Girl Scout Summer Badge Camp Teaches Power of Community

Girl Scout Troop 1887 from Carmel High School hosted a Summer Badge Camp at the Carmel Lions Club recently and invited several dignitaries to help the girls earn their Democracy badges.

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman and Magistrate Erin Weaver spoke to the girls – ranging in age from 5-10 years – about their roles in government and what it means to lead as women in public service. That was followed by a special visit by staff from Hamilton County Voter Registration who taught the girls about the importance of voting and set up real voting machines so the girls could participate in a mock election.

“These girls are learning how their voices matter,” says Senior Girl Scout Roxy Stock, one of the camp counselors. “From casting a pretend ballot to asking questions about how laws are made—they’re already thinking like leaders.”

14 girls participated in the week-long camp where they earned five Girl Scout badges including badges in mechanical engineering, outdoor art, performance, and community in addition to the Democracy badge.

“This week was all about showing our younger scouts how they can make an impact—not someday, but right now,” says Troop Leader Tammy Sander. “It was an unforgettable introduction to what community really means.”

The camp was a fundraiser for Troops 1887’s Gold Awards, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Next year’s camp will take place the week of July 20, 2026.