Girl Scouts:

Still Strong In

The 21st Century

During Girl Scout Week, which is being observed this year March 11 through 17, Girl Scouts around the country and even around the world will celebrate the anniversary of the organization’s founding 89 years ago. With the same dedication that the 18 initial Girl Scout members had in 1912, local girls that are members of the Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Conn. will participate in activities that celebrate the fun and friendship Girl Scouting provides.

In proclaiming Girl Scout Week in Newtown, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal recently offered Girl Scouts at all levels “my wish for your success” and the request that “all good citizens give all Girl Scouts your cooperation and ongoing support.”

From nature walks and learning Morse code in the beginning of the 20th Century to meeting with members of Congress and developing Web sites in 2001, Girl Scouts has always been in step with the times. Traditional activities to commemorate the Girl Scout heritage will take place with girls performing community service projects, wearing uniforms to school, holding birthday celebrations, and more.

“As we celebrate the founding of Girl Scouts, we continue to commit ourselves to providing girls with a place where they can develop qualities of character, conduct, and community service, and in the process grow into tomorrow’s leaders,” said Bernice Ballard, the regional director of membership and marketing.

“While the values that were synonymous with Girl Scouting in the beginning of the 20th Century still hold true today, we continue to evolve with a program that works best for girls in the 21st Century,” added Jackie Ford, the director of membership and marketing for the northern region of Connecticut.

Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives including strong values, a social conscience, and a conviction about their own potential and self-worth. In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together.

The Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Conn. includes the towns of Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, New Fairfield, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

The Southwestern Council’s office is at 529 Danbury Road in Wilton. As of September 2000, there were 8,348 registered Girl Scouts in the region between the ages of 5 and 17. Another 4,746 adult members actively serve in volunteer roles as board members, troop leaders, and consultants. Adult volunteers are also active as program specialists in such areas as child development, adult education, outdoor education, and administration.