Letter to the editor
To the editor:
There are several advantages to staying in Girl Scouts as girls grow older. Though Girl Scouts may seem like children doing arts and crafts, there is a lot more to scouting that lays hidden. Girl Scouting provides many opportunities which make girls more well rounded and wholesome people. It enables a girl to extend her range of experiences.
First of all, there are many opportunities for travel on the national and the international level. One such example is the Wider Opportunity program. Girls in our troop have traveled to California, Massachussetts, Michigan and New York. One girl had the chance to travel to Switzerland and two others have journeyed to Russia. Bringing people together in the world is very important, especially at times like these, and Girl Scouting brings people and countries together.
Colleges look for people who are more than just the academic student. They like people who help others and are active members of the community. Girl Scouting provides many opportunities for community service. Many of the girls in our troop are also members of the National Honor Society, which selects students based on grades and service. During high school years, seeking financial aid for college is improtant. If a girl achieves her Gold Award, such financial aid can be acquired from many colleges and universities.
More challenging and fun trips become available as girls grow older. Girls can go beyond their troop and participate in programs at the council level or national level. Some troop members have participated in council-sponsored rock climbing, canoeing, photography and self-defense courses. Girls can choose to be independent scouts and still participate in activities at the council and national levels.
Leadership is a quality that is strongly encouraged. Girls develop speaking skills and learn to present information to younger girls as they share information with other scouts, as well as with the community. Girls have a chance to expand their leadership activities and meet other scouts by participating in groups such as the Senior Planning Board, which plans councilwide activities for older girls.
Girl Scout Troop 649 is holding a program to inform older girls (fifth grade and up) and their parents about the benefits and advantages of being a Girl Scout on March 18 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Hightstown. Those who are interested in learning more are invited to attend. A girl may join Girl Scouts at any program level.
Joanne Bini
East Windsor
The writer is leader of Girl Scout Troop 649.