For the City Times
Submitted by Camerron Wettern

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Cranberry Valley Girl Scouts welcomed the first baby born to the world during annual Girl Scout Week, March 11-16.

Cranberry Valley Girl Scouts is comprised of 280 girls ages 5-18 from Rapids, Nekoosa, Port Edwards and Rudolph. Following their annual tradition, in celebration of the 106^th Girl Scout Birthday girls gifted items including outfits, blankets, baby supplies, books, and even crocheted hats and booties to the first baby girl born during Girl Scout week (March 11-16th).

​A Daisy, Brownie, and Junior from Troop 6215 represented their fellow scouts to bring the gifts to the hospital. (Submitted Photo)

The first baby girl born during Girl Scout week was baby Reyna. She is the couple’s first child and they were surprised and excited to receive the gifts from the local Scouts. Cranberry Valley Girl Scots had so many items donated by local troops that it was decided to give another baby girl born, gifts as well. The second baby was born shortly after the first and her name is Ashlyn. Both parents were excited and surprised at the kindness of the Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts is an organization primed to teach girls to become leaders, empower them to use their voice and to be proactive in their communities. Leader of Troop 6215, Megan Johnson organized giving the gifts with the local hospital. Working with the maternity ward manager it became apparent that there were ample gifts donated by the Scouts and the question of whether or not to give gifts to another baby came up.

Baby girl Ashlyn also received gifts from local scouts as the second baby girl born during Girl Scout week. (Submitted Photo)

“When Megan reached out to me as the Service Area Manager for my thoughts, I was not entirely sure what was the best course to take,” said Troop leader Camerron Wettern. “But this is Girl Scouts and I turned to my daughters, who are Girl Scouts, what they thought of the situation. Without hesitation they both agreed that giving the second baby part of the gifts was really the only option and that sharing the gifts to help two families was a great idea.”

“Our troop had fun coming up with ideas and collecting items for the first girl baby born,” said Troop 6215 leader Megan Johnson. “We are all hoping the community and the parents will see the wonderful opportunities Girl Scouting has to offer. There are so many positive experiences the girls receive it is truly amazing.”

Barb Fraser is the leader of Troop 6017, and has been a leader for over a decade, with the largest troop in Rapids.

“The girls really enjoyed being allowed to give something to another family in the area. They were in awe as to how tiny the first baby girl born was,” said Fraser. “The family seemed to be very humbled by the generosity of the Girl Scouts. It was nice to see that things our local girls do can impact someone’s everyday life in our community.”