Allison Linner of Suffolk joined other Girl Scouts at summer camp recently in hearing from local female leaders during a special afternoon program at Girl Scout Camp Darden, located near Franklin.

Delegate Roslyn Tyler, who represents the 75th district in the Virginia House of Delegates, and Irene Darden Field, daughter of former Virginia governor Colgate Darden, spoke to the girls about their careers and experiences.

Tyler explained how she got her start in politics — she became a member of the Board of Supervisors at the age of 23. She soon noticed how few women were in public office, and she wanted to change that. Tyler encouraged the girls to consider a role in public office when they get older.

Tyler, who works as a physical therapist in addition to her role as a public servant, also talked to the girls about how she balances careers and the processes that she is a part of in government, including how a bill is passed. Tyler mentioned that her proudest moment in the last session was stopping a bill that would have allowed for tolls to be placed on Interstate 95.

Field, whose father gave the Camp Darden property to the Girl Scouts in 1979, spoke about growing up as the daughter of a governor and what it was like to live in the Executive Mansion.

“There weren’t any other children around,” Field said. “My mom bought me a bicycle, and people would look at us funny when we rode around — the First Lady and her daughter riding bikes.”

Colgate Darden and his wife purchased property in Southampton County as a getaway. Field and her husband, John, retired to part of this property and live in Southampton County today.

“I’m glad that the camp is being used,” Field said. “It’s great to see that it has been so well-maintained and that such wonderful programs are in place here, and that it’s continuing to grow!”