On January 17th, 2026, the historical Red Barn at Camp Sycamore Hills in Ashland City, TN, was remembered and commemorated in a Closing Ceremony. Over 200 attendees, most of them Girl Scouts and campers from over 6 decades, gathered to reflect on their good times held within the Red Barn over its 65 years at the camp.
Driving into the camp, guests were greeted by the familiar faces of camp counselors, as well as Girl Scout staff.
We were welcome to tour the camp via tractor ride; to take final pictures in front of the Red Barn; and to go inside the new activity building (also the cafeteria/trading post/art studio that was built to replace the spaces lost with the closure of the Red Barn) to view a slideshow and learn about the history of the Red Barn.
It was a frigid day outside so the hot chocolate they offered was well received.
After catching up with old friends, purchasing commemorative souvenirs, and sharing our best memories in the barn, everyone gathered outside the barn for the official Closing Ceremony.
At the ceremony, guests spoke about the significance that the Red Barn had over so many generations of campers and shared stories and songs.
Faux pearl necklaces, symbolizing the strand of pearls that the Girl Scout Founder, Juliette Gordon Lowe, sold to raise money to start Girl Scouts, as well as candles to light during the ceremony, were distributed to the crowd during this time of reflection.
This was one of the largest Friendship Circles I’ve been a part of to date, and the spirit of the Red Barn will live on in the memories of all those who have enjoyed their time in its walls here at camp.
There are plans, still being finalized, to develop a structure that will honor the Red Barn and hopefully bring the same joy to new generations of campers.
In February, the Girl Scouts of Middle TN began delivering cookies. Delayed a week by the ice storm, the cookie season has been extended until March 6th.
This year’s cookie lineup debuts a new variety, Exploremores, which is based on the flavors of rocky road ice cream. Support for cookie sales helps Girl Scouts fund camps, troop activities, and service projects within the local community.
On February 22nd, 2026, a World Thinking Day event was held at the Girl Scout Center, located on Granny White Pike in Nashville, TN. Many troops gathered to share and display cultural facts, food, crafts, and songs they learned about from a country of their choice.
Several of the countries represented included Japan, Chile, S. Korea, Greece, Thailand, and Samoa. This was an experience for girls to “travel around the world” and collect stamps on their “passports.”
The day ended with a closing friendship circle and a pinning ceremony where the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) pin was awarded to attendees for their participation and learning about scouting all over the world.
Upcoming events in March for the Girl Scouts included Girl Scout Week from March 8th – 14th, 2026, where Girl Scouts will celebrate 114 years of inspiring change and making an impact in communities around the world. Give your favorite or local Girl Scout(s) a high-five for all their efforts!
