Ciara Weisbecker, a 10th grader at Babylon High School, is making her mark as part of the Girl Advisory Team and a winner in the Holiday Light Show Design Contest. Her marshmallow campfire-inspired design will debut this year, celebrating the spirit of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and her growing leadership journey.
What inspired your winning design for the Holiday Light Show, and how did it feel to find out it was selected?
This year the theme of the GSSC light show was "When I think of Girl Scouts, I think of ... " I remembered the time that the Advisory Board had a campfire and roasted marshmallows together at Camp Edey. I was really excited when I found out my design was chosen!
As a member of the Girl Advisory Team, what kind of ideas or input do you enjoy contributing to help shape Girl Scout events and programs?
The Advisory Team worked together to brainstorm different SWAPS for the "Empower Her" event. SWAPS are little tokens that Girl Scouts trade with each other. It was fun to come up with all different ideas and make samples to see what worked best.
What's your favorite part about volunteering at events and helping run different activity stations?
There's so many fun activities that it's difficult to pick a favorite part. One of my favorite events was "World Thinking Day." Another Girl Scout and I researched Italy and we created a poster board to share some facts about the country, created an Italian themed craft for younger scouts to make, and made a pasta themed game that Girl Scouts who attended the program could play.
How has being a Girl Scout helped you grow as a leader and community member?
GSSC has given me the opportunity to learn about a lot of new things. I have been able to try new things, like archery and Media Girls. I have been able to feel like I've made a difference by helping at events, doing community service, completing take action projects, earning my Bronze and Silver awards, and working towards my Gold Award. The people I've met through GSSC have given me so many opportunities and I'm excited for the opportunities they are continu-ing to provide me with. I am looking forward to going to the Girl Scout National Convention with GSSC this summer as a Council Delegate.
What advice would you give to younger Girl Scouts who want to get more involved and make an impact like you have?
Be bold, step out of your box, and if you walk into a room where you don't know anyone at Girl Scouts, you'll have new friends by the time you leave. The people I've met at GSSC are supportive, friendly, encouraging and have created an amazing community that I am so grateful to be a part of.
LongIslandPress.com, November 2025 Issue. Read it online here (page 73)