Shelby: From Finding Belonging Overseas to Creating It for Others

August 30, 2026

For Shelby, Girl Scouts began thousands of miles from Nebraska, when she was a military child looking for a place to belong.

In 2009, while living in Ramstein, Germany, Shelby was struggling to make friends at a new school. Her fifth-grade teacher suggested Girl Scouts, and from her very first day, Shelby found the friendships, experiences and sense of belonging she needed.

Over seven years as a Girl Scout overseas, Shelby attended camps in Italy and Texas, connected with Girl Scouts from around the world, participated in service projects, and explored history and new cultures. One of her most memorable experiences was celebrating Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary in 2012 in Pisa, Italy, alongside Girl Scouts from around the world.

Through those experiences, Shelby learned to step outside her comfort zone, serve her community, make connections, and believe in herself.

Seven years after her last Girl Scout meeting, her journey came full circle but this time in Nebraska.

Shelby joined the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Outreach Team, trading her role as the girl discovering the world through Girl Scouts for one where she helps create those experiences for other girls.

Today, she gets to share the same sense of possibility and belonging that her teacher introduced her to back in 2009.

Her Girl Scout journey didn't end when she attended her last meeting. It simply changed chapters.

100 years. Countless stories. One lasting legacy.