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Alumni Spotlight: Chelsea Burke
Chelsea Burke holds the title for Mrs. Alaska America 2023, but her path towards becoming a community leader started as a Brownie in Maine. Chelsea grew up watching her sister participate in Scouting activities when her family lived in Canada and had always wanted to join. When she was six her family moved to Maine, and Chelsea became a Brownie. As the new kid she remembers how valuable being part of Girl Scouts was. “There was this feeling of sisterhood, of getting to know other girls. Even though we were young it was great to be in a program that protected the relationship between young women.” When she became a Junior, her mom took on the role of Troop Leader. Chelsea recalls those being the best two years of her life. “It was really great for me to see her in that role. It brought us together too, as mother and daughter.” Her troop participated in all sorts of activities, but maintained a focus on service to the community, which is a message she hopes to pass onto her children now.
In the summer months Chelsea attended Girl Scout camps. She recalls how the outdoor activities pushed girls outside their comfort zones. By creating structured discomfort girls discovered what they were really capable of. She remembers, “you were going to be scared and you were going to do it scared.”
Those experiences stuck with her. As a young adult she pursued a military career and was drawn to leadership roles, which she credits to her time in Girl Scouts. She now acts a mentor and leader for pageantry in Alaska. Using her platform for advocacy she recognizes how the lessons she started learning as a Brownie encouraged her to become who she is today. “I still have friends in Maine to this day that remind me of all the fun we used to have at our Girl Scout meetings. We’re now all moms, wives and community leaders. It really is amazing what seeds can be planted young in life that will have a long-term impact.”
When asked what young girls today should know is, Chelsea responded “take care of your friends, hold on to all the people in your life that are kind to you, like all your Girl Scout friends. Take care of each other and hold onto those relationships.” As we know Girl Scout friendships can be lifelong and magical.
October 31, 2023
