I hove been a member of Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego (Polish Scouting Organization) since 1972. I arrived in the United States in 1961 and within a few months got married to a nice Polish man. My three daughters were in scouts since they were brownies and two of them, who achieved instructor rank, are still currently involved.
First I was a member of Koło Przyjaciół Harcerstwa (KPH – similar to PTO in school) and then I had the function of recording secretary (which I held until the fall of 2020) for Zarządu Obwodu Detroit (Board of Directors). In 1985 I also took on the function of recording secretary for Zarząd Okręgu (National Board in the U.S.). At that time, Druhna Włada Wojciechowska was Komendantką Chorągwi (Director of Girls’ Div. in the US) and I was asked to be recording secretary in that division too.
For ten years I was troop leader for the instructors’ group lskry (Sparks). I spent many years in the kitchen during summer camps; I helped out at brownie meetings in Hamtramck with Druhna Ania Bankowska. I visited two worldwide scouting jamborees – in 1976 in Kaszuby, Canada and in 1988 in Rising Sun, MD. In 1992 I participated in an instructor’s course in Kaszuby, Canada where I received my second instructor rank of PHM. I continued to work on achieving my last rank of instructor for a few years while also helping out during the summers at our beloved Camp Białowieża.
I thank God that he let me experience so many beautiful and long years with my scouting family.
Bronisława Wiącek, hm
Source: Booklet “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet”.
