Harrisburg, PA (May 18, 2023) – A longtime volunteer and champion of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA) has been honored with the Thanks Badge II, the highest Girl Scout honor a volunteer can receive.
Belinda Stefl, of Milton, Northumberland County, received the Thanks Badge II award Wednesday night during a volunteer appreciation ceremony held at the Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave., Elysburg.
Belinda has been a volunteer with Girl Scouts for almost 58 years and has worked with thousands of Girl Scouts in that time.
In the past year alone, she inspired hundreds of Girl Scouts through her closing remarks at the 2022 National Girl Scout Product Program Conference in Hershey, supported her Girl Scout peers by assisting other councils in developing a Bronze and Silver Award ceremony and worked with Girl Scouts across the country creating and collecting different SWAPS (small tokens of friendship that Girl Scouts exchange with one another).
This month, she helped to organize the Knoebel’s Camporee, where close to 120 girls and volunteers engaged in outdoor experiences – a key part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
“We are so pleased to award this honor to Belinda for her outstanding dedication and lifetime service to Girl Scouts,” said Janet Donovan, GSHPA President and CEO. “Belinda’s dedication to our organization is truly inspirational, as she helps deliver our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”
About the Thanks II Badge:
Thanks II Badge recognizes exemplary service in a leadership role significantly above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the entire Girl Scout Movement. The nominee is an active, registered Girl Scout volunteer, has already received the Thanks Badge and is based on taking on a leadership role during the previous three years. There have only been 28 volunteers (including Belinda) to have received this honor within GSHPA since 1961.
