Girl Scouts Introduces New Programming

Manatee County, FL – Just in time for the new school year, Girl Scouts has announced the addition of new badges in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and the outdoors -- areas girls are not typically encouraged to explore outside of Girl Scouting.

This innovative Girl Scout programming builds girls’ skills and encourages their interest in STEM and environmental conservation from an early age—increasing their confidence in these areas—in an all-girl environment where they feel comfortable trying new things, taking appropriate risks, and learning from failure.

A new report from the Girl Scout Research Institute, The Girl Scout Impact Study, shows that participating in Girl Scouts helps girls develop key leadership skills they need to be successful in life. Compared to their peers, Girl Scouts are more likely than non–Girl Scouts to be leaders because they:

• have confidence in themselves and their abilities (80% vs. 68%);
• act ethically and responsibly, and show concern for others (75% vs. 59%);
• seek challenges and learn from setbacks (62% vs. 42%);
• develop and maintain healthy relationships (60% vs. 43%);
• identify and solve problems in their communities (57% vs. 28%);
• take an active role in decision making (80% vs. 51%).

Importantly, what girls gain through Girl Scouting positively affects all areas of their lives. For example, Girl Scouts do better than their non–Girl Scout peers in the classroom, earning better grades and aspiring to higher educational attainment, and are more likely to seek careers in STEM, law, and business—industries in which women are underrepresented. And the benefits of Girl Scouting are not exclusive to any particular demographic, which means that no matter where girls live or what their age or background, Girl Scouts can help them develop to their full potential and excel in all aspects of life.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, the local Girl Scout council, is holding information events throughout the community, providing an opportunity for parents and girls to learn about all the exciting things Girl Scouts has to offer. Upcoming dates and locations include:

August 21, Myakka Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 21, B.D. Gullett Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 22, Braden River Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 22, Florine J. Abel Elementary Abel Dome, 6:00 p.m.

August 23, Tara Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 23, Palma Sola Elementary Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.

August 24, Kinnan Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 24, Freedom Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 24, Sea Breeze Elementary Music Room, 6:00 p.m.

August 29, Palmetto Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 30, Gilbert W McNeal Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

August 31, Bashaw Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

September 5, Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

September 6, Rowlett Academy for Arts and Communication Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.

September 13, Virgil Mills Elementary Media Center, 6:00 p.m.

Membership and program scholarships are available based on financial need. For an updated list of local recruitment events, or for more information about new Girl Scout registration visit, www.gsgcf.org.