Celebrating Sarah "Sunny" Phillips 100th Birthday
Today, we celebrate an extraordinary milestone for an extraordinary woman—Sarah “Sunny” Phillips is 100 years old today! Recently named a Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital National Treasure, her impact continues to ripple across generations of Girl Scouts.
Sarah’s journey with Girl Scouts began with a simple question: “Would your daughter like to be a Girl Scout?”
That one question not only sparked a lifelong love for Girl Scouting for her daughter—it launched Sara into decades of devoted service and leadership within our council.
Starting out as a troop leader so her daughter could join, Sarah stepped up in classic Girl Scout fashion: , saying “yes,” and never looking back. From troop meetings and day camp check-ins to boardroom decisions and national conventions, Sarah has done it all!. Over the course of 44 years, she served as a troop leader, registrar, summer camp “T-Shirt Lady,” Council Board member, National Convention delegate, and more. Her sunny spirit and enthusiasm earned her the perfect camp name: Sunny.
Her passion for the outdoors helped shape the Girl Scout camping experience in our region. She helped create Camp Tag-A-Long at Camp Potomac Woods and played a vital role in establishing Camp Franklin Park and Camp Sunny in Loudoun County. But perhaps one of the most enduring contributions Sarah has made is the RiverWalk—a learning trail at Camp Potomac Woods, created in partnership with her daughter, to inspire a love of nature in future generations.
Sarah’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, from the trails our campers walk to the lives of girls she has inspired. As we honor Sarah’s 100th birthday, we are grateful for a century of her warmth, leadership, and joy. Sarah’s story reminds us that the greatest journeys often begin with the simplest of questions—and that one person's dedication can make a world of difference.
Happy 100th Birthday, Sarah! Thank you for lighting the way for so many Girl Scouts. May your day be filled with sunshine, smiles, and the love of a grateful Girl Scout family.
