Scouting from start to finish

Local communities throughout Waseca County are trying to keep scout programs alive. Janesville is trying to start a Girl Scouts troop again after many years of absence.

But one group has been staying strong for years. The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Girl Scouts, led by Carrie Bruns and Rachel Cornelius, will see four seniors graduate in 2023. They are Jenae Androli, Jenessa Baumgarten, Hannah Bruns, and Kaitlin Rahn.

Cornelius has been serving as a troop leader since 2010 and was a Service Unit Manager - who guides all the troop leaders in the WEM area - from 2006 to 2019. “I grew up as a Girl Scout in San Diego,” she said. “I was in a troop until we moved to Minnesota in the tenth grade and there weren’t any Girl Scouts in my area for that age, so I was done.”

Fellow co-leader Carrie Bruns was a Girl Scout as a child and now has three children in the WEM troop. “I have enjoyed watching the four senior troop members evolve from children into young adults,” she remarked. “They’ve had so many experiences because of Girl Scouts. They have gotten to take fun trips and get involved in the community.”

After serving for so many years in the WEM Girl Scouts, Cornelius will be stepping down as troop leader with the four seniors who will graduate. It’s a bittersweet moment, since the girls have been with her and the troop since Kindergarten. “I am so proud of these girls for staying until their senior year,” she said. “It’s quite remarkable.”

Androli, Baumgarten, Bruns, and Rahn earned their Bronze and Silver awards together. “They have grown up to be good leaders and independent thinkers,” Cornelius remarked. “They have helped so many people in their Girl Scouts careers.  We also have enjoyed other fun outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, tubing, rock climbing, archery and more.”

A recent fundraiser they did was at the Waseca Pizza Ranch November 28. “We were fundraising to get some funds for out Senior Girl Scout Trip,” Cornelius explained.

The Girls Scouts also like to shop for a family in the WEM school district in need. “It’s a tradition we have done every year as Girl Scouts and it is one of our favorite events,” Cornelius stated. “We use troop funds to cover the cost of the shopping for that family.”

The scouts were also asked to do shopping for Santa Anonymous this year, according to Cornelius. “It was so much fund picking out special things for kids.”

As the four seniors’ time in the Scouts comes to an end, they reflected on their time in Girl Scouts.

“Mine is going on fun adventures and helping others in need,” Hannah Bruns responded. “I have been in Girl Scouts since I was in kindergarten, and it just seemed right to continue through my senior year.”

Jenae Androli likes going on trips. “We went to Chicago the summer of 6th grade,” she reminisced. “I had a lot of fun trying new foods and seeing all of the tourist attractions. I stayed in Girl Scouts because most of my friends were also in it and I enjoyed all of the fun things we did together.”

Rahn shares Androli’s joy of doing the trips. “It’s great being able to do that with people my age that I have essentially grown up with,” she said. “We get to experience so many new things and meet new people we otherwise wouldn't have.

“I have stayed in Girl Scouts because we have the chance to give back to our community and the communities around us,” Rahn continued. “We get to earn awards where we make our own project for giving back to our community. We spend many hours planning and making them, finally delivering our project to people. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing the faces of people who are in need receive something we put together.”

Jenessa Baumgarten likes the tradition of Christmas shopping for a family within the community. “I love being able to buy them their favorite toys and even a few essential items like warm winter hats and gloves,” she said. “It truly reminds me what it means to be a Girl Scout who is willing to help those in need.

“I stayed in Girl Scouts because each year brings on new adventures and life lessons,” she went on. “Throughout my years as a Girl Scout I have learned many necessary skills such as budgeting, time management, compassion, and many more. I believe these skills will help me adapt to any obstacles life throws at me.”

The girls (and Cornelius) will go on a trip to Miami for the Senior Girl Scout Trip. “Due to COVID we weren’t able to go on a trip the last few years,” Cornelius claimed. “But the good news is it gave us time to fundraise and get enough money to go. We are planning some special sight-seeing things such as going on an airboat to see gators, snorkeling, and going to the southernmost point of the continental US.”

As their time in the WEM Girl Scout troop ends, the four seniors had advice to share for those thinking about joining. “I would tell younger girls to join and try it because there is something for everyone in it,” Bruns said. “Besides, there is more to girl scouts than only selling cookies and going on camps.”

“I would encourage younger girls to be in Girl Scouts because there are so many fun things to do at camps,” Androli shared. “I’ve done horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, shooting guns, and rock climbing. It’s a good way to hangout with friends.”

“Go for it!” Baumgarten encouraged. “If you are thinking about joining Girl Scouts I strongly encourage you to give it a chance. This organization has helped me become a better leader and sister to the girls in my community. Without my involvement in Girl Scouts I don’t think I would be the person that I am today.”

“I would say to the little girls that want to be in it to just do it!” Rahn exclaimed. “It is so much fun growing up having fun meetings where you can make all kinds of crafts that coincide with your patch. When you get older you do less and less crafts but gain a new appreciation for giving back to people.

“I just want to thank our community for helping us fundraise for trips and activities,” she added. “Also, thank you for allowing us to have a space to meet. We wouldn't be able to do it without you! “