Our hopes, dreams and choices for our children are of the utmost importance for a
strong and vibrant future. At the Girl Scouts, we hope that every girl
receives opportunities to develop her self-confidence, self-reliance, leadership
abilities, and teamwork skills in a way that is both fun and safe. We hope that
every parent has opportunities to spend quality time with her daughter and to
build a meaningful rich relationship with her.
Yet the reality is that in society today, such hopes are often not realized.
However, Girl Scouting is providing opportunities to meet these hopes, dreams,
and choices. According to a National Outcomes Study conducted by SPEC (Social
Program Evaluators & Consultants) Associates. Inc. Girl Scouting is playing an
important role in uniting girls, families, and communities across the country.
Of the parents surveyed, 54% revealed they spent more quality time with their
daughters, and nearly 50% reported “my relationship with my daughter improved” - even
though the parents may not have been involved as volunteers.
In Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties, over 245 volunteers help
689 Girl Scouts realize their hopes and dreams. Last year area Girl Scouts worked
on various badges and contemporary issues such as Girls are Great, Developing Health
& Fitness, Tune into Well Being: Saying No to Drugs, and Read to Lead. Many troops
went on educational field trips to Montpelier, Monticello Museum of Culpeper History,
Graves Mountain Lodge, Shenandoah National Park, Nutcracker Ballet, International Fair,
Girl Scout camp, and local rescue squads, fire departments, parks and libraries.
A lot of time was spent giving back to the community as well. Troops’
serviceprojects consisted of care packages for local military men & women who are
overseas, holiday programs at nursing homes, canned food & clothing drives, garden
constructions, tree plantings, and volunteering with local charity groups. Special
activities of interest that local girls participated in last year included
religious recognitions, career exploration, leadership awards, service awards,
outdoor skills, and sports such as bowling, caving, hiking, skating, skiing, and
swimming.
The next time you are making choices in your busy life, remember the youth of today
and the leaders of tomorrow. Please support Girl Scouting by volunteering your
time and choosing to give generously to the Piedmont United Way. Make a choice for
her and our dreams to become a reality.
Written by: Wendy Mellenthin
Published: Spring 2004