The New Canaan Girl Scout Service Unit celebrated another impactful year of leadership, service, and community at its 2025–2026 Closing Ceremony, bringing together Girl Scouts, families, volunteers, and community partners for an evening of recognition and tradition.
The evening highlighted the courage, confidence, and character demonstrated by Girl Scouts across every level. Daisies and Brownies proudly led the Promise and Law, while 5th Grade Juniors confidently opened and closed the Flag Ceremony and led the audience in song. The 6th Grade Cadettes proudly presented Bronze, Journey, and Leadership Awards recognizing younger troop achievements, while the 7th Grade Cadettes honored the volunteers and adult leaders who make Girl Scouting possible. A special shout-out also goes to Charlotte Dluzyn for emceeing the Bridging Ceremony and helping guide one of Girl Scouts’ most treasured traditions.
The ceremony closed with a heartfelt Friendship Circle led by the 4th Grade Juniors, whose rendition of “Make New Friends” captured the spirit of sisterhood and community at the center of Girl Scouts.
A special shout-out goes to now-Ambassador Troop 50175 for their leadership in planning and coordinating the evening’s program. From organizing presentations and guiding younger troops through ceremony roles to emceeing and supporting transitions throughout the event, the troop exemplified what it means to be a G.I.R.L.-led (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) troop. Their mentorship and leadership helped make the closing ceremony a meaningful celebration for scouts of every age.
Throughout the program, scouts reflected on a year filled with community activities, including the Campfire Singalong, cookie booths, CARES Craft Club at the New Canaan Library, the Discovery Museum sleepover, and participation in the Memorial Day Parade.
Girl Scouts were honored for achievements in leadership, service, and community impact. Junior Troop 50432 was recognized for earning the Bronze Award through a Little Library and First Aid Stand project benefiting Merrie Bee Cabin. Brownie Troop 50521 earned recognition for completing three Journeys and three Take Action projects and received the Patty Zoccolillo Community Service Award for projects supporting Filling in the Blanks and environmental restoration efforts with the New Canaan Land Trust.
Volunteer recognition remained a centerpiece of the evening. The New Canaan Service Unit was honored with the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Charter Oak Award for exemplary leadership and measurable impact.
Additional volunteer honorees included Laurie Barnes and Tammy Dluzyn, recipients of the Spirit of the Dragonfly Award; Ingrid Gelston and Joanne Salvo, recognized as both Product Sales Champions and Stepping Up Award recipients; and longtime Merrie Bee Cabin Committee members Marigrace Dubas and Priscilla Woyke for their decades of service.
The Service Unit also recognized Krista Colthup, Ally Dunlap, Ann Spilker, Kristin Edwards, Karen Frank, Jamie Gentile, Anne Skibitcky, and Stephanie Solomon for their dedication and support of local troops and programming. Co-Service Unit Managers Heather Boulanger and Alexis DiMarco were honored for their leadership in guiding the Service Unit throughout the year.
The ceremony also recognized the many community partners that support Girl Scouts in New Canaan, including local first responders, the Town of New Canaan, the New Canaan Nature Center, the New Canaan Land Trust, the New Canaan Library, the Merrie Bee Cabin Committee, and New Canaan Public Schools.
The New Canaan Girl Scout Service Unit extends special thanks to event sponsors The New Canaan UPS Store, Walter Stewart’s Market, and Pinocchio Pizza for helping make the evening extra special for Girl Scouts and their families.
The New Canaan Girl Scout Service Unit currently includes more than 200 Girl Scouts across 17 troops, supported by 32 troop leaders and more than 200 adult volunteers. This year alone, the Service Unit welcomed 47 new Girl Scouts and formed two new troops.
Interested in learning more about New Canaan Girl Scouts? The Service Unit welcomes new girls and volunteers every year. Contact girlscoutsnc@gmail.com to learn more and join the fun.
