Girl Scouts of Connecticut Members Get Deep Dive in State Government

For 113 years, Girl Scouts of Connecticut has served as the preeminent organization best positioned to help girls develop important leadership skills to become future changemakers. This underlying mission was best exemplified on Tuesday, March 11. 2025 when the non-profit organization hosted its annual Girl Scouts at the Capitol Day, a program designed to offer a deep dive into state government and teach members the importance of civic engagement and public service. Specifically, 93 Girl Scouts heard inspiring messages from Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, four state senators, twelve state representatives as well as the executive director and staff from the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity and League of Women Voters in the House Chambers at the Connecticut State Capitol Building. The event coincided with Women's History Month, as well as National Girl Scout Week.

“We are absolutely ecstatic with the amazing turnout for our recent Girl Scouts at the Capitol Day, the first time offering it since the pandemic in 2019,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, chief executive officer at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “Nearly 100 Girl Scout members learned the inner workings of state government, the importance of being a public servant and how they can make an impact—even before they can vote!”

Through panel discussions, hands-on activities and tours of both the Capitol Building and Legislative Office Building, Girl Scouts were fully immersed in the political process.

A special milestone of the day was the official pining ceremony of state legislators by their Girl Scout constituents into an honorary Girl Scout Capitol Troop. Participating legislators included: Senator Eric Berthel- 32nd District, Senator Paul Cicarello- 34th District, Senator Tony Hwang- 28th District, Senator Julie Kushner- Deputy President Pro Tempore, 24th District, Rep Kate Ferrar- Newington, West Hartford, Rep Marty Foncello- Brookfield, Bethel, Newtown, Rep Irene Haines-East Haddam, East Hampton, Salem, Rep Anne Hughes-Easton, Redding, Weston, Rep Dominique Johnson- Norwalk, Westport, Rep Sarah Kiett-Fairfield, Trumbull, Rep Jennifer Leeper-Fairfield, Southport, Rep Tracy Marra- Darien, Norwalk, Rep Amy Morrin Bello- Wethersfield, Rep Cristin McCarthy-Vahey- Bridgeport, Fairfield, Rep Laurie Sweet- Hamden and Rep Gary Turco- Newington, New Britain.

Additionally, various staff members from the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity and the League of Women Voters discussed the history of women in the law-making process, contributions of female leaders in government and ways to launch a political career.

“All Girl Scout attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of how they can advocate for the causes they care about, while pursuing their passion for public service,” adds Spearman. “We are grateful to our management team, troop leaders, volunteers, legislative partners and our eager Girl Scout members for making it such a successful and memorable day!”

About Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from across the state, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.gsofct.org.