by Maggie Fitzgibbon
Margaret Magin (left) and Marilyn Diehl (right) are described by Girl Scout leaders as generous and steadfast in their work with Spencerport area Girl Scouts.One hundred years ago, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, brought 12 girls together with hopes of fostering and developing a sense of good character in each of these young women. Today, the Girl Scout program in the United States has a membership of 3.2 million young women and adults. If she were alive today, Low would be proud to know her vision has grown into one of the largest educational organizations in the world for girls.
Two local women have followed in Low’s footsteps and committed themselves to keeping the Girl Scout program active in this region.
Spencerport residents Marilyn Diehl and Margaret Magin have devoted decades on behalf Girl Scouts in the Spencerport area. Diehl volunteered for 25 years and she recently retired from her Girl Scout duty. Magin has given over 16 years and due to some health issues, she has scaled back her duties. Both women have been a life-force in keeping the Girl Scout program alive in the Spencerport area.
Both Diehl and Magin became involved with Girl Scouting when their daughters joined the program. All four of Diehl’s daughters and both of Magin’s daughters were Girl Scouts. All are now lifetime members. Their reasons for remaining committed are commendable.
“The reward is in the giving and it doesn’t have to be reciprocal. By volunteering, you show girls that giving back to the community is important,” Diehl explained. “Volunteering is a way to help kids and make sure they follow a good path,” Magin added.
Spencerport resident Kathy Campbell has volunteered along-side Magin and Diehl for seven years. She is a unit leader and also registrar for the Spencerport Girl Scouts service unit. She describes both women as generous and steadfast.
“Together, their years of service, experience and knowledge is remarkable. I know both Margaret and Marilyn truly enjoy seeing the girls learn, explore and flourish. Both ladies have continued to volunteer long after their own daughters had left the program,” Campbell said.
Kim McDonald is a membership manager for Girl Scouts of Western New York. She has worked with Diehl and Magin for over 15 years as a fellow volunteer and most recently, in her current position. She describes both women as caring, and giving; two individuals who have helped many Girl Scouts reach great achievements.
“They are an incredible team; it’s hard to think of one without the other. Margaret and Marilyn are consistent and responsible. They will be remembered for their gifts of knowledge, strength and dedication. I always knew I could count on them. We will miss them both, dearly, but as in true fashion they have taught others to take over. These two ladies bleed green (the Girl Scout color),” McDonald said.
Both Diehl and Magin treasure their years of service and have many fond and funny memories. Magin remembers taking girls on a hike during the Summer Event at Pineway Ponds in Spencerport. She, along with another leader, lost their direction and much to their chagrin, found themselves on a street next to the park.
“The girls teased us for a long time about being lost,” she explained with a laugh.
Diehl has similar memories about spending fun times with Girl Scouts at the annual Summer Event, especially the time girls decorated a watermelon and nicknamed it “Bubba.”
During their over 40 collective years of service, much has changed in how Girl Scout programs are delivered. Programming has evolved to meet the needs of young girls today. Many girls are from single-parent families and are not able to participate in weekly troop meetings.
“In the past, programs were designed so that girls worked during their troop meetings toward earning patches. Now girls have the opportunity to follow three national leadership journeys which are relevant to what interests each girl. Girls have the opportunity to work more independently as they follow their journey map,” Magin said.
“Some girls come from challenging family situations, so at each level, the Girl Scout program teaches real-life skills, like how to eat healthy and be physically active,” Diehl said.
New Girl Scout national and regional events and activities help to foster and grow a sense of community. Events like Thinking Day when Scouting is recognized worldwide or Scouting for Food and Clothing, when Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts come together to collect food and clothing for the poor. A local event, called Trunk and Treat, brings Girl Scouts together for an outdoor Halloween event where girls trick or treat from car trunk to car trunk.
“Troop leaders decorate their trunks and alumnae return to help coordinate the activities. It’s a safe and enjoyable way to celebrate Halloween,” Magin said.
While much has changed in how girls grow and advance, Girl Scouting is richly steeped in traditions.
“Camping, crafts, games and songs are still activities that remain the same. The annual cookie sale still takes place in the fall and a holiday event is held in December,” Diehl said. “And girls still say the Girl Scout Promise and Law,” Magin added.
The Girl Scout program continues in this area but help is needed. Volunteer opportunities are plenty for adults. Troops of all ages are in need of leaders and helpers. Both Magin and Diehl encourage those who can to give their time.
“The Girl Scout program is based on volunteers. The time you give to children is valuable and makes a difference,” said Diehl. Magin echoed her thoughts. “You get a chance to become a mentor and do something good for a child,” she said.
For information on joining Girl Scouts or volunteering contact Campbell at kcampbell1@rochester.rr.com.
