Volunteer Kathy Arend Recognized with Thanks Badge II
Congratulations to Kathy Arend from Highland for being awarded Girl Scouts' Thanks Badge II!
For more than two decades, Kathy has been a constant source of leadership, encouragement, and inspiration within Service Unit 110 and across the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Council. Her long-term dedication has strengthened our Girl Scout community at every level. She has led two troops, helps recruit, welcome, and train new Girl Scout volunteers, and leads countless events to engage Girl Scouts in outdoor adventure. Even with all those local commitments, she serves as a council trainer, as well. Her dedication has equipped so many volunteers and Girl Scouts with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. She elevates others, leads collaboratively, and then steps back to let others shine.
One of Kathy’s most enduring contributions has been her dedication to helping Girl Scouts enjoy the outdoors. She has taken many troops camping just to help them build the confidence to continue on their own. She mentors many volunteers, and even serves as a Council Trainer to help other adults lead their troops in archery and outdoor adventure.
Kathy does not volunteer for the accolades – she demonstrates humility, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of Girl Scouting. She exemplifies what it means to lead with both head and heart, and the impact of her 20+ years of service will be felt for generations of Girl Scouts to come.
The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role. The Thanks Badge honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service has had an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.
April 29, 2026
