History

Girl Scouts, Prairie Hills Council was organized by a group of adults from Columbus, Norfolk, Fremont and surrounding communities. Northeast Nebraska troops had previously been in small councils or registered directly with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) as lone troops.

Mrs. Clyde Crabtree and Mrs. H. Clarence Larsen attended a meeting in Kansas City early in 1955. The information and guidance they received led to the formation of an organization committee in October 1955. Many more meetings and discussions resulted in the chartering of Prairie Hills in May, 1956.

When the Council first organized, thirteen counties were charter members. They were Burt, Butler, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Thurston, Washington, Platte, Madison, Polk, Stanton, Saunders and Wayne. Pierce County joined in 1957 and Antelope, Boone, Cedar, Dixon and Knox counties joined in 1961, completing the present 19 county area. In looking at the map of jurisdiction, at that time, they concluded that Columbus was the most centrally located city, therefore it became the headquarters where it remains today. In later years, they purchased another property outside of Fremont for outdoor program and camping purposes.

Over the years, the Council leased many different office buildings in Columbus to house the Service Center. They eventually realized the advantages of owning a permanent facility which is where the headquarters remains today at 1570 33rd Avenue. The building was a former residence purchased in 1995 and was renovated to include the present day offices of the Executive Director, Staff Accountant, Girl Program Director, Membership/Registrar/Shoppe Manager, Director of Training & Cookie Program. Out-based staff include; three full-time Field Executives, an Outdoor Program Director and a part-time Camp Groundskeeper.