Girl Scouts Vision
The other day a woman remarked to me that it was wonderful that Girl Scouts was addressing self esteem, teen pregnancy, drug abuse and other issues, but that her daughters really didn't need Girl Scouts because they have a "normal" life. She went on to tell me that she lived in the suburbs with good schools and she and her husband both worked. Toward the end of our conversation, she shared that her oldest daughter had struggled with depression and had even considered suicide a couple of times. "It has been difficult to get through her education, but she is now in her last year of high school."
I was quiet and thought to myself how grateful I am that my daughters are in Girl Scouts. Numerous studies point out the importance of mentors and other trusted adults in girls' lives. As a parent, I know the multitude of activities that pull on our time together as a family. I know that I can't be everything to my children, but when I read the promise and the law, and know that the women and men who volunteer in Girl Scouts must abide by those values, I am comforted.
The new program model focuses exclusively on Leadership. One of my daughters is very shy and now that she has turned 10, seems to be withdrawing even more. Driving her and three girls home from camp this summer, she was laughing and giggling with the other girls. They sang camp songs and told stories about their leaders. I have read everything I can get my hands on about adolescence and pre-adolescence, and everything points to keeping girls engaged, even when they want to withdraw. Girl Scouts has been one way my daughter connects with a community of girls and adults who care about her and stay tied to her, even when she slides back into her shell.
Teen pregnancy, depression, suicide, they don't just happen to "other" girls. They happen to all girls - regardless of where you live or how normal your family life is. Girl Scouts is a great prevention tool as well as a wonderful vehicle for instilling and underlining the values that I want my children and all children to have so that they might grow up to be productive, capable, happy and well adjusted adults.
Girl Scouts discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together, and you can be a part of it! There are many ways to become involved with Girl Scouts - both through girl memberships and adult memberships . Girls have the opportunity to learn new sports, sample the arts, explore career opportunities through the STEM (Science, Technology, Math and Engineering) program or better understand the world around them through camping. In Girl Scouts, the possibilities are endless for girls and adults.
If you have never been a Girl Scout you still can. Any adult woman who want s to help better the younger generation through sharing a particular skill, being a mentor, or pitching in around the council are encouraged to be a part of GS-West. Call 800-698-0022 today! Find Out More
