Girl Scouts seek members, leaders

Although the school year has begun, it is not too late for girls to become a part of the largest leadership development organization for girls in the world – the Girl Scouts.

The membership drive of the Girl Scout Council of Cumberland Valley is in full swing in Warren County. All girls and teens ages 5-17 can join up for a year of programs and activities designed to help girls grow strong.

The Girl Scouts are also seeking volunteers from Warren County to serve as leaders and mentors to girls.

There several new and exciting programs for girls in Girl Scouting this year. In addition to the activities girls plan at the troop level, the organization is offering many cutting-edge programs that build ethics and values, leadership skills, and life skills. Teen-age girls, for instance, can take part in:

• StartSmart.Investments: An interactive club where girls learn about starting their own business, making a budget, and investing money. Local businesswomen who have careers in financial services and have their own businesses provide the expertise.

• College: What Should I Expect? A practical look for young women at how to apply for and get into the college of their choice.

• Intelligent Dating and Self-Defense Workshop: An informative and interactive workshop that gives teens a basis for forming healthy relationships and making safe choices as they begin dating.

All Girl Scout programs are age appropriate and are designed for girls ages 5-17. For more information about registering your daughter, contact Carol Pedigo at 668-7346, or e-mail her at [email protected].

In addition to registering girls, the Girl Scout Council of Cumberland Valley is also recruiting adult volunteers from your county to serve as leaders and mentors to girls.

According to a national survey conducted by Lou Harris and Associates, a majority of Girl Scouts surveyed said their leader was someone they looked up to, someone they admired and respected. The survey also found that adult leadership – and the Girl Scout experience – helped girls grow into resourceful and service-minded citizens.

Leaders are needed for every Girl Scout age level: Daisies (kindergarteners); Brownies (grades 1st-3rd); Juniors (grades 3rd-6th); Cadettes (grades 6th-9th); and Seniors (grades 9th-12th).