Lake Worth’s Marilyn VanVleet Honored For Decades Of Service To The Girl Scouts.
LAKE WORTH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — When Marilyn VanVleet started leading Girl Scout troops back in 1967, she wasn’t just teaching girls how to tie knots or pitch tents; she was building a community that would last over half a century. This week, that dedication was officially recognized as VanVleet received a prestigious honor, established in 2014, which celebrates volunteers who have made “extraordinary contributions” to the Girl Scout mission. It’s an award reserved for those whose generosity and consistent service have fundamentally shaped the lives of young women.
For two decades, from 1967 to 1987, VanVleet was the driving force behind a whirlwind of high-adventure excursions. She didn’t just stick to the local parks; she led her scouts on rugged hikes through the Appalachian Trail and Mount Washington, took them canoeing through the Ozarks, and even set sail for the Bahamas. Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, noted that VanVleet’s impact as a mentor is best seen in the lasting bonds she created. “It speaks volumes that her former Girl Scouts remain part of her life,” Johnson said, calling volunteers like VanVleet the “unsung heroes” of the organization.
The positive impact of VanVleet’s leadership is still being felt today. Many of the girls she mentored — now in their 50s and 60s — still regularly gather with VanVleet for sing-alongs, lunches, and reunions, proving that the trust and laughter shared during those early camping trips created a lifelong support system.
VanVleet received the honor just as the State of the Florida Girl Report was released. It highlights how critical community support is for young women today. According to the data, roughly 90% of Florida Girl Scouts report a strong sense of belonging, a feeling fostered by the exact kind of intergenerational connection VanVleet has championed.
“Volunteering has given me the opportunity to watch girls grow into strong, confident women,” said VanVleet, noting that her greatest joy is seeing those women carry on the legacy of leadership and adventure she helped build so many years ago.
