Celebrating 70 Years of Girl Scouting: Joan Koeck’s Incredible Journey

Joan Koeck (right) is with another Girl Scout legend, Lois Harris (left). Sadly, Lois passed in 2018, but not before enjoying 75 years as a Girl Scout and becoming renowned for her capes adorned with her earned badges and patches.

In 2024, Joan Koeck celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 70 years of Girl Scouting! Joan’s journey—filled with badges, camping trips, and friendships— highlights the meaningful connections and opportunities that Girl Scouts offers to girls and their communities.

Joan’s story began in 1949 when her mother became a troop leader for Joan’s older sister. Inspired by her sister’s adventures, Joan joined Girl Scouts in 1951. Her mom was her first troop leader, and together, they dove into everything Girl Scouting had to offer. Joan earned the prestigious Curved Bar Award, collected patches, and developed leadership skills that set the stage for her future.

The day after she graduated from Hanover Park Regional High School, Joan became a troop leader herself. “There was a need for leaders,” Joan shared, “and I wanted to make sure the girls had the chance to experience Girl Scouts.” For eight years, she led her Cadette troop in Florham Park, helping girls discover their strengths and build friendships.

Even after marrying her husband, George, who served in the Navy, and moving to places like Wilmington, Long Island, and Memphis, Joan stayed committed to Girl Scouts. Each time the family moved, she’d call the local Girl Scout office, eager to start a new troop. “It was the first thing I did after unpacking!” Joan laughed.

In 1979, the Koeck family settled in Cape May County, where Joan became a camping specialist for the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. Camp Sacy became a favorite place for the family, filled with campfires, crafts, and unforgettable memories. “Everyone in our service unit went to camp—it was like a tradition,” Joan said. Camp Sacy was also where her husband and son joined in, proving that Girl Scouts truly was a family affair.

George supported Joan every step of the way, spending more than 30 years volunteering. Their son even joined Girl Scouts* to participate in the family’s camping adventures. Joan’s sister, who recently celebrated 75 years in Girl Scouts, and her niece, a lifetime member, show how Girl Scouting is embraced across generations of her family.

Joan’s collection of patches, T-shirts, and badges tells the story of a lifetime of service and fun. Her favorites are sewn onto a jacket and blanket.  Joan also has a quilt made from Girl Scout t-shirts collected over the years—each one representing a memory of friendships formed and skills learned. “Girl Scouts teaches you so much—how to solve problems, help others, and be a good friend,” Joan said.

When asked what advice she’d give to parents considering Girl Scouts for their daughters, Joan was clear: “It’s one of the best decisions you can make. Troops become like family, and the girls learn so much while having fun.”

Joan Koeck’s 70-year commitment to Girl Scouts is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a shining example of what the Girl Scout mission is all about: building courage, confidence, and character.

“The heart of Girl Scouting really lies in the dedication of our volunteers. Joan’s 70-year journey exemplifies the impact one person can have on countless lives,” says Ginny Hill, CEO of GSCSNJ. “We are profoundly grateful for the passion and time she, and other volunteers like her, invest in empowering girls to lead with courage, confidence, and character.”

For Girl Scouts, families, and donors alike, Joan’s story reminds us of all of the joy and impact that Girl Scouting brings to communities—and why it’s worth investing in the next generation of leaders.

* Historically, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has been an organization for girls and young women. However, in some cases, male family members—such as fathers, brothers, and sons—could participate in certain activities, especially in a supportive or volunteer capacity. This inclusion was typically tied to family camping events or activities where their involvement enriched the experience for the girls.