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Girl Scouts seek to bring normalcy to girls' lives

november 2006

CampA hurricane takes a toll on more than just buildings and landscape. The repercussion to the human psyche can be tremendous, and experts agree that it's important that children experience a needed structure and routine in their lives as quickly as possible after a disaster. And if the routine they had before Hurricanes Katrina or Rita can't be replicated, than it's important to create new ones.

"Getting your daughter involved in Girl Scouting is one positive and affordable avenue that families can take in providing their daughters with a nurturing environment," said Robin Guillmette, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Membership for the Girl Scout Council of Southeast Louisiana. "Disasters such as Hurricane Katrina often leave children, especially girls, floundering in a sea of emotions. Girl Scouting provides girls with a unique opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with others, and gives them the chance to participate in wholesome and fun activities, especially needed now when many forms of entertainment, socialization and extra-curricular activities may no longer be available to them."

According to Guillmette, the experiences in Girl Scouting are designed to help girls develop their full individual potential as well as the values that will guide their actions and provide a foundation for sound decision making. Girl Scouting helps girls relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect, and to contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

The Girl Scout program age levels are: Daisy Girl Scouts -Kindergarten; Brownie Girl Scouts-grades 1-3; Junior Girl Scouts-grades 4-6; Cadette Girl Scouts-grades 6-9; and Senior Girl Scouts-grades 9-12. Studio 2B, developed with girls' input, is an innovative way for girls ages 11-17 to connect with each other, get advice from adults and try new activities.

Troop 357The Girl Scouts are currently recruiting adult volunteers and registering girls for newly forming troops throughout southeast Louisiana. There are many ways to volunteer for the Girl Scouts, in addition to serving as a troop leader or assistant leader. Free training and support is provided by council staff and local, experienced volunteers, and there is even online training now available to leaders.

Annual membership is $10 for both girls and adults; however according to Guillmette the Council doesn't want any girl to be turned away if she cannot afford the $10 membership fee. Due to the hardship incurred from Hurricane Katrina, the $10 annual membership fee to join Girl Scouts is being paid by the Council thanks to the generosity of outside funding sources.

For more information about Girl Scouting in southeast Louisiana, please call the Girl Scout Council of Southeast Louisiana at (504) 733-8220 or (800) 644-7571 or email info@girlscoutssela.org.

Media Contact: Marianne Burdette, Director of Communications
(504) 733-8220, ext. 226 or mburdette@girlscoutssela.org

 

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