The HeartBeat Newsletter - July '26
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is proud to celebrate Joie Langford, CFRE, Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy, on being named Outstanding Young Fundraiser by the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-NJ). Joie received the prestigious honor at the Excellence in Philanthropy Awards on June 9, recognizing her exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact on the nonprofit sector.
Since joining GSHNJ, Joie has helped strengthen our culture of philanthropy by building meaningful relationships with donors and partners who share our commitment to empowering girls. Her passion, strategic vision, and unwavering belief in the Girl Scout mission have helped expand opportunities for girls across our council.
We are incredibly proud of Joie and grateful for the leadership she brings to Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey every day. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition.
More than 45 Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts, along with their families and friends, enjoyed an afternoon of fun, friendship, and creativity at Sunshine Social: Popsicles, Bubbles & Slime, a girl-led community event hosted at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater this summer.
Behind the scenes, the event was planned and led by the Community Engagement and Design Taskforce, a team of more than 15 Junior, Cadette, and Senior Girl Scouts from Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties. From designing activities to welcoming participants, Taskforce members took the lead in creating an engaging experience that featured bubble wand making, giant bubble play, slime making, popsicles, and opportunities for girls to connect.
The event also allowed Taskforce members to step into the role of researchers and community leaders. Through youth-led focus groups, they gathered valuable feedback from younger Girl Scouts about the programs they enjoy, the activities they would like to experience, the community service projects they care about, and what they hope to see in a future Girl Scout Center. Their ideas will help shape future programs that reflect the voices and interests of girls across the region.
Programs like Sunshine Social demonstrate the power of girl-led leadership. By empowering girls to plan events, engage their peers, and influence future decisions, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is giving girls the opportunity to develop confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and create meaningful experiences that make Girl Scouting even stronger—for today's girls and for generations to come.
Our Mission Takes Center Stage
In late May, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey CEO Natasha Durant joined NJ Spotlight News to discuss the important work happening across our council and how insights from the New Jersey Girl Report continue helping shape programs, experiences, and opportunities for girls across our communities.
The segment also highlights Girl Scouts in action through community service, the Cookie Program, leadership experiences, and more.
Thank you to NJ Spotlight News and Raven Santana for helping spotlight the impact of Girl Scouts across New Jersey.
Watch the segment here: NJ Spotlight News: May 21, 2026
Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are inspired by cherished memories. Last month, a generous donor made a contribution to GSHNJ to send a girl from his late mother's hometown of Bound Brook to Girl Scout camp. In sharing what inspired his gift, he reflected on his mother's own Girl Scout experience and how attending camp—made possible through her father's sacrifices—became one of the defining joys of her childhood. Those memories stayed with her throughout her life and, in turn, became treasured memories for her family. "What beauty it gave their lives, and later, mine," he shared. He is already thinking about next summer, hoping to help send two sisters to camp in honor of his mother and aunt. His story is a beautiful reminder that the experiences we create for girls today don't end when camp is over. They become lifelong memories that shape lives, strengthen families, and inspire acts of generosity for generations to come.
Giving the Gift of Camp: She Becomes Brave.
She Becomes Confident. She Becomes Herself
For many girls, summer camp is more than a week away from home—it's where she discovers who she can become.
Every summer, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey's camps provide girls with opportunities to try new things, build lifelong friendships, and develop confidence that stays with them long after camp ends. Whether she's climbing a rock wall, paddling across a lake, aiming for the bullseye in archery, or simply laughing around a campfire, each experience helps a girl discover strengths she never knew she had.
This summer, hundreds of girls will need financial assistance to experience the same life-changing opportunities. Supporters of our annual Camp Appeal are giving more than a week at camp; they’re giving a girl the chance to discover her courage, build resilience, develop independence, and create memories that will shape her future.
She becomes adventurous. She becomes resilient. She becomes a leader. She becomes exactly who she's meant to be.
Our supporter’s generosity helps ensure that every girl—regardless of her family's financial circumstances—can experience the magic of Girl Scout camp. Together, we can help every girl discover who she becomes.
I joined Girl Scouts as a Brownie in second grade because my friends were members. What I didn't realize was that Girl Scouts would become the place where I discovered my own voice.
As a child, I was painfully shy. Talking to new people felt overwhelming, and I rarely had the confidence to speak up. That began to change when my troop leader encouraged me to apply for Media Girls, a program that gives Girl Scouts opportunities to represent Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey and share their experiences.
One of my first Media Girls activities was an improv exercise with a Girl Scout I had never met. I was nervous about speaking in front of others, but something unexpected happened—we laughed, the conversation flowed, and I realized public speaking didn't have to be scary. That moment became a turning point in my life.
From there, every Girl Scout experience helped me grow. Whether touring businesses, attending Camp Hoover, participating in leadership programs, or exploring new opportunities, I was building confidence without even realizing it. Girl Scouts taught me about leadership, teamwork, resilience, and believing in myself.
As my confidence grew, I began stepping into leadership roles. I served as a teen panelist at the Teen Leadership Summit and later joined the youth advisory team that helped shape the new Girl Scout Leadership Center. I even had the honor of speaking at the Center's Grand Opening, sharing what the project meant from a Girl Scout's perspective.
Today, it's hard to believe I'm the same shy Brownie who was afraid to speak in front of others. Girl Scouts gave me the confidence to use my voice and the courage to believe in my own potential.
I am deeply grateful to the volunteers, mentors, and supporters who made these experiences possible. Because they believed in girls like me, I learned to believe in myself. My hope is to inspire the next generation of Girl Scouts to find their own voices and discover all they can become.
Together, they help bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to more than 13,000 Girl Scouts across our council—building confidence, strengthening community connection, and shaping the next generation.
On Tuesday morning, May 12, 2026, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey welcomed more than 350 guests to our annual Women of Vision Awards Breakfast—making this the largest Women of Vision turnout in council history.
The event’s theme, “Girls with Dreams Become Women of Vision,” came to life in a powerful and energizing way as leaders, partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate courage, confidence, and character in action.
Our four honorees brought incredible inspiration to the stage, highlighting what inspired their careers and exemplifying for our Girl Scouts what they can become with determination.
Our Girl Scouts anchored the morning in purpose. Their stories and reflections reminded everyone in the room why this work matters—and what becomes possible when girls are seen, supported, and challenged to lead.
This year, we raised a record-breaking $150,000+ to support opportunities for Girl Scouts across our council, including camp experiences, leadership development, STEM programming, entrepreneurship, mental wellness, and community-based experiences that help young people discover and develop their full potential.
Women of Vision is more than a breakfast. It is a celebration of the community that surrounds young people and inspires them grow into leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
See Her. Be Her. Dream Bigger.
More than 100 Girl Scouts—from Daisies to Ambassadors—spent an inspiring day exploring future possibilities at the See Her Be Her 2026 Career Exploration Fair, held this April in partnership with Stevens Institute of Technology.
Girls connected with more than 30 accomplished women representing careers in STEM, healthcare, business, finance, public service, entrepreneurship, and more. Through engaging conversations, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities, they discovered the many paths available to them while hearing firsthand from women who are leading, innovating, and making a difference in their communities.
The fair encouraged girls to ask questions, explore new interests, and imagine themselves in careers they may never have considered before. Whether learning about engineering, nursing, emergency services, finance, or technology, each interaction helped build confidence and expand what they believe is possible.
Events like See Her Be Her remind girls that when they can see successful women who look like them, share their passions, or have overcome similar challenges, they begin to envision those same possibilities for themselves. By introducing girls to inspiring role models and meaningful career pathways, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is helping the next generation become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers our communities need.
by Jaelyn Morris, GSHNJ Summer Intern in the External Affairs Department. Support for our summer intern was made possible through funding provided by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, helping to expand our capacity while providing a meaningful professional development opportunity for an emerging leader.
On Saturday, June 6, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey hosted its second annual Community Celebration at the Girl Scout Leadership Center in Newark.
The event welcomed families from across the community for an afternoon of connection, collaboration, and celebration. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of nonprofit organizations, community partners, small businesses, and local vendors, all working together to showcase valuable resources, programs, and services available throughout the region. Families explored community offerings, supported local entrepreneurs, enjoyed a variety of food and treats, and experienced the spirit of partnership that made the celebration a vibrant and meaningful gathering for all.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of TD Bank, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, and the Newark Alliance. Their investment in GSHNJ reflects a shared commitment to empowering girls, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunities for girls to learn and grow.
This September 26, join Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey for I Run for Girls 5K, a community event that brings people together to invest in the next generation of courageous, confident leaders.
Whether you're running for a personal best, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, you'll be part of a celebration that combines fitness, family fun, and philanthropy. Enjoy a lively, carnival-like atmosphere complete with a DJ, complimentary food and beverages, children's crafts and activities, and plenty of reasons to smile.
More than just a race, I Run for Girls is an opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders. Proceeds support Girl Scout programs that inspire courage, confidence, and character through leadership development, STEM exploration, outdoor adventures, community service, and financial assistance for girls who need it most.
- Register!
- Bring your family!
- Invite your coworkers!
- Form a team!
- Become a sponsor!
- Donate…to help ensure every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Together, we can turn every mile into momentum for girls. Join us on September 26 and help make every step count!
Click here to learn more! I Run for Girls 2026
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey proudly celebrated the remarkable volunteers who inspire, mentor, and empower more than 13,000 Girl Scouts each year at the 2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards, held on April 22 at Bridgewater Manor.
Presented during Volunteer Appreciation Month and in celebration of Girl Scout Leader's Day, the evening honored troop leaders, service unit volunteers, committee members, and community partners whose time, talent, and dedication make life-changing Girl Scout experiences possible.
This year's celebration also introduced two new awards—the Compass Award and the Guiding Star Award—recognizing exceptional volunteers whose leadership, passion, and steadfast commitment continue to strengthen and shape the future of Girl Scouts. Their service exemplifies the spirit of our movement and reminds us that behind every confident, courageous Girl Scout is a caring adult who believes in her potential.
A Growing Movement, A Brighter Future
We're thrilled to celebrate an exciting milestone—Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey has surpassed its 2026 annual membership goal, welcoming more than 22,203 members this June!
Every new Girl Scout represents another young person discovering confidence, courage, and community through experiences that inspire her to lead, explore, and make a difference. This incredible achievement reflects the dedication of our volunteers, staff, families, and supporters who believe in the power of Girl Scouting.
As we prepare for a new membership year beginning in October, we're excited to welcome even more girls, families, and volunteers into our growing community. If you know a girl who is ready for friendship, adventure, and unforgettable experiences—or an adult interested in starting a new troop—we invite you to share the opportunity. Visit our website or email info@gshnj.org to learn more.
Together, we're opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping thousands more girls discover all they can become.
For more than a century, Girl Scouting has instilled courage, confidence, and character in girls through partnership; nowhere is that legacy clearer than in the relationship between Girl Scouts and the counties that have long provided land for summer camp. In Essex County, that story begins in the early 1920s, when local Girl Scout councils and Essex municipalities began shaping what would become The OVAL, now Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey’s day camp in South Mountain Reservation.
The Essex County Park Commission, the nation's first county park system, was founded to bring accessible green space to one of New Jersey's most densely populated, industrialized counties, making South Mountain Reservation a natural home for a girls' outdoor program. According to the Archives of the Essex County Park System, the camp's first cabin was erected in July of 1924, funded privately for the Girl Scouts of the Oranges and built by boys from the Vocational School of Orange. Over the following decade, more cabins rose around the perimeter of the open field that gives The OVAL its name, each raised by a different Girl Scout council from across the county, a shared undertaking that laid the groundwork for today's GSHNJ.
That layered history is what makes The OVAL significant today: not the work of a single benefactor, but a partnership of councils and communities carrying the vision forward for generations. GSHNJ now operates The OVAL as its official day camp, while troops and service units still reserve the grounds for overnight camping, continuing the same tradition of shared stewardship that built it a century ago.
At The OVAL, girls gain real contact with the outdoors through hiking, singing around camp fires, and understanding why the land beneath them is worth protecting. It's here that independence, self-advocacy, and agency take root, nurtured within a sisterhood that grows more capable together, away from the noise of daily life.
Just as the Park Commission once made the land available, today's donors and volunteers keep The OVAL's cabins standing and its programs alive, extending a century-old belief that community investment gives a girl room to lead her own adventure. Those curious to trace that legacy further can visit the GSHNJ Museum at the Westfield Service Center, where decades of uniforms, photographs, and camp memorabilia bring this history to life.
Every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her strengths, build confidence, and lead with courage. You—and donors like you—make that possible.
Because of your support, Girl Scouts across New Jersey gain access to life-changing experiences, caring mentors, and a community where they are encouraged to grow, lead, and thrive. These moments don’t just shape their today—they define the leaders they will become.
But this impact only happens with you.
Your gift today fuels opportunity, unlocks potential, and ensures every girl has the support she needs to succeed.
Make your gift now—and be part of the reason she discovers just how powerful she truly is.
July 27, 2026
