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7/ TheBucknerClarion.com April 9, 2015 Girl Scouts Still Strong Learn more April 20 at Buckner Elementary On March 12, 1912, a small group of 18 girls were brought together by Juliet Gordon Low. Low recognized the need for a girl-centered organization that taught personal growth as it related to physical, spiritual and emotional well- being. Over a century ago, Girl Scouts of the USA was formed. Today, the Girl Scouts organization is home to 2.8 million members, both women and girls. Lesley Couch, recruiter for Buckner, summarizes the program. "In Girl Scouts, we have a Law and a Promise that the girls learn early on and those are where we draw our core values. Girl Scouts is a girl-led program which I believe helps the girls build a strong sense of self. The girls learn to develop their full individual potential as well as learn how to work together as a group, really listen to each other and take into account everyone's opinions to make sound decisions," Couch explained. The mission of the Girl Scouts organization is to "build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." While famous for its annual cookie sales, this organization has strived to make a difference in the world for girls -- outside of a kitchen -- since its existence. During World War I, Girl Scouts collected peach pits for use in gas masks and sold war bonds. In the 1930s, Girl Scouts organized clothing drives, fed the hungry and served in hospitals to alleviate hard times during the Great Depression. In the 1940s, members operated bicycle messaging services and assisted in agricultural efforts during wartime. Education has also remained a driving force. Girl Scouts has contributed, on a federal level, to food, nutrition and health education, as well as recognized the need for achieving higher education. For underserved girls, the program has reached beyond the expectations to offer all girls equal opportunity. This has been achieved through worldwide expansion, accommodating various cultural and language barriers and by recognizing the need for conformity among disabled persons. "Girl Scouts helps build skills the girls will use throughout their lives. When the girls get involved in their community activities and become engaged in community service projects, it helps build compassion and an awareness for the needs of others. By allowing the girls to be leaders in the program, they are being taught how to be problem solvers, how to think for themselves and how to take into consideration the thoughts and opinions of their peers. It also helps them to learn to build and draw upon the strengths of one another," Couch said. To join, girls must be in grades K-12 and pay an annual $15 membership fee. The troops are divided according to grade level: Daisies (kindergarten and first grades); Brownies (grades two and three); Juniors (grades four and five); Cadettes (grades six – eight); Seniors (grades nine and 10); Ambassadors (grades 11 and 12). Adult volunteers are always needed and are encouraged to join after completing a background check. By being an active member, the Girl Scout program embeds a "strong sense of self, enhances people skills and teaches respect for others," Couch said. "Additionally, we hope they build civic engagement and realize that the world is bigger than they are. We teach no kind heart goes unnoticed." The girls are well known for their commitment to community service. On a local level, area troops serve at Harvesters' monthly food distribution, support regional Baby Grace locations and annual Easter Egg hunts. Couch encourages any organization who needs volunteers to contact their local troops. Summer happens to be an active time for the girls. This year, Left : First Grade Daisy Troop #1394 completes their Courageous and Strong Badge. Right: Cadet Troop #1754 completes a winter survival camp earlier this year. local troops will participate in a Twilight Camp held at the George Owens Nature Center in Independence, Mo. The camp will last from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly on July 8, 9 and 10 with an optional overnight stay on the last evening. This year, the camp is open to any girl who is interested regardless if they are a registered member of Girl Scouts. One stereotype Couch would like to overcome is that Girl Scouts are limited in their activities because of their gender. "We offer many different service unit activities every month as well as field trips within the individual troops. We have girls who have done archery, zip lining, rappelling and horseback riding, as well as learning camp and even survival skills -- things they might not get to experience outside of the Girl Scout program. Couch also praised troop leaders. "We have some really fantastic troop leaders here in Buckner. They are really caring and compassionate toward our girls and they are committed to help shape our future leaders." Parents and girls can find out more information about local troops by attending the informational meeting on April 20, 6:30 p.m. at Buckner Elementary School. For more information, call Lesley Couch at 816.686.2569 or send email to, lesleyc1978@gmail.com By Jessica Mauzey 4th grade Junior troop #965

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