member of the Service Unit Team and assists with numerous events each year, such as local parades, booth sales, day camp and the Santa Workshop in Ponca City. Her troops continue to take in new girls, but the number of girls that remain with her troops speaks to the quality of her leadership. Her enthusiasm and dedication have encouraged many girls to grow, develop and achieve goals through Girl Scouting.

PRYOR PROFILE:

Renée Carson of Roller City of Pryor received the Outstanding Community Service to Girl Scouts Award. While Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma initiates many of their own collaborations, this recipient’s community partnership began because of their desire to work with Girl Scouts. Renée Carson called her local Girl Scout Service Unit and asked how she could support Girl Scouts in her area. She not only offered the use of her skating rink for a recruiting event at a discounted rate, but she also helped plan and carry out the event and made fliers to distribute prior to the activity. She even stayed overnight to help make the event special for all of the girls. The efforts of this business resulted in an event for 81 girls and the formation of three new troops. Renée and the Lakeland Service Unit (Pryor and surrounding communities) are already planning a retention event to continue this already successful partnership!

TAHLEQUAH PROFILE:

Katy (Felts) June received the Honor Pin for the gift of sharing she gives to Girl Scouts. Coming from a family with over 60 years of Scouting experience, you might dismiss Katy’s efforts as routine, but that fail to recognize the scope of her volunteerism. Katy June is not a woman who belonged to Girl Scouts as girl, then returned as a Troop Leader years later. She never left. Katy smoothly transitioned from a girl member, who belonged to a troop and enjoyed spending time with her troop mates, to a Gold Award recipient, who built a playground for a homeless shelter, to an independent Troop Leader while attending college. Between studying for exams she would take her troop camping.

Now, in addition to continuing her work as a Troop Leader, Katy organizes Cherokee Service Unit (Tahlequah and surrounding communities) Campouts, directs the Camp Polly Day Camp and is a Troop Camper Trainer. She has had a broad range of experience in Girl Scouting and she is committed to sharing her expertise with others. She teaches songs to young girls and camping skills to their leaders.She teaches her community the values of Girl Scouting, and has even convinced a group of elderly ladies to go camping with her troop in order to teach the girls how to knit. Katy always makes everyone feel like they belong.

TULSA PROFILES:

Alison Brown receivedthe Appreciation Pin for the gift of willingness she shares with Girl Scouts. Alison is not able to register her 2-year old daughter yet (or the one that is due in August), but that doesn’t stop her from being fully involved with the Girl Scouts. Her experience as a child in Girl Scouting led her to become a Co-Troop Leader when a former troop-mate started a Daisy troop for her daughter. But that was not the end of her involvement.

As needs presented themselves, Alison smoothly stepped into each new role.She joined Osage Service Unit (Owasso and surrounding communities) committees.She took over security at the last minute for Watastota Day Camp in 2009, and this year when the Osage Cookie Coordinator had to resign for health reasons, she stepped into the role of a Cookie Coordinator. Alison is the “go to” girl. She steps in and helps wherever she is needed. She reminds us that being involved in Girl Scouting doesn’t have to end because you grow up, or your daughters grow up, or even because your daughters aren’t old enough yet.

Arvest Bank received the Outstanding Community Service to Girl Scouts Award. Arvest Bank has been the primary bank for Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma (the former Girl Scouts of Magic Empire Council and Girl Scouts – Bluestem Council) for over ten years. During this time their employees have epitomized exemplary customer service in dealing with corporate accounts as well as hundreds of troop accounts. Arvest has made every step user friendly and accessible – from opening accounts to helping leaders manage their troop treasuries. Arvest has also been an essential partner to the success of the Girl Scout product sales. There isn’t anything Girl Scouts has asked from Arvest that they haven’t supplied with a smile, asking “What else can we do?”They consistently give contributions to the staff and United Way events, provide food for a reception and support for the Juliette Low Leadership Society.

Celeste Franklin receivedthe Honor Pin for the gift of dedication she shares with Girl Scouts. Celeste grew up as a Girl Scout and has moved gracefully into the adult realm of Girl Scouting. She currently serves as the Leadership Experience Manager for grades K-5. She plans and carries out a wide variety of programs each year such as the Drillers Overnight, Daisy Day, Brownie Boogie and Sangam Wide Game. She organizes an army of volunteer coordinators, each selected for their ability to share their own special gifts with the girls.She nurtures and encourages them as they take on these leadership roles and provides support in a manner that allows them to find their own leadership styles and grow into each unique role. Even for programs celebrating their 10th year, Celeste approaches each event with enthusiasm, and she is always looking for new things to offer to the girls.

Despite a full schedule, when she encountered the Powered Up, bullying prevention program, she recognized the value and quality of the material and knew it was something the girls in eastern Oklahoma had to experience. As the program begins to bloom and expand, Celeste maintains her composure and stays true to her self- description of “Calm Celeste.” Never drawing attention to herself, she steadfastly does her work, finding satisfaction in ensuring that every girl, regardless of circumstance has the opportunity to thrive in Girl Scouting. She keeps a positive attitude and open mind at all times and inspires others every day to be better Girl Scouts.

GableGotwals Law Firm received the Outstanding Community Service to Girl Scouts Award. GableGotwals has served as Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma’s (GSEOK) legal counsel on a pro bono basis for four years.During realignment, they provided the Council with two staff members who worked collaboratively to complete the state-required work for the Council merger – writing the documents and ensuring proper filing with the state of Oklahoma.

On their own initiative, they wanted to partner with the Council, and to this end, they placed a large marquee at the Tulsa airport so that all arriving passengers can see a picture of a local Girl Scout and the words, “GableGotwals are proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma.” The firm works with Girl Scout staff on personnel issues to ensure that all documentation and procedures are legal, and their attorneys are available to the Council for consultations and legal reviews. They research issues and promptly provide findings, and despite the fact that Girl Scouts is not billed for GableGotwals’ services, they always ensure that the Council feels like an important client. During the past six years, members of the firm have even stepped up to serve on the GSEOK Board of Directors, providing valuable perspective and direction on an ongoing basis.

Melissa Hamby receivedthe Appreciation Pin for the gift of enthusiasm she shares with Girl Scouts. Like many of our volunteers, Melissa fills several positions within her Service Unit. She is an active Troop Leader and University School Organizer, where she helped carry out the Oak Leaf (Midtown Tulsa) Recruitment Rally. She has been the Cookie Crunch-Off Coordinator, Fall Product Sale Coordinator, and is now the Service Unit Cookie Coordinator.She has also planned and carried out the last two Service Unit Campouts. Not only does Melissa successfully accomplish all of these things, but she does so with contagious optimism and energy. She has boundless creativity and utilizes her innovative thinking to provide useful and interesting wide games for the girls.She is always willing to add girls to her troop who find themselves without a leader, and takes charge of any opportunity with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. Other adults enjoy working with her because she is simply fun and creates an environment that others want to join. Melissa is an amazing model for a Girl Scout volunteer.

Christi Luks receivedthe Honor Pin for the gift of generosity she shares with Girl Scouts. In the past ten years, nearly 2200 girls have had the opportunity to explore the world of math, science, engineering and technology thanks to Christi. She has used her professional connections and expertise to deliver high quality experiences to the Girl Scouts in eastern Oklahoma. As an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Tulsa, Christi has secured an ideal facility to hold the Math, Science and Technology Workshop for Brownies and the Badge Day for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. She provides access to laboratories and computers with various engineering programs. She taps her own network of fellow professional women to speak to the girls about the possibilities of engineering careers and delivers an educational session for Brownie leaders, giving them take-home materials and information and increasing their comfort level with science activities. In addition, as the faculty advisor of Engineers Without Borders, Christi was instrumental in the construction of a pottery kiln at Camp Tallchief, even hauling bricks herself.

QuikTrip was awarded the Outstanding Community Service to Girl Scouts Award. For the past two years, QuikTrip (QT) Corporate has elected to spend their United Way Day of Caring at Camp Tallchief, donating service and materials to Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. But this is far beyond normal corporate involvement in the Day of Caring. QuickTrip takes their visit to a whole new level. Their employees begin planning months in advance. They visit Camp Tallchief and meet with staff to create a list of projects that aid in camp maintenance, enhance program for girls and reflect the talents and interests of their employees. In the days prior to Day of Caring, they come to the site for necessary project prep work and advance delivery of bulk supplies. On the actual day, QT arrives with its own party in tow, with over 125 corporate employees filling the parking lot.

Teams are assembled, equipped and sent throughout Camps Tallchief and Swannie to paint, stain, clear, cut, build and create. There are power tools, hand tools and supplies by the truckload. The QT “Raptor” ATV, loaded with water, drinks and ice for the hard-working volunteers, travels from group to group throughout the day. The team’s energy is contagious and helps to make the day even brighter than expected for everyone at camp. QT employees from every department and salary participate in the grueling fun. Over the past two years, the team has donated more than $100,000 in labor and supplies.

In addition to typical maintenance projects, they have completed three projects that are very personal to Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. In 2008, they created an arbor as an entry way to Linda’s Web, the labyrinth created in memory of Linda Webb. They also constructed several benches and a fire ring at the labyrinth site. In 2009, they cleared a large area at Inspiration Point and added an arbor which frames the beautiful view as campers approach. The QT team also rebuilt all of the benches at the ceremonial fire ring, added new ones to increase seating, and improved the fire pit itself. When Girl Scouts offers gratitude to this hardworking generous group, they insist on thanking the Girl Scouts for giving them the opportunity to make a contribution to the future and for providing an excellent teambuilding activity that always lifts their already great morale..

Karen Slankard received the Thanks Badge for the gift of commitment she shares with Girl Scouts. For the past 16 years, Karen has fearlessly directed the Woodwind Spring Break Day Camp. During this time, more than 1000 girls have spent a week in March in the sun, rain, ice, and snow honing their outdoor skills under Karen’s patient and watchful eye. Her tireless hours of preparation, organization and planning always lead to a successful and collaborative camping environment where girls get to explore an assortment of topics from patriotism to diversity. She would do anything for the girls and is infinitely patient. She teaches the girls responsibility and self-reliance as exemplified by this former camper who says, “She trusted me and gave me a chance to show what I could really do. … She makes everyone feel special at camp.”

Karen’s Girl Scout work is not limited to day camping. She has also been very involved in the mystery adventure trips and program events for individual girls. She has served as the Service Unit Manager for Route 66 (East/Central Tulsa) twice, and this past year stepped in to become an advisor for the Cadette/Senior/Ambassador Planning Parliament. Not surprising, Karen’s influence affects both girls and adults. Her infectious spirit impacts everyone she works with. She leads by example with incredible insight, grace and humor always keeping central the Girl Scout program, Promise and Law.

About Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.7 million girl and adult members worldwide. Newly formed in 2008, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahomahas grown to serve more than 13,000 girls and volunteers in 30 eastern Oklahoma Counties.

Updated 05-27-2010

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