Karen Facteau, a Girl Scouts volunteer in Indiana, earned the Thanks Badge I, a national award, from Girl Scouts of the USA.
This honor is given to a registered Girl Scout volunteer whose service continues to impact the entire council of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania or the Girl Scout movement in extraordinary ways and is separate from service that has been previously recognized.
This honor is given to a registered Girl Scout volunteer whose service continues to impact the entire council of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania or the Girl Scout movement in extraordinary ways and is separate from service that has been previously recognized.
A Girl Scout volunteer for 25 years, Facteau is a Service Unit team member in Indiana, a Program Team member, and co-director of Blue Spruce Day Camp.
Lindy Fails, co-director of Blue Spruce Day camp, nominated Facteau for the award. "Karen is always enthusiastic about Girl Scouts and gives it her all," Fails said. "She has a Girl Scout heart."
Fails isn't the only one singing Facteau's praises. GSWPA staff also applauds her hard work and commitment to the Girl Scout movement.
"Karen is amazing," said Brandy Varner, GSWPA Recruitment Specialist. "Her love of Girl Scouting and commitment to supporting our mission is evident in all that she does."
Annie Wardrop, Girl Experience Specialist, added, "Karen is 110 percent dedicated to helping girls reach their full potential. I admire her dedication and enthusiasm!"
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania CEO Patricia A. Burkart presented the award to Facteau at the annual meeting in April.
Several other amazing Girl Scouts volunteers were presented with awards at the annual meeting as well:
Volunteer of the Year
Lindy Fails, co-director of Blue Spruce Day camp, nominated Facteau for the award. "Karen is always enthusiastic about Girl Scouts and gives it her all," Fails said. "She has a Girl Scout heart."
Fails isn't the only one singing Facteau's praises. GSWPA staff also applauds her hard work and commitment to the Girl Scout movement.
"Karen is amazing," said Brandy Varner, GSWPA Recruitment Specialist. "Her love of Girl Scouting and commitment to supporting our mission is evident in all that she does."
Annie Wardrop, Girl Experience Specialist, added, "Karen is 110 percent dedicated to helping girls reach their full potential. I admire her dedication and enthusiasm!"
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania CEO Patricia A. Burkart presented the award to Facteau at the annual meeting in April.
Several other amazing Girl Scouts volunteers were presented with awards at the annual meeting as well:
Volunteer of the Year
This award celebrates the work of a volunteer who has made a significant impact on the entire council with their time, talent, and treasure in the last service year and which merits council-wide recognition. This award is only given to one volunteer per year, and candidates may not receive the award more than once.
Elizabeth Schendel, Allegheny County, nominated by Sharon Enslen
Previous Awards: Appreciation Pin. Honor Pin. Thanks I. President's Award.
“In the past year, Betty was instrumental in forming the council-wide Travel Committee for GSWPA. The goal is to offer girls the trip of a lifetime and the Travel Committee will ensure that these adventures will be fun, full of learning, and safe,” said Enslen. “Betty's hard work and determination made this committee happen.”
Appreciation Pin
Elizabeth Schendel, Allegheny County, nominated by Sharon Enslen
Previous Awards: Appreciation Pin. Honor Pin. Thanks I. President's Award.
“In the past year, Betty was instrumental in forming the council-wide Travel Committee for GSWPA. The goal is to offer girls the trip of a lifetime and the Travel Committee will ensure that these adventures will be fun, full of learning, and safe,” said Enslen. “Betty's hard work and determination made this committee happen.”
Appreciation Pin
This pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience primarily within one geographic service area.
Amy Dobbins, Cambria County, nominated by Leslie Adams
Amy Dobbins, Cambria County, nominated by Leslie Adams
Adams said that Dobbins “works to provide Service Unit programming based on the girls' interests.”
Shelda Repko, Blair County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Davina Bixby
Shelda Repko, Blair County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Davina Bixby
Bixby said that Repko “is a mentor to her fellow leaders and has taught them the core fundamentals of what Girl Scouts is all about.”
President's Award
President's Award
The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals.
5904-Gateway SU, Allegheny County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Deb Gerhard
5904-Gateway SU, Allegheny County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Deb Gerhard
“They encourage the GSLE, set goals, travel every other year and work with the community: clothing drives, caroling for cans to support food pantries, birthday bags for Salvation Army,” Gehrard said.
5306-National Pike, Fayette County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Janelle Upole
5306-National Pike, Fayette County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Janelle Upole
Upole said, “National Pike mentored another Service Unit, offering guidance, support and strong communication, offering financial management planning so that the other SU could stay on its feet.”
2642-Freeport Area, Butler County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Deb Gerhard
2642-Freeport Area, Butler County, nominated by GSWPA staff member Deb Gerhard
“This service until works tirelessly to give the girls the programs they want” Gerhard said. “All SU team members are Outdoor, Archery, American Canoe association level 2 trained.”
Celebrate the outstanding work of Girl Scout volunteers!
Consider nominating the outstanding volunteers in your area for a Girl Scouts award. The deadline to nominate is Wednesday, August 10! Learn more about adult awards on our website.
