Imagine this:
…an Ambassador Girl Scout troop kayaked down the Nantahala River
…a Senior Girl Scout troop explored the field of engineering sponsored by the Women in Engineering at Purdue University and Valparaiso University.
…a Cadette Girl Scout troop traveled to the Great Lakes Naval Station to see sailors training for the US Navy
…a Junior Girl Scout troop grew a vegetable garden to supply the local food pantry
…a Brownie Girl Scout troop cleaned kennels at the Porter County Animal Shelter
…a Daisy Girl Scout troop learned how to make Root Beer from scratch
“What?” you say, “This doesn’t sound like what Girl Scouts did when I was growing up. We sold cookies, sang songs, made crafts, earned homemaker badges, and cooked S’Mores over the campfire.”
Yes, Girl Scouts still do those things but SO MUCH MORE!! The Girl Scout organization is heading into its second century of helping school girls of all ages grow into skilled, confident young women ready to embrace the world. New programs aim to teach those skills which are increasingly important in our 21st century. Many badges focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Business centered badges teach girls how to earn money, budget, and be entrepreneurs. And, centered around all they do, Girl Scouts follow the same slogan of their founder, Juliette Low who stressed ”Do a Good Turn Daily.”
Today all six levels of Girl Scouting are designed to encourage girls to be the best they can be, develop modern day skills, be productive citizens, and strive to be a part of our global world by offering age-appropriate activities. Valparaiso Area Girl Scouts has active troops lead by volunteer adults for any girl who is in Kindergarten through 12th Grade. October is a great time to join in the fun and adventure of Girl Scouting.
Beth Baker, Service Unit Chairperson for the Valparaiso Area stated, “Girl Scouts is for every girl. Many troops conveniently meet after school. Financial aid is available to help with membership fees for families on limited incomes.”
It’s easy to join. Inquire at your elementary school or call Beth Baker (464-2418). Valparaiso Girl Scouts are part of the Girl Scout Council of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.