Deep in the forests of Miyun, tents dotted a hillside campsite as exactly 100 campers came together for a first-of-its-kind citywide Girl Scout camping weekend held to mark the 100th anniversary of USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO).
The special campout united girls across all Beijing troops, from the youngest Daisies (age 4) to the eldest Ambassadors (age 18), to celebrate the spirit of sisterhood and the values that have guided Scouts for generations. With their families, they spent the weekend immersed in outdoor adventures, cross-age activities, and of course, the time-honored tradition of roasting s’mores!
USAGSO traces its roots to 1925, when the first overseas troop was established in Shanghai with just 18 girls. A century later, USAGSO counts more than 12,500 members across 90 countries, fostering a global scouting community and opportunities for intercultural exchange.
Leading the Beijing council is Chiara Gensini, a longtime China resident and passionate volunteer. We caught up with Chiara just after the centennial campout to hear more about her leadership journey, what it means to raise three Scouts of her own, and how USAGSO Beijing continues to grow as a vibrant, girl-led community.
Chiara, you convened Scouts of all ages and their families to commemorate this milestone. What were the stand-out moments for you?
We had 100 participants for the USAGSO Centennial – an impressive turnout, especially since it was the first event of its kind organized by the Beijing council. A highlight for me was watching our eldest Ambassador, 18 years old, chatting and exchanging keepsakes with two of our youngest Daisies, just 4 years old. It was also a joy to plan age-appropriate activities for our youngest campers. I loved the dinner where each troop helped prepare the meal – washing tomatoes, chopping cucumbers, and barbecuing. Another favorite was the “Night Market” organized by Cadette Troop 11. One Cadette even came solo without her troop and jumped right in to help like a pro. All great motivation to make next year’s council camp even better!
How did this centennial camping celebration reflect the traditions and values of Girl Scouting?
During the camp, we definitely touched on Girl Scouting’s core values. For courage, we had a morning adventure of ziplining, a high ropes course and rock climbing, encouraging girls to take risks, try new things, and learn from mistakes. For confidence, older girls led a STEM activity for younger scouts, boosting their curiosity and self-belief. To make the world a better place, they ran a “Leave No Trace” workshop to teach environmental awareness. And of course, we exchanged SWAPS – Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere – which are small, handmade friendship tokens that celebrate Girl Scout tradition.
What inspired you to take on the role of council leader for USAGSO Beijing?
I had been involved in the council team for a couple of years, and after our previous chair, Miao, left the country, I knew I had to step in. I’m more hands-on and not a fan of big speeches, but I do my best to fill her shoes.
How has USAGSO Beijing evolved over the years under your leadership?
I first got involved during Covid, and the changes since then have been significant. Miao was a great recruiter, and the Girl Scout community flourished under her energy. I’ve focused more on building council-wide support for all troops and leaders, organizing as many joint events as possible. We’ve also seen a shift. [There are] more downtown-based troops now, making the movement more girl-centered compared to the previous Shunyi international school hub.
Your three daughters are longtime Girl Scouts. You also serve as their troop leader. How have their experiences influenced your perspective as a leader?
Having in-house (literally!) feedback is a great support. I make sure each of my girls helps decide on troop activities. For example, we tape pictures of patch programs under cupcakes at the start of the year. Each girl picks a cupcake and gets assigned that activity. The older girls are very self-directed. They’ll tell me right away if something’s not working. I do feel a bit sorry for them having to deal with their mom as troop leader, but they seem to handle it well!
What initiatives are in place to foster leadership skills among the Scouts?
This October, Ursula – another USAGSO Overseas Volunteer Partner – and I will co-lead the CSA (Cadette, Senior, Ambassador) Leadership Weekend in Kyoto. These weekends include workshops and hands-on activities to grow leadership skills. Cadettes can earn a Leader in Action (LiA) award by assisting a Brownie troop, and there are specific awards for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador levels. Cadettes (grades 6-8) can become Program Aides (PA), and Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9-12) can qualify as Volunteers in Training (VIT).
Your oldest daughter, aged 17, serves as an Ambassador. What does this role entail, and how does she engage with troops inside or outside of Beijing?
Alice participated in a Holi celebration at the WAGGGS center in Pune last March. She said, “This destination trip was made so memorable not just because of the activities and places visited but also the most amazing and kind people I’ve met.” Her Ambassador troop is deeply involved in council life. Last year, they created “Wizarding World of Scouting” for the Bridging Ceremony, as part of their Mission Sisterhood Take Action Project. The two-hour event included five themed stations: MAGICAL ME with positive affirmations, BUDDY UP FOR WIZARDING with a trust-building game, [and]SISTERHOOD WAND MOTION, FRIENDSHIP POTION and a MAGIC SWAP STATION. The older girls really stepped up to lead and mentor.
Can you highlight success stories of Scouts who have taken on leadership roles?
Girl Scouts alumni include trailblazers like Sylvia Acevedo (former CEO and rocket scientist), Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Madeleine Albright, and Sandra Day O’Connor. At the local level, four of our Cadettes recently collaborated with Beijing Forestry University to plant 60 trees in Huairou – an amazing Silver Award project!
How does the Beijing council engage with the local community and culture?
We collaborate with international schools like International School of Beijing (ISB), Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS) and work with organizations such as Roundabout, HOPE and ICVS. We’ve even hosted a STEM night at Xinglong National Astronomical Observatory with Ten Dimensional Nature.
Can you share notable examples of how Beijing Scouts have embraced cultural exchange?
Our troops often incorporate Chinese traditions into their activities. We’ve made dumplings at Black Sesame Kitchen for Chinese New Year, explored Dashilanr with a DIY scavenger hunt, created mooncake-shaped soaps for Mid-Autumn Festival, and even made tiles at the Forbidden City tile factory. My two older troops had a cultural immersion trip to Inner Mongolia.
How does USAGSO collaborate with other international scouting movements?
USAGSO works within WOSM (World Organization of the Scout Movement) via the Consultative Committee, a shared platform for information exchange and global project development. We also offer leadership awards like the Gold Award and Global Action Award that align with WOSM’s mission. And we build partnerships with host-nation organizations, such as Japan Girl Scouts.
How do you collaborate with sister organizations like the UK Girl Guides? Any examples from China or Asia?
Through one of our troop leaders who grew up in Hong Kong, we’re building ties with Girl Guides HK. We’re also exploring partnerships with GS in Shanghai and Canton (Guangzhou). Last year, I served as a camp counselor at the USAGSO camp in Taiwan, and this March, I joined six girls from my troop for an Adventure Camp in Jeju Island, Korea. These international events are always a blend of challenge, reward, and connection.
What are your aspirations for the Beijing USAGSO council in the coming years?
Looking ahead, I hope USAGSO Beijing continues to empower young women through leadership development, foster global citizenship, and promote a culture of service and inclusivity. I want to leave a legacy of openness, where every girl feels welcome regardless of background, beliefs or abilities. Building strong partnerships with schools, organizations and individuals will keep the Girl Scout mission thriving in our community.
Fall registration opens in August! Interested families can join upcoming info sessions. Scan the QR code to get in touch with Chiara.
Images: Tara Fegelein and Chiara Gensini
