Central Oregon Girl Scouts making an impact amid troop leader shortage

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Girl Scouts Laina and Kassidie are making their impact on the Central Oregon community.

"It really means to me that I am helping my community. I truly wanted to join it to help more in my community and have fun doing it," said Kassidie.

The two are part of a small but mighty group of Girl Scouts in Central Oregon. With a combined 15 years of troop experience, they've already seen their effect in Bend.

"I've done a lot of community service hours helping my community. I've helped make food for, like, families in need," Kassidie shared.

And for Laina's silver award, the second highest award honored to Girl Scouts, "I did afro-textured hair kits, which helps foster kids. And foster parents learn to care for their textured hair."

The area has seen a shortage in troop leaders for some time making it difficult to have troops in rural areas like southern Deschutes County, but that's not stopping local leaders from making an impact.

"It is so encouraging that they are learning skills now to support each other and do pretty awesome things on their own. It's super rewarding," said troop leader Laurel Waring.

Caroline Finneran has been involved with Girl Scouts for over 50 years and even was my Girl Scout troop leader 8 years ago. She continues to be on the local Girl Scout counsel to help girls experience what she has had for all those years.

"I have seen girls become journalists. I've seen girls become entrepreneurs. I've seen girls become involved in politics, all of that is so incredibly rewarding that that's why we stick it out as Girl Scout leaders," she said.

The two girls will be headed to Europe after raising money all on their own, a lesson all Girl Scouts are taught.

"It's a really good thing to do. It's fun when you get to meet new Girl Scouts and make really good friends," Kassidie said.