A Century of Girl Power
Article courtesy of | Girl Scouts of Central Texas
During the summer of 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, the thick weight of progress hung in the air, as stifling and undeniable as the August heat. Although American women still looked forward to eight long years without the right to vote, one southern socialite became an ardent voice for the potential of all girls and the importance of fostering their individual growth and self-sufficiency. Juliette Gordon Low, a widow with a knack for fundraising, and a reputation for never taking no for an answer, combined her vast network of friends and supporters to establish a global movement that has changed the world – Girl Scouts of the USA.
Today, you may think of Juliette Gordon Low’s organization as a place where little girls in patch-adorned vests fashion artwork made of pasta and craft glitter or sell those tempting cookies outside your local grocery store. But, Girl Scouts is, and has always been, a pair of open arms, beckoning to the young women of society who long to break the status-quo. We understand that girls are a force to be reckoned with, sweeping through their communities, countries, and the world as a catalyst for positive impact. From the inception of the organization, Girl Scouts learned to camp, hike, and navigate by the stars – activities widely recognized as being exclusively for boys and men. These same girls also shed their socially mandated skirts for pants, which made it easier to nimbly navigate basketball and tennis courts. They also were among the first organization to desegregate troops, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and comradery. Girl Scouts has built a legacy by encouraging girls to pursue their passions, regardless of what society deems acceptable.
Girl Scouts has carried the same foundations into the twenty-first century. We live in a unique world where women are told they can do and be anything, but often, they are denied a space created entirely by, for, and with them. In our all-girl, girl-led environment, our members gain the unique opportunity to attempt innovative activities, ignite fresh interests, and even fail from time to time, surrounded by other girls and mentors who are encouraging and supportive. At Girl Scouts, girls are not our top priority, they are our only priority. Through over 100 years of trial and error, we have developed the best leadership experience for girls in the world. Girl Scouts camp, do high adventuring, traverse the globe, build robots, explore career and college paths, gain money management skills, give back to their community through service projects, and can even earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards which gain them preference in college admissions and future careers. Cookies and crafts don’t even scratch the surface.
Wrapping these experiences together in a neat package is the element of fun. Girl Scouts is a place where roasting s’mores and belting out songs become lasting and precious memories. Girls and volunteers alike stick with this organization because it is the perfect blend of a good time and a valuable resource for success. Whether you have a daughter who wants a place to explore her interests, or you are looking to expand your volunteer work, we have a place for you here, and you can count on more adventure, inspiration, and friendships than you ever thought possible. A lifetime of leadership, curiosity, and courage starts now, and it starts at Girl Scouts.
For more information on how to enroll your daughter in a Girl Scout troop, or to sign up to volunteer with us and open a world of opportunity for a girl in your community, visit our website at www.gsctx.org!
