The deep pine forest of Girl Scout Camp Timber Ridge in Mableton, Georgia is a gorgeous natural setting, but not the expected venue for 23 high-powered women executives. Although more often found at a polished conference table than in a rustic cabin, these businesswomen gladly left their BlackBerries and iPhones behind to share life lessons with mentee Girl Scouts from grades 9-12 at Camp CEO, an event held by Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc.
Camp CEO has been a dream of Marilyn Midyette, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, for almost two years. The event paired teen girls with some of Atlanta’s top female executives for lessons about leadership and success from women who are experts at both.
The first Camp CEO was held from June 6-11, and its great success will ensure its return as an annual event. “Girl Scouts and Camp CEO are models that provide girls with life skills development to be productive and competent leaders today and in the future," said Midyette.
In cornerstone sessions called “Dreaming Your Future,” the mentors provided inspiration and education to the girls delivered through their real-life stories, successes and struggles. Among those sharing their stories were Yolanda Adrean, Atlanta city councilwoman for District 8; Jean Holloway, executive vice president, Bank of North Georgia; Karen Beavor, president and CEO of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits and Kathy Betty, owner and CEO, Atlanta Dream. As an added benefit, Karen Handel, a Georgia gubernatorial candidate, spoke to the girls of her journey in leadership.
The teen participants were unanimously enthusiastic about the many leadership lessons they learned. “Camp CEO has helped me a lot with planning and starting my career path. All of the CEOs gave good advice and encouraged us to follow our dreams,” said Sara, a 16-year old mentee-participant. “They have taught us valuable life and career lessons.”
The women leaders also served as important role models for the girls. “I learned how many powerful women there are,” said 15-year-old Maya. “I learned how to network very quickly and effectively. It was a great opportunity and I’m so glad to have participated in it,” she added.
This select group of women and girls also enjoyed such team-building activities as a race modeled after television’s The Amazing Race and a Zumba dance session. And of course, they participated in perennial Girl Scout traditions such as canoeing and S’mores around a campfire.
“Girl Scouts is known for cookies and camping but what we want the world to know is that we are building girls of courage, confidence and character who will become the esteemed civic and business leaders of tomorrow,” said Marilyn Midyette. “Camp CEO connected our girls with accomplished businesswomen committed not only to a life of success, but to a life of significance.”
Although the remarkable women leaders who attended were chosen to inspire and mentor the girls, they were themselves inspired by the experience.
“I came to deliver my message about the importance of being a leader and giving back. But I learned from this experience that Girl Scouts already know this,” said mentor/attendee Kate Atwood, founder of Kate’s Club. “I learned from Camp CEO just how much Girl Scouts is already guiding young women to understand the importance of helping others, and teaching them how to direct their own lives.”
Additional Stories
Inaugural Camp CEO Empowers Girls - Atlanta Daybook
CEOs Take Camp Girls under Their Wings - Marietta Daily Journal
Additional Photos
Camp CEO 2010 Photo Gallery - Courtesy Kristen Lewis, Chairman Board of Directors, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc.
