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With heavy hearts, Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, remembers and honors former Board President, Barbara Lowis Lehmann. Barbara began her journey with the Council as a dedicated volunteer and became an influential member of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital Board of Directors.
Barbara became President of the Board of Directors in 1981 and served for two full terms. During that time, she led a strategic review process and made courageous decisions that steered the Council into the organization it is today.
During her tenure, she also improved staff-volunteer relations, strengthened the cookie program and membership, and led an evaluation of our camp properties, resulting in significant improvements that Girl Scouts across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia still enjoy today.
Barbara was well known for initiating the Congressional Aide Program, a summer program unique to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital that gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill shadowing Congressmen and woman. The program celebrated its 50-year anniversary in May 2024, and over the 50 years, hundred of Girl Scouts have participated in the program.
Barbara was not only a valued member of our Board, but was a Junior and Cadette Troop Leader. Seeing the need for volunteers in her area, Barbara stepped up and volunteered to be a Troop Leader for her daughter Nancy’s Girl Scout troop.
Nancy recalled some of her favorite Girl Scout memories with her mother, “a favorite memory of my Cadette years was earning the canoeing badge. For our final tests, we went to a friend's pond in Potomac. We practiced tipping the canoe and getting back in it, bailing water, and our canoe strokes. The pond bottom was really mushy, so we didn't spend much time standing up. Afterwards, we learned there were snapping turtles in the pond! She also took our Cadette troop canoeing, biking, and hiking on the C&O Canal. She was heavily involved in the canal days project at Riley's Lock House.”
We are deeply honored to have had Barbara serve as President of the Board of Directors at a time when the Council needed great leadership to move forward. With dedication to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, our volunteers and Girl Scouts have seen great camps, great leadership, and strong confidence because of her work. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
