Behind every Girl Scout and volunteer is a team of local staff ready to help them earn that next badge, embark on a camping adventure, or organize an impactful service project. That’s what a Girl Scout council is. We are here to maintain camp properties, provide local Girl Scouts skill-building workshops and resources to achieve whatever they can dream up.
Over 5,000 girls from across central and western Massachusetts are reaching their fullest potential. Our members are discovering what’s important to them, connecting with their community, and taking action to make the world a better place.
With the help of over 3,000 volunteers, we are creating adventures, learning opportunities, and future leaders at our four camps, two Leadership Centers, and with dedicated community partners.
We believe in the power of girls! From her first troop sleepover over with her very best friends to hiking Mount Washington to designing her own adventure—our Girl Scouts find the sparkle that makes them special. We think that’s pretty cool.
We connect over 8,000 members in 186 cities and towns in western and central Massachusetts, girls and adults who are experiencing new adventures every single day and building friendships that last a lifetime.
We get involved in our communities. Hundreds of service projects are completed each year! Our Girl Scouts and volunteers change the world through small acts of kindness and BIG ideas that make a lasting impact. Serving meals at a community soup kitchen, collecting items for local shelters and singing holiday carols to bring cheer to elders are regular aspirations for our members.
We value diversity and inclusiveness. Girl Scouts does not discriminate on any basis, including age, race, ethnicity, religion, and disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
If you have questions, concerns, or issues that need attention, we're here to help! Call us at 508-365-0115 or 413-584-2602, or email us at info@gscwm.org. Our hours are Monday–Friday, 9AM–4:00PM, or by appointment.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts consists of a diverse group of volunteers who are community leaders and professionals. They are chosen by the Board Development Committee and elected by the voting members of the Council. The role of the Board of Directors is one of governance. Their responsibilities include strategic planning, fund development, appointment of the CEO, financial oversight, and interaction with the community.
Suzanne has served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) since the council was formed in January, 2008. For 19 years, she served as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Western Massachusetts and, prior to that, for seven years as Executive Director and one year in an entry level position for the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada based in Reno, NV.Ms. Smiley was a Certified Girl Scout Executive Director/CEO, earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University, and completed an 11 day executive seminar in nonprofit management through the Harvard School of Business. In addition, she completed the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation and numerous other short courses on fundraising, human resources management, and organizational change.
Suzanne has volunteered in many capacities, including serving as chapter president of Business Networking International, board member and secretary for the Employer’s Association of Western Massachusetts, board member for the Human Services Forum, and various officer positions with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In addition Suzanne was the Town of Gill Planning Board Chair for 17 years and Zoning Board of Appeals Chair from 2006 to the present. She is currently a Music Minister and is a former religious education instructor at St. Patrick’s Church in Northfield, MA.
Deborah joined GSCWM in 2010, as office manager in Leeds, before it moved to its current location in Holyoke. In her formative years, Deborah was a Girl Scout in North Adams, and then a Troop Leader. Deborah studied Social Anthropology, as well as many accounting & business courses and earned her degree in computer science. Deborah has volunteered in various ways over the years; at a food co-op, as a member of the auxiliary fire department, and creator of a food share community program. Over her career, she has held various management positions; developed through extensive experience as an operations manager, office manager, administrative assistant and office administrator.
Growing within the GSCWM organization she has learned the shop functions, site rentals, team building, and has been instrumental in developing the Information and Referral (I&R) department. Deborah aids in resolving challenges with innovative solutions, systems and process improvements proven to increase efficiency, customer satisfaction and the bottom line. She emphasizes strong communication, managerial, customer service and organizational skills.
“Every badge you earn is tied up to your motto. This badge is not a reward for something you have done once or for an examination you have passed. Badges are not medals to wear on your sleeve to show what a smart girl you are. A badge is a symbol that you have done the thing it stands for often enough, thoroughly enough, and well enough to BE PREPARED to give service in it. You wear the badge to let people know that you are prepared and willing to be called on because you are a Girl Scout. And Girl Scouting is not just knowing.....but doing.....not just doing, but being.” – Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of Girl Scouting
The Girl Scout History Museum exists to preserve memorabilia related to Girl Scouting, so that it may be available for present and future users.
With the memorabilia, we offer exhibits and historical program activities to help foster a sense of belonging to the Girl Scout organization founded in 1912.
Museum Tours and Hands-on Exhibits at Camp Laurel Wood in Spencer
Browse the exhibits and displays of unique Girl Scout memorabilia and the library at the Gage Center at Camp Laurel Wood. Get a sense of how Girl Scouts have evolved over the years. Guided tours and vintage uniform try-on sessions are available by advance reservation. If your group is staying at camp for the weekend or you would just like to take a tour, do a program, or visit with Juliette Gordon Low make a reservation today. There is no charge for museum tours and they can be tailored to your group’s interest or badge work. Call 413-584-2602 or email historycommittee@gscwm.org. Reservations are required.
If you are interested please email historycommittee@gscwm.org to schedule your visit
Vintage Uniforms
Did you know that GSCWM’s Girl Scout Museum has vintage uniforms that you and your girls can try on, wear during fashion shows and parades, and use to learn more about Girl Scouting during the past 100 years?
Historic uniforms may be rented for activities such as parades, fashion shows, theater productions, or World Thinking Day.
Uniforms are available from both the Worcester and Holyoke Service Centers and are available in many sizes and vintages (from 1912-present).
Three weeks’ notice is required. Click here to reserve a set of uniforms. If you are looking for uniforms from a specific time period, please specify, otherwise we will find a mix of years which meet your size requirements.
Adventure Through Time Activity Boxes
Have you ever wondered what Girl Scouting was like in the past? All you need is an Adventure Through Time Box. There you will find a vintage uniform and handbook from another decade. Try some badge activities, learn a new song, play a new game. After completing the requirements, a Girl Scout History patch may be purchased. Click here to reserve a box.
Volunteers Needed – Donate Just 1 Hour Every Other Month
Volunteers operate our museum! We encourage you to consider being part of the team. Troops are invited to contact us about making a display and individual adults of every age are needed and appreciated. Can you assist with typing, record keeping or putting a display in place? Perhaps you’d like to help lead tours of our collection? Short term and continuing helpers are needed. To volunteer or learn more, contact historycommittee@gscwm.org.
Feedback
We want to hear from you! What types of exhibits or historic information would you like made available to your troop or group? How could we improve our tours? Any feedback you provide will help us provide better historic programming in the future. Email historycommittee@gscwm.org.
GSCWM is fortunate to have three regional Gold Award Committees fully dedicated to working with our Gold Award Candidates. The GAC consists of volunteer Mentors whose commitment of time, talent, and dedication to the Girl Scout Mission, supports our highest achievers throughout the Gold Award process.
The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, Inc. (GSCWM) is committed to protecting your nonpublic personal information and has taken steps to protect your privacy. The type of information we collect varies depending on the nature of your involvement with our organization. A “minimum necessary” rule is used for both collection and access of secure information. Employees and volunteers may receive, or have access to, information about you only if there is a good reason and they must agree to follow established security and confidentiality procedures.
Periodic training is provided for employees and volunteers who, in carrying out their responsibilities for GSCWM, have reason to collect or access nonpublic personal information. Annually, all employees sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understand our privacy policies and procedures.
We have technical, administrative, and physical security measures in place to protect your personal information from unauthorized access and improper use. Our security procedures are reviewed annually to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and to consider appropriate new technology and updated methods. Despite reasonable efforts, no security measure is ever perfect or impenetrable.