Chicagoan Edna P. Leaner is now in the Girl Scout Hall of Fame for her long-lasting impact to the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Leaner served as a troop leader for over 50 years in addition to holding positions with the council, including service unit volunteer, council trainer, board of director member, national delegate, and council delegate. She is one of only ten people inducted each year.
As a champion of the Chicago community, Leaner helped expand the organization’s reach throughout the city’s South Side, recruiting African-American girls and making sure they all had complete uniforms. She wrote many of the Girl Scout etiquette guides and ceremonies and was known for wearing her signature hat and gloves with her Girl Scout insignia perfectly placed.
Age never stopped Leaner from providing amazing service throughout her period of service. During her tenure, she taught girls to toboggan at Camp Butternut Springs outside of Valparaiso, Indiana when she was in her 80s and has also been inducted into the City of Chicago Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.
Each spring, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana honors volunteers like Leaner with a special recognition ceremony. During the event, volunteers receive honors from Girl Scouts of the USA and the local council for their individual years of service helping to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. Volunteers like these are essential.
“Every volunteer helps create exceptional experiences that Girl Scouts will never forget,” said Nancy Wright, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. “Whether it’s leading a troop every week, helping girls explore nature at camp or facilitating a LEGO robotics workshop, our adult volunteers serve as positive role models every day for our Girl Scouts.”
To volunteer with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana as an event facilitator, troop leader, or other position, visit www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org or call 1-855-ILOVEGS (456-8347).
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