Your Promise. Her Future.

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July 2025

Where Courage Blooms

A Message from our President & CEO

Donor Spotlight: Kristi K. Hoffman – Giving the Gift of Camp

A Legacy Rooted in Campfire Memories

August is National Make-A-Will Month — have you considered leaving your legacy?

A Message from our President & CEO toggle arrow

There’s something about summer that brings out the best in Girl Scouts. Maybe it’s the way a warm breeze turns into a trail hike with new friends, or how a shy smile turns into a full belly laugh around a campfire. This is the season when girls come alive—when adventure and sisterhood make confidence bloom.

Whether it’s her first overnight under the stars or her first time leading a group, summer gives girls the space to grow in ways that last long after the season ends. They begin to understand their own strength, speak up with new confidence, and discover who they truly are.

This is the heart of Girl Scouting. It’s not just what girls do—it’s who they become. It’s courage built moment by moment, joy woven into memories, and character formed through every experience.

As I meet girls across western Ohio, I see them learning to try, to lead, and to believe in themselves. I also see the incredible power of a community that believes in them too. Volunteers, families, and generous donors like you make all of this possible.

Not every girl starts with the same opportunities—but together, we can make sure every girl has access to life-changing experiences that help her grow into her full potential. One simple but powerful way to do this is through Founders Troop 1912, our monthly giving society. Monthly gifts provide steady, reliable support so that all girls can build confidence, connection, and courage—no matter their background.

Thank you for helping girls shine this summer and beyond. Your belief in them changes everything.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Aimée Sproles
President & CEO
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

A Legacy Rooted in Campfire Memories toggle arrow

In the summer of 1953, 10-year-old Julane Linebaugh from Ohmer Park in Dayton eagerly packed her bag for two unforgettable weeks at Girl Scout Camp Whip-Poor-Will Hills. Julane experienced the magic of the outdoors—cooking over open fires, hiking wooded trails, crafting by hand, singing songs, and forming lifelong friendships. It was the kind of summer that stays with you forever.

Those cherished camp memories shaped Julane’s life. She went on to graduate from high school, earn her degree from The Ohio State University, and pursue a meaningful career as a medical dietitian, spending much of it at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

Julane passed away on October 20, 2024, at the age of 81. Shortly after, Girl Scouts received a heartfelt call from her brother, Bruce Linebaugh: Julane had remembered Girl Scouts in her estate plans. The joy she found at camp was something she wanted to pass on to ensure other girls would experience the outdoors, discover themselves, and create their own memories.

Julane’s gift is part of her legacy, a beautiful reminder of how one joyful camp experience can spark a lifetime of impact.

Julane Linebaugh at Camp Whip-Poor-Will-Hills, 1953

Donor Spotlight: Kristi K. Hoffman – Giving the Gift of Camp toggle arrow

Thanks to Kristi K. Hoffman’s generous gift in support of Camp for Every Girl, more girls will experience the joy, adventure, and transformation that only Girl Scout camp can provide.

Kristi’s passion for empowering young women is evident in every aspect of her work and giving. Her support ensures that girls from all backgrounds, regardless of financial circumstances, can have new outdoor adventures, form lasting friendships, and grow in confidence.

“When I began supporting Camp for Every Girl, it was my hope that girls who may never have felt the excitement of going to camp, could have that amazing opportunity, without feeling the financial burden of doing so,” Kristi shared.

Her gift directly funds scholarships that remove all financial costs for Girl Scouts attending camp, opening the door to meaningful, memory-making experiences. From swimming in the pool to singing around a campfire, these moments offer more than fun—they foster independence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Kristi adds, “It is reassuring to know that support of Camp for Every Girl helps open the door to fun and unforgettable camp experiences for so many girls. And these adventures lead to a lifetime of healthy benefits including increased confidence, independence, personal growth, and esteem! And THAT, to me, is the power of philanthropy.”

We are deeply grateful for Kristi’s belief in the potential of every girl and her commitment to building brighter futures, one campfire at a time.

August is National Make-A-Will Month — have you considered leaving your legacy? toggle arrow

This month is a powerful reminder to reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. By including Girl Scouts in your estate plans, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of girls for generations to come.

When you make a planned gift, like longtime supporter Julane Linebaugh, you become a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society—a special group of dedicated individuals who believe in the boundless potential of girls. Named after our founder, the Society honors those who are committed to building a future where every girl has the opportunity to lead, thrive, and make a difference.

Planned gifts ensures that tomorrow’s Girl Scouts can experience the same life-changing opportunities we offer today, like building confidence on the ropes course, exploring STEM, launching a cookie business, or serving their communities with purpose and pride.

August is the perfect time to take this meaningful step. Whether you’re writing your first will or updating an existing plan, it’s an opportunity to align your values with your legacy.

Joining the Juliette Gordon Low Society is a powerful way to be part of something bigger. Every gift—no matter the size—helps ensure that girls continue to lead with courage, confidence, and character.

Let your legacy light the way for the next generation of leaders.

To learn more or to share your plans with us, visit our website or contact Carol Serrone at carolserrone@gswo.org.

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Your Promise. Her Future.

Your quarterly newsletter, exclusive to supporters of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio.

July 2025

Where Courage Blooms

Table of Contents

Julane Linebaugh at Camp Whip-Poor-Will-Hills, 1953