Seventeen first-grade girls from Daisy Girl Scout Troop 63223 gathered at the Beehive Lodge on the Girl Scout Cedar Hill property on a recent chilly November evening, joining their leaders for a lesson in leadership and community service.

As three adult leaders prepared supplies and discussed the night’s agenda, the girls busied themselves with setting up tables and chairs. At first, the hierarchy was unclear, but as the meeting progressed, the Scouts organized their own workspaces, demonstrating core Girl Scout values: teamwork, initiative, and self-reliance.

The meeting opened with the Girl Scout promise and law, emphasizing honesty, fairness, and respect. Troop Leader Christie Bilotto introduced the evening’s theme, “Helping Our Neighbors,” guiding the Scouts in two collaborative projects — decorating grocery bags for the Healthy Waltham Food Pantry and crafting colorful greetings for the Tempo restaurant’s “Smiles for Seniors” initiative. Throughout, girls were encouraged to share supplies and assist one another, rather than relying on adult help.

Alena Gelfusa, an active leader whose daughters are members of two local troops, credits her involvement to a love for outdoor activities, especially camping at Cedar Hill. The 75-acre camp, donated to the Massachusetts Girl Scouts in 1923 by philanthropist Cornelia Warren, welcomes hundreds of Scouts annually for summer programs.

After a cleanup led almost entirely by the Scouts themselves, Troop Leader Dawn Hurley greeted parents bringing donated food to fill the decorated bags. Everyone’s cooperation ensured the completed projects were ready for delivery the next day. As families departed and the lodge fell quiet, participants left with a collective sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to serving their community.