Fall 2025 SOAR Magazine

SOAR Fall 2025 magazine

GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI

ON MY HONOR

Mission Moment

GIRL SCOUTING BUILDS GIRLS OF COURAGE, CONFIDENCE, AND CHARACTER, WHO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri was proud to celebrate the grand opening of our new Build-A-Bear Workshop ® , located within the GSEM Service Center. This unique space was designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and bring joy to our community.

The GSEM Build-A-Bear Workshop offers the signature make-your own experience with a wide assortment of plush, including the iconic heart ceremony, customizable accessories, and a special selection of apparel. This new addition is a meaningful step forward in our mission to deliver impactful, hands-on experiences that empower girls and engage our community.

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CONTENTS 6 18

CHANGEMAKERS Community impact on the lives of eastern Missouri Girl Scouts IGNITE News and achievements from Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

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ILLUMINATE Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri volunteer corner

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TRAILBLAZER Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri alumni spotlight REWIND A look back in Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri history

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From the CEO In this edition of SOAR Magazine , we are celebrating stories of courage, leadership, and legacy—qualities that make Girl Scouts such a powerful force in shaping the future. isn’t about titles. You’ll follow the inspiring legacy of Drs. Ann and Doug Teske, and how the name Dorcas Engelhardt is continuing to open doors for girls nearly a century later. You’ll discover how Maxine Clark turned lessons learned as a Brownie into a career that changed the face of retail and philanthropy. You’ll connect with current Girl Scout, Legacy Jackson, and how her family spans generations of Girl Scout involvement. And you’ll hear from Jo Ann Taylor Kindle and Carolyn Kindle, trailblazers in the community and professional sports, as they reflect on the power of teamwork, determination, and believing in yourself. Together, these stories remind us that Girl Scouts is more than an organization, it’s a lifelong community where girls grow into women who lead, give back, and change the world. Each story in this issue is proof that when girls are given the space to dream and the support to achieve, there is no limit to what they can do. You’ll meet Nicole Marshall, a principal and Girl Scout volunteer who reminds us leadership I hope as you read these pages, you see a reflection of your own Girl Scout story— whether it’s a memory from your troop days, a moment volunteering, or the joy of knowing your support are helping girls discover their strengths. The future is bright, and it’s being built, one girl at a time. Thank you for being part of this movement, for cheering on girls at every stage of their journey, and for helping us keep the spark of Girl Scouts shining bright.

Together is better, let’s soar higher!

With gratitude,

Natissia Small, Ed.D. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO

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IGNITE

Dessert First This signature gala brought together supporters, community leaders, and partners committed to growing the next generation of women leaders. The event celebrated the power of Girl Scouts, honored outstanding Girl Scouts for their leadership and service, and awarded three scholarships to support higher education. GSEM extends a heartfelt gratitude to everyone who plays a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success.

World of Wonder Extravaganza

Young Professionals Association Trivia Night GSEM’s Young Professional Association, our dynamic group of early- to mid-career professionals supporting the Girl Scout mission through leadership, networking and service, hosted their second annual Trivia Night. More than 130 attendees dressed up in their holiday flair, participated in rounds of trivia and interactive games, and had loads of fun.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri hosted our inaugural World of Wonder Extravaganza, a vibrant celebration of connection, creativity, and community. More than 400 guests who attended enjoyed a variety of performances, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that highlighted global traditions and artistic expressions.

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BON VOYAGE!

Europe In partnerships with EF Tours for Girls, GSEM staff led 35 Girl Scouts on an overseas journey across three countries, including Ireland, England and Wales. During this unforgettable experience, tour highlights included kissing the Blarney Stone, visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and seeing Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Indiana Dunes Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Community Troop Program took a road trip to visit Indiana Dunes. The Girl Scouts enjoyed time at the beach, swimming in Lake Michigan, and exploring the sand dunes and nature of Indiana Dunes National Park.

Rocky Mountains Girl Scouts headed out west to explore the Rocky Mountains in colorful Colorado! Led by guides from Colorado Mountain Expeditions, Girl Scouts hiked mountains, went rock climbing and rafting, camped under the stars, and enjoyed nature.

Space Camp We finished out our summer travel with a trip to Huntsville, Alabama to attend Space Camp! Girl Scouts had the chance to build their own rockets, train like an astronaut and work in mission control, and launch as part of the flight crew on a simulated space mission.

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Girl Scouts builds girls who are empowered to be leaders and to be themselves.

Leading with Heart How One Principal Builds Future Leaders through Girl Scouts

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W hen Nicole Marshall talks about leadership, she isn’t thinking about titles. She’s thinking about the shy girl who leads a campfire song for the first time, the high schooler mapping out her Gold Award project, the elementary student learning that their voice matters.

weathered grief, explored identity, and supported one another during personal challenges. Through it all, Girl Scouts provided what Nicole calls “an unmatched environment of acceptance, encouragement, and growth.” “No matter what a girl is going through, Girl Scouts is a place to grow into who you’re meant to be. The leadership skills, the confidence, the support—it’s unmatched.” changed how they gather. Instead of weekly meetings, the girls meet socially once a semester, while the rest of the year focuses on independent projects that let them lead in their own circles. Nicole has never forced a one-size-fits-all model, instead, she’s trusted her girls to take the lead. That flexibility reflects her larger philosophy: leadership looks different for everyone, but every girl deserves the chance to discover her own style. “I can’t wait to see our girls go out into the world and make an impact,” she says. “Some will stay here, some will move away, but I know they’ll lead in their own ways.” Whether in the school hallway or around a campfire, Nicole Marshall leads by example. And for the girls who’ve grown up under her guidance, leadership will never just be a title, it will be a way of life. Now, as her troop enters their senior year of high school, busy schedules have

Nicole knows those moments can change a life— because she’s spent more than a decade creating them.

Nicole is the principal at Ray Miller Elementary School in Kirksville, Missouri, a troop leader to high school Girl Scouts, and a lifelong Girl Scout herself. She has spent more than a decade shaping girls’ futures, sometimes in the classroom, sometimes at a troop meeting, always with a heart for helping kids grow. Nicole’s Girl Scout story started long before she had a school office or a volunteer title. “I was a Girl Scout when I was younger,” she recalls. “I still have all my patches and the pillow I made at day camp. I wanted my daughter to have those same kinds of memories.” Her daughter, Kate, became the spark that brought Nicole back to Girl Scouts. In Kate’s kindergarten year, Nicole signed her up and rejoined the fold as a troop volunteer. Before long, she was taking on Cookie and Treats & Reads manager roles, co-directing day camp, and then running it herself for several years. She also stepped into neighborhood and district manager roles, often juggling multiple responsibilities in the same year. Each role let her build connections with kids, parents, and other volunteers that turned acquaintances into a tight-knit community. As an educator, Nicole has always believed in giving kids ownership over their learning. That philosophy carried over into her Girl Scout leadership, and it works both ways. “My experience in education helps me stay organized and adjust when something isn’t working for a child,” she says. “And Girl Scouts gives me a different perspective, seeing kids in their fun, social environment helps me bring that understanding back into the classroom.” For Nicole, leadership is the most valuable skill Girl Scouts can teach. She’s seen girls blossom into confident, capable decision-makers. “I’ve seen it within my own daughter. Girl Scouts gave her more leadership opportunities at a younger age than school could. It’s a safe space to try, to lead, and even to fail.”

That safe space has carried her troop through more than projects and badges. Over the years, they’ve

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CHANGEMAKERS

Carrying the Torch

I n 1936, a young woman in Ferguson, Missouri, accepted a simple invitation: to serve as an assistant leader for a Girl Scout troop. Her name was Dorcas Engelhardt, and that single “yes” grew into a lifetime of service spanning 65 years and a ripple effect still felt today. Dorcas, who grew up in poverty and left high school to support her family, knew firsthand what it meant to go without. Yet within Girl Scouts, she built a community where no girl would be left behind. She covered dues in secret, refurbished donated uniforms, and made sure every girl had the same chance to discover her potential. Her quiet acts of generosity became a powerful legacy—one her daughter, Dr. Ann Teske, and son-in-law, Dr. Doug Teske, continue to honor. In 2001, they established the Dorcas Engelhardt Endowment Fund, ensuring that girls facing financial, physical, or emotional challenges can fully participate in Girl Scouts. “None of us develop on our own,” Ann reflects. “We were raised up on hundreds of shoulders. Doug and I believe deeply in paying it forward.” That belief is more than words, it’s lived experience. While pursuing her doctorate at The Ohio State University, Ann led Troop 1562 in Columbus. One afternoon, she received a call from a mother whose daughter, Jenny, had been turned away from two troops. Jenny lived with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that left

her bones extremely fragile and required her to use a wheelchair. Ann brought the request to her 23 third graders: “Jenny wants to be a Girl Scout. She doesn’t want to sit in her wheelchair and watch you be Girl Scouts.” The girls voted unanimously: Jenny was in. Together, the troop adapted every badge, game, and trip so Jenny could participate. “It wasn’t just inclusion,” Ann explains. “It was education. The girls learned how to open their arms and hearts to someone different, and that stayed with them.” Years later, Jenny credited those experiences with giving her the confidence to serve two terms on her local city council, where she became a powerful advocate for accessibility. Today, the Teskes’ focus on expanding opportunities in STEM, donating more than 500 books to the local council’s STEM Center and partnering with companies like Honda Motors to create hands on programs. As members of the Juliette Gordon Low Planned Giving Society, they are also ensuring Girl Scouts will thrive for generations to come. “Technology is reshaping every field,” Doug says. “We want girls to have access now, so doors are wide open later.” From Dorcas’s humble troop in 1936 to Ann and Doug’s vision today, their family embodies the enduring power of Girl Scouting

The purpose of the Dorcas Engelhardt Endowment is to

provide membership activities, programs, and camp scholarships in order to remove barriers for girls who wish to be Girl Scouts and are challenged financially, physically, or mentally.

and the belief that every girl deserves the chance to lead, learn, and change the world.

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Brownie to Builder: Maxine Clark

On a warm Miami night, a circle of Brownies huddled in their sleeping bags. It was their first campout, and while the dark woods felt intimidating, the crackling fire, gooey marshmallows, and bursts of laughter made the evening unforgettable. Among them was a young girl learning lessons that would last a lifetime—about courage, confidence, and character. That girl was Maxine Clark, who would go on to found one of America’s most beloved brands: Build-A-Bear Workshop ® . Though her path would lead to a groundbreaking career in retail, philanthropy, and education, Maxine traces her leadership roots back to Girl Scouts. She credits cookie season as her first training ground in entrepreneurship. Selling cookies taught her how to ask for the sale, and even how to upsell, skills that shaped her into a visionary retailer with a keen instinct for what customers wanted.

“It all started with Girl Scouts,” Maxine reflects. “Whether it sparked it or just fueled it, it was the foundation of who I became.”

In the early 2000s, she returned to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri as a board member, continuing her lifelong commitment to children. “It takes a village to raise a child,” she says. “Every adult, whether a teacher, cashier, or volunteer, plays a role in shaping kids.” Maxine’s impact now stretches far beyond Build-A-Bear. Through Blueprint4.com, she has helped thousands of families connect with enriching summer programs. With Delmar DivINe, she’s transforming how nonprofits collaborate to better serve communities. And through the Clark-Fox Family Foundation, she invests in education, public health, racial equity, social justice, and leadership to strengthen the St. Louis region. When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Maxine doesn’t pause: “That I cared, and that I made a difference. I don’t need to solve every problem myself, but I want to bring people together to solve them.”

Her advice to today’s Girl Scouts is simple but powerful: Be kind . Believe in yourself . Stay curious .

Because sometimes the journey from Brownie campfires to the boardroom begins with nothing more than a package of cookies, and the courage to believe you can make a difference.

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ILLUMINATE

O n a bright afternoon, three generations of women stand together, pride radiating from each of them. Legacy accepts her Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts, while her mother, Kynedra, gently places the ribbon around her neck and her grandmother, Marquita, watches from the audience. For this family, the moment is more than a milestone. It is a living tradition: the enduring power of Girl Scouting. “Earning my Highest Award taught me that I can push through challenges and accomplish things even when it’s hard,” Legacy reflects. “It showed me I’m capable of leading others and creating something meaningful. I use those skills every day, in school and beyond.” The family’s Girl Scout story began at All Saints Church. In 1981, Kynedra joined Troop 1526 while Marquita stepped in as a co-leader. Over time, Girl Scouts became more than after school meetings or cookie sales, it became a shared identity. “I feel like it’s girl power,” Kynedra says. “It’s about showing up unapologetically, making our voices heard in spaces where women historically weren’t.” She remembers her mother leading her troop, and years later, Kynedra returned the favor as troop leader for Legacy. “It’s pride, sisterhood, and service— that’s what keeps us connected.” A Badge of Honor Three Generations of Girl Scouts

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Girl Scouts has helped me be more confident and not afraid to speak up. It showed me how to work with people, lead when I need to, and give back to my community. -Legacy, Girl Scout Ambassador

The family has worn many hats: troop leaders, delegates, advisory board members, and Gold Award committee volunteers. For Legacy, Girl Scouts even shaped her career path. Time on the media team sparked her interest in journalism. “She discovered a passion through Girl Scouts,” Kynedra says. “That’s what ignited her fire.” Traditions endure—cookies, camping, badges—while the program evolves. Today’s Girl Scouts offer STEM programs, career readiness, and practical badges like automotive manufacturing. Legacy, who has earned every badge at each level, recently became a licensed driver, finding real value in the automotive badges. “It’s not fluff,” Kynedra notes. “It’s real-world preparation.” confidence, and character. For Kynedra, these aren’t just words. “The Girl Scout promise and law are part of who I am as a leader, in my community, and at work. Integrity, kindness, follow-through—those things define me.” Through it all, the mission remains constant: building girls of courage,

For this family, Girl Scouts was never considered “uncool.” It was a badge of honor and a way to foster community, a tradition shaped by leaders like Sallie Simmons, whose mentorship helped countless girls grow into women of influence.“She poured into us,” Kynedra says. “That’s why we are who we are today.” As Legacy looks toward adulthood, the family remains deeply connected. “We’ll stay lifelong Girl Scouts,” Kynedra says. Her advice to younger girls: “Find your balance. Stick with Girl Scouting, even when life gets busy, because what you learn will stay with you forever.” “Try everything...badges, trips, projects,” Legacy adds. “You never know what you’ll love or what skills you’ll gain. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Girl Scouts is about growth and discovery.” Asked to sum up what Girl Scouts means to her family, Kynedra pauses. Then she smiles. “Limitless,” she says. “Because of Girl Scouts, we can go anywhere and do anything. We are limitless.”

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TRAILBLAZER

Five Questions With...

Jo Ann Taylor Kindle is the chairperson of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation and is the heart of the organization’s charitable giving worldwide. As mother of two former Girl Scouts, Jo Ann is a powerful advocate for young changemakers. In addition to her time as a Girl Scout volunteer, she served on GSEM’s board of directors from 1994-1996, and served as campaign chair for GSEM’s recent Her Future is Our Future Campaign, helping to raise an unprecedented $50 million in support of girl leadership development. Carolyn Kindle, President of Enterprise Mobility Foundation and CEO and Owner of St. Louis CITY SC, is committed to strengthening and growing St. Louis, both in the boardroom and on the pitch. As a former Girl Scout, Carolyn is investing in the next generation of female leaders, having served on GSEM’s Her Future is Our Future Campaign committee. Jo Ann Taylor Kindle and Carolyn Kindle

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Carolyn, you became the first female president and CEO of a Major League Soccer (MLS) team and you are both part of the first majority-female ownership group in the league’s history. You’ve both broken barriers in a male-dominated industry—what advice would you give girls who are dreaming big but may feel intimidated by the path ahead? Carolyn: My mom always says I’m my own hardest critic, and she’s right. Sometimes we must look inside ourselves and see if what is holding ourselves back is our own limiting beliefs. She is my biggest cheerleader but also challenges me when I need it. When you surround yourself with a network of friends, family and colleagues who can support and push you, then the path forward will feel like a journey worth taking. Jo Ann: Girls are very capable, more so than they even imagine. We should do everything we can to support them. My advice is—believe in yourself and try your best. You might surprise yourself of how far you can go to follow your dreams. You might even end up running a sports team!

2 What inspired you to become involved with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri? Carolyn: Obviously, my mom. She has been a huge supporter of Girl Scouts all our lives and continues to recognize the value the organization brings to many girls’ lives. As a family of strong women, we know the importance of giving girls opportunities to find their strengths and passions. That’s what my mom insisted for myself and my sister—find what you love and do it with excellence. Jo Ann: I was a Brownie and then a Girl Scout growing up, and when the girls were young, I wanted them to be part of it, so they were Brownies as well. It was a great opportunity to open up their world and help them become the best they could be. What parallels do you see between the teamwork and leadership in sports and the values Girl Scouts instills in girls? Carolyn: When I talk to our players around at practice or after matches, I can see which leaders stand out. It’s the players who lift others up and show by example. They understand that while they have a role to play, it’s the team that is the most important part of every game. I think Girl Scouts does an amazing job of emphasizing the need to work smart, be the first one to jump in and help, and to look to each other’s strengths to work together. Jo Ann: Try your best. Teamwork in sports means giving your all every game and supporting your teammates. I appreciate that Girl Scouts challenges girls to do their best and work together, across so many interests and skills. These are important life skills to develop, on and off the field. 3

4 What do you believe are the most important skills or values that Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri helps young women develop? Carolyn: Just as my mom encouraged us to try to find our own path, I know the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri supports young girls to not only discover what interests them, but to push themselves to see what they can accomplish. Jo Ann: I’m excited about Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri because these girls can be anything they want to be, and they get so many opportunities to try different skills and interests and learn about our community and themselves. Girls need support and encouragement, and Girl Scouts helps girls not only support themselves but also each other. 5 What words you share with someone to motivate them to support the purpose and mission of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri? Carolyn: Girl Scouts have been a part of my life as long as I can remember and have helped shape the women in our family to be the leaders we are today. I hope we as a community continue to support the organization and our girls for generations to come. Jo Ann: People should support the Girl Scouts because there are not many organizations that focus on girls and girls’ needs, especially helping them to be capable, confident young women in such a holistic way. Girl Scouts I have known are now leaders at organizations all around the St. Louis region—you can see the impact from young girls on up. I am grateful they continue to evolve to help young girls and women in new and different ways. I encourage others to consider and continue supporting the Girl Scouts.

Kickin’ It with St. Louis CITY SC Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri teamed up with St. Louis CITY SC in July to host Kickstart, an exciting introduction to the world of soccer! From footwork to fun, these future MVPs got a crash course in Soccer 101. Then, on Aug. 24, more than 500 Girl Scouts took over Energizer Park to support St. Louis CITY 2 on their race to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup! Girl Scouts cheered on the team from the stands, as balldashers on the field, and on the mic as Girl Scout Cadette, Sophia, announced the players from the announcer booth.

Thank you to St. Louis CITY SC for opening the field to the next generation!

ALUM NOTES Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

Fiona Hosty, 7 years in Girl Scouts Fiona, Director of Senior Community Relations in the Senior Healthcare Industry, currently holds the state title of Miss Missouri Outdoors 2025.

In February, Fiona spoke at The Missouri Natural Resources Conference presenting on “Women in Agriculture: Breaking the Stigma.” She is a member of GSEM’s Young Professionals Association. Previously, Fiona was a troop leader with The Girl Guides, who are part of The World Association of Girl Scouts, when she was living in New Zealand.

Jennifer Bardot, MA, MS, 6 years in Girl Scouts is a dynamic entrepreneur, publisher, and community leader. She is the founder of the GRIT Community—a free, empowering leadership network of over 1,200 women, and has seven bestselling anthologies on the theme of G.R.IT. Recognized for her leadership and impact, Jennifer has been awarded the President’s Circle honor by Enterprise Bank & Trust and named a Titan 100 in St. Louis for both 2024 and 2025. In addition to her work on GRIT, Jennifer is a radio personality for the show 590 AM show, Elevate and Lead and is a reality TV co-host for Midwest Women Rising . Jennifer is known for her unwavering commitment to supporting business owners, nonprofits and female leaders. She volunteers as a speaker and advocate for numerous greater St. Louis nonprofits including, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Leukemia & Lymphoma, and Girls in the Know.

Susan Stith, 8 years in Girl Scouts is the Chief Executive Officer at Concordance. Susan became the CEO at Concordance in April 2025 after serving as the Interim CEO and on the

Concordance Board of Directors. Susan previously led enterprise-wide DEI, philanthropy, and community outreach programs at Cigna and Express Scripts, where she even designed a Girl Scout badge. As a respected community leader, Susan serves on various St. Louis boards including The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, and FamilyForward.

Sarah Ayers, 13 years in Girl Scouts Sarah, Associate Attorney at Danna McKitrick P.C., recently led the development and creation of her firm’s AI governance policy. As

Stay Connected with Girl Scouts!

We’re excited to share our new GSEM Alumni webpage—a space to celebrate, reconnect, and stay inspired by the lifelong sisterhood of Girl Scouting. Whether you were a Girl Scout for one year or many, we’d love to keep in touch!

a founding member of GSEM’s Young Professionals Association and a Gold Award Girl Scout, Sarah continues to give her time and talent back to the organization by volunteering at Girl Scout programs throughout the year. She enjoys seeing how programs have evolved, but continue to strengthen confidence, problem-solving, and curiosity among girls.

Visit girlscoutsem.org/alumni to complete the form and become part of our Alumni Network. You’ll stay up to date on local events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to make a difference in the next generation of Girl Scouts.

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Sophia Dominicis, 13 years in Girl Scouts Sophia is a sophomore at Syracuse University, double majoring in Business Management and Broadcast Journalism. A lifelong Girl Scout, she

Katie S. Fischer, 9 years in Girl Scouts Katie is the Market

Executive for Bank of America in St. Louis. In 2025, she was recognized as one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2025

spent her summer as the Programs and Events Intern for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, continuing her commitment to empowering girls and strengthening communities. In recognition of her leadership and impact, Sophia received the $5,000 Changemaker Scholarship for higher education at the 2024 GSEM Dessert First Gala.

Most Influential Business Women and as one of the YWCA’s 2025 Leaders of Distinction. Katie served as her daughter’s troop leader for several years and had the opportunity to bring the troop to the Bank of America vault where the Girl Scouts were able to hold $1 million. Katie is a former GSEM Board Member and continues to partner with GSEM in her current work.

Jamielee Buenemann, 13 years in Girl Scouts Jamielee serves as the Lead Hybrid Electric Design Engineer at GE Aviation and is the distinguished recipient of the 2024 GE Aerospace Young Engineer Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jamielee is actively engaged in several professional organizations, including Women in Technology, the Early Career Professionals Organization, and the Edison Engineering Development Program. A Lifetime Member and Gold Award Girl Scout with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, she continues to champion the mission of Girl Scouting by volunteering at STEM programs for Girl Scouts in Kentucky and Ohio, inspiring young women to pursue their passions in science and engineering.

Dr. Cassandra Walker Suggs, 2 years in Girl Scouts is the Assistant Superintendent for the Afton School District and Founder and Lead Mediator for Suggs Mediation Specialist Firm. Dr. Suggs recently earned her Executive Juris Doctor from Purdue University Global Law School in December 2024. A proud former Brownie, Dr. Suggs credits her two years as a Girl Scout with sparking her imagination and igniting her passion for leadership, teamwork, and service. Today, she serves on the Board of Directors and as a National Delegate for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, helping shape the future of girls across the region. An accomplished author and communicator, Dr. Suggs wrote two award-winning books, hosted the television program The Best of the STL for 12 years, and penned a nationally recognized newspaper column. Beyond her career, she serves on the Board of the Association of Missouri Mediators, volunteers

with Victory Family Church, and supports community initiatives throughout St. Louis.

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REWIND

GSEM Archives

Framed by woodlands, a featured attraction at Camp Fiddlecreek is Walker Lake, a 2.5-acre lake located in the middle of this camp. The sloping topography on each side of this spring-fed lake creates an intimate setting for Girl Scouts to acquire new skills in a supportive girl-led environment. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri purchased Camp Fiddlecreek in 1956 with funds raised in the 1955 capital campaign. In 1961, Camp Fiddlecreek officially opened to host troop camping sessions. In addition to canoeing and boating, an extra treat for girls was fishing on the lake, which had been stocked with small mouth bass, trout and catfish. In 2023, thanks to the support of the Her Future is Our Future Comprehensive Campaign, Walker Lake was dredged to remove sediment from the lake bottom to restore balance to aquatic plant growth, making it suitable for recreational activities and educational activities. The Berges Family Creation and Imagination Station, a new STEM center located on the west side of Walker Lake, broke ground in May 2023 and construction has steadily been underway.

The Berges Family Creation and Imagination Station Features:

Science Lab

Digital Maker Space

Kitchen

Outdoor Classroom

Outdoor Deck

Podcast Broadcast Room

This project is made possible by the Berges Family Foundation and their support of the Her Future is Our Future Comprehensive Campaign.

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT No. 1875

2300 Ball Dr. St. Louis, MO 63146-8604 314.592.2300 800.727.GIRL (4475)

We invite you to join us for the sweetest event in town as we celebrate the achievements of our Girl Scouts and community leaders. Enjoy Girl Scout Cookie-inspired desserts, followed by a seated dinner and program. All proceeds support our girl development programs. SAVE THE DATE TO JOIN GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI AT DESSERT FIRST 03.13.2026 CHASE PARK PLAZA ROYAL SONESTA

Tickets available December 1, 2025.