The Island Park and Long Beach Girl Scouts delivered songs, cards and holiday cheer to the Long Beach boardwalk and Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Dec. 14 during their annual Island Beach Girl Scout caroling event.
Dozens of Girl Scouts, ranging from kindergarten through high school, gathered with family members at Laurelton Boulevard at 2 p.m., dressed in festive attire that included flashing light jewelry, holiday hats and themed headbands. After posing for a group photo, the scouts walked along the boardwalk toward Lindell Boulevard, singing Christmas, Hanukkah and winter-themed songs as they made their way to the nursing home.
The group arrived shortly before 3 p.m., where staff welcomed them inside. Upon arrival, the scouts delivered handmade holiday cards created by the girls, featuring Christmas, Hanukkah and general seasonal designs. The cards were given directly to residents or displayed throughout the facility to add to the holiday atmosphere.
The troops also donated unwrapped gifts, including blankets, slippers, toiletries and picture frames, along with holiday and birthday wrapping paper. The donated items will be used throughout the year, particularly for residents who do not have nearby family members to celebrate holidays or birthdays with them.
Inside the recreation room, residents were seated as the scouts sang both for and with them, filling the room with music and seasonal spirit. The intergenerational gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for connection before the scouts returned along the boardwalk.
Caroline Heindrichs, the Girl Scout leader who coordinated the caroling event, as she has the past three years, said the event reflects the organization’s mission to “build girls of courage, confidence and character who work to make the world a better place.”
Island Beach Troop 2486 leader Teresa McCarthy emphasized that the event is a “beautiful tradition of sharing holiday joy.”
Heindrichs noted that the annual visit to Grandell helps strengthen community bonds by bringing together youth and seniors during the holiday season.
“By making cards and coming to sing, we are bringing that youthful community to them,” Heindrichs said.
The annual caroling event has become a meaningful tradition, spreading holiday joy while reinforcing the importance of service and connection across generations.
