Girl Scouts promote excellence, adventure

Gardnerville Ranchos resident Karen Gregersen Rudd was recently recognized by Alice 96.5 radio station’s “Hero in Heels” program for her extensive work within the Northern Nevada nonprofit sector.

Rudd held various roles at the Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Heart Association from 1994 to 2020 and currently serves as Chief Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer for Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. She considers her new role with the Girl Scouts a perfect fit.

 “I’ve loved everything that I’ve done and I have felt so fortunate to be able to work on all the different projects…you never know where life leads you, and I feel blessed,” she said. “I get to work with the heroes that we all see in the media and the heroes behind the scenes…I feel just so lucky to be able to work with these wonderful people.”

Rudd specifically noted the many volunteers who give their time to the Girl Scouts and mentioned how indispensable their help is, especially given that it’s the middle of Girl Scout cookie season. And if you’ve got a cookie craving, Rudd said, the Scouts are here and happy to help.

In a territory that includes Northern Nevada and northeastern California, the organization supports girls through programs that develop a strong sense of self, positive values, and healthy relationships. Along with offering tasty treats, the Girl Scout Cookie Program provides an opportunity for scouts to earn new Cookie Business badges, learn valuable online and offline business skills, and get a taste of entrepreneurship through their cookie sales.

When the 2022 cookie season started in January, troops from all over the Sierra Nevada region participated in kick-off rallies sponsored by US Bank. These events featured interactive activity booths where the scouts learned five essential financial literacy skills: Business Ethics, Decision Making, Goal Setting, Money Management, and People Skills.

This year, GSSN offers several cookie purchase options:

If you know a registered Girl Scout, ask her to share how she’s selling cookies in ways that meet current safety protocols, including the Smart Cookie online platform.

If you don’t know a Girl Scout, visit girlscoutcookies.org, text COOKIES to 59618*, or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app (free on iOS or Android devices) to find cookie booths available in your area.

Enter your zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at girlscoutcookies.org to purchase from a local Girl Scout troop for direct shipment or donation to local causes.

Contact the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada office at 775-322-0642 or by email at girlscoutshelp@gssn.org.

Over the next few weeks, local troops will have a cookie booth set up at Tractor Supply, 1645 Highway 88 in Minden. Check the online Cookie Finder for days and times.

“Every Girl Scout Cookie purchase fuels local Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year: exploring what interests them, discovering their passions, and taking action on issues they care about, according to the Scouts. “Whether they’re using their STEM skills to solve a problem, changing a law to help their community, having a courageous outdoor experience, or starting an innovative nonprofit, Girl Scouts build a better future for themselves and the world.”

Of the many programs, Rudd said, “We have such a variety…our programs are in-depth…there’s so much to offer and they’re so much fun. When I talk to all the alumni, it just warms your heart. They carry those memories for a lifetime; it’s life-changing.”

Find more information about the Girls Scouts of the Sierra Nevada at gssn.org.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.