Girl Scouts Troop 58641 forms in Truman

TRUMAN -- From selling cookies to acts of service, Girl Scout troops have pledged to promote confidence, character, leadership and community involvement for girls since its inception in March 1912. Now, a new Girl Scout troop, Troop 58641, for girls in kindergarten to third grade (Daisy and Brownie scouts) from Martin and Watonwan Counties and other communities, is coming to Truman and surrounding areas, led by Troop Leader Kelsey Geistfeld.

Geistfeld was a Girl Scout when her mother was a troop leader and a volunteer. She noted that her two daughters, Cecelia--joining the troop this year-- and Daisy--joining the troop next year-- were approaching the qualifying ages for Girl Scouts. For many other activities, the family often drives outside their home in Truman. Wondering about opportunities in the Truman community, Geistfeld was driven to start a local Girl Scout troop.

"I remember we learned a lot in Girl Scouts, like survival things, camping things and meeting other friends throughout the area that weren’t in the same school as me. I wanted to give that opportunity to the girls in Truman. I’m super excited to get it rolling. Even looking at the plans we have laid out, the activities that we can do coming up and also the opportunities to give back to the community are what I’m really excited about. We did a lot of things for the community growing up through Girl Scouts. I’m excited to do that again and hopefully bring that back to everybody in the community," Geistfeld said.

Stepping into the role of troop leader, Geistfeld said it's very nostalgic. She explained that her mother was instrumental in giving back to the community, and she is honored to continue her legacy by taking on the role herself.

"I feel like to step in her shoes and be able to give back to my community that did so much for me growing up...She was a great, great woman. Being able to even be a little bit like her is very nostalgic and very honoring to me, to be able to do that for the community. I’m just really excited to be able to do this for them," Geistfeld said.

To create a Girl Scout troop, Geistfeld first determined whether a new one would be received well in the community. She reached out to Girl Scouts River Valleys, a council based in Mankato, which helped guide her process of creating the troop. Geistfeld was then reached out to by Martin County/Fairmont Girl Scouts Community Recruiter and Treasurer, Nancy Klemek, who noticed that Geistfeld was forming a troop and offered assistance from the fellow troop. Registration officially opened in June and will close in mid-August. Currently, three Girl Scouts are registered. Girl Scouts Troop 58641 has a 10-scout capacity and may extend if more are interested. Until then, Geistfeld is happy that families and their scouts are involved.

"It's really good," Geistfeld said. "Having someone reach out to me and say they're interested. I was like, 'I'm so glad you heard about this. Yes, we can definitely get your daughter registered.'"

The plan is to meet once or twice per month at the Truman Community Building and the Truman City Council waived the fee for its use.

Geistfeld said that a family informational meeting is approaching to determine what will work best for the troop. Activities in store include earning badges, fundraising, community service, trips and more to help the girls grow skills and make connections, all in accordance with the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

"I really am excited," Geistfeld said. "I know it’s exciting to get something when you learn something, you know? Being able to get the badges, hopefully enjoy the activities we do. At their ages, we want to give them options. And so, as a group, being able to choose what activity they want to do as a group is what I’m really excited for. To see what they all agree on, want to do and come together and do activities together, help each other. I’m just looking forward to seeing them work together and have fun."

Geistfeld concurred that being a part of the community is very important, especially through Girl Scouts.

"Being able to know the families better and know the community better through being able to give back and helping around on little things that they need, I think will be great. Because then the more people you know, the more you can all come together and find out who needs help. Find out who just needs some brightening in their day, you know, it’s a huge, huge benefit," Geistfeld said.

A free informational pool party for girls to learn about Girl Scouts Troop 58641 Martin County/Fairmont Girl Scouts for girls in grades four and older will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Truman Swimming Pool. Geistfeld said that a flyer will be released soon.

To register a Girl Scout or get involved, visit mygs.girlscouts.org, select 'Find a Troop', and enter the 56088 zip code or the 58641 troop number. Geistfeld welcomes families to get involved and talk to the girls in their family about their interest in Girl Scouts. For additional information, contact Geistfeld at (507) 236-2498.