Three Generations of Girl Scouts: How Board President Lauren Todd Keeps the Promise Alive

For Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Board President Lauren Todd, being a Girl Scout isn’t just part of her past — it’s part of her family’s story.

Her mother was a Girl Scout. Lauren was a Girl Scout. And now, her daughter is proudly beginning her journey as a Daisy Girl Scout.

“I don’t think it was ever really a question whether I’d join,” Lauren says with a laugh. “My mom was a Scout. My aunts were Scouts. My sister was a Scout. It was just what you did — a fun way to give back, learn new things, and spend time with friends.”

But what began as a childhood activity grew into something much bigger — a lifelong foundation of courage, confidence, and character.

A Gold Award Girl Scout, and a Lifetime of Lessons

Lauren’s Girl Scout experience began in second grade and continued all the way through her senior year of high school. Along the way, she earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards — the highest honors in Girl Scouting — and learned lessons that continue to shape her life today.

“I loved the process of setting a goal, breaking it down, and accomplishing it,” she recalls. “Every project involved doing something good for the community, and that instilled in me the importance of giving back. It’s why I serve on the board today — to help give that same experience to other girls.”

Lauren’s troop was close-knit, sticking together even as they went to different high schools. They camped, volunteered, and even took a trip to Savannah to visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace — an experience that deepened their appreciation for the movement’s history and impact.

Her favorite memories? Annual father-daughter campouts, where the dads taught practical life skills like changing a tire and repairing things around the house — mixed in with a spirited game of capture the flag. “The dads rarely let us win,” Lauren jokes. “Talk about teaching resilience and humility!”

From Girl Scout to Engineer and Leader

Those early years sparked Lauren’s passion for problem-solving — and eventually led her to a career in engineering and systems leadership.

“I always loved math, science, and figuring things out,” she says. “Looking back, earning badges that encouraged curiosity and experimentation helped me see that I could do hard things. Girl Scouts gave me the confidence to lead and the mindset that anything is ‘figureoutable.’”

That belief — that there is always a path forward — guides her both professionally and personally. As Board President, Lauren brings that same determination to ensuring every girl in Gateway Council has access to a high-quality, inclusive Girl Scout experience.

“I know I was lucky to have leaders and parents who made my Girl Scout years amazing. Not every girl has that. I joined the board because I want every girl to feel like she belongs and can dream big.”

Passing the Torch

Now, Lauren gets to experience Girl Scouts through new eyes — those of her young daughter, a Daisy who looks forward to every meeting.

“She asks for meetings to be every week,” Lauren smiles. “She’s making friends, learning new things, and already stepping up as a leader — leading the Girl Scout Promise and introducing others. Seeing her confidence grow even after one year is incredible.”

Lauren treasures sharing traditions with her daughter — from singing campfire songs in the car to helping her earn her first badges. “I used to sing Girl Scout songs to my babies instead of lullabies,” she says. “Now, my daughter sings them with me. That’s full circle.”

Continuing the Promise

Lauren’s story isn’t just about the past — it’s about the promise that continues.

The same promise that inspired her mother.
The same promise that gave her courage and confidence.
The same promise her daughter now carries forward.

“Girl Scouts made me who I am today,” Lauren says. “And I want every girl to have that same chance — to grow, to lead, and to know she can do anything she sets her mind to.”

Help Keep the Promise Going

Lauren’s story is one of many made possible by Girl Scouts of Gateway Council. When you give, you help ensure every girl in our community has access to experiences that build courage, confidence, and character, just like Lauren did, and just like her daughter is beginning today.

Your support opens doors to leadership, learning, adventure, and belonging for girls across North Florida.

Give today and help keep the Girl Scout promise alive!

Author’s note:
Lauren Todd, Board President of Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, is a lifelong Girl Scout, Gold Award recipient, and proud mom to a Daisy Girl Scout. She is also the author of this year’s end-of-year letter, sharing her personal story of how Girl Scouts shaped her life — and how your support helps shape the future for girls across North Florida.