Spotswood Girl Scouts Tour NJ State House, Get Civics Lesson

SPOTSWOOD, NJ — Do you ever wonder what happens in Trenton? Most adults have probably wondered this question, and so did a group of precocious local Girl Scouts. So they decided to learn more.

Last Friday, November 8, 29 Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey were given a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the New Jersey State House. The girls, in grades 4 through 8, toured the legislative portion of the State House, which includes the General Assembly and Senate Chambers and learned about what goes on behind the scenes in this historic building. After the tour, they headed over to the NJ State Museum, where they learned more about New Jersey history.

The Girl Scouts who participated are from several different troops covering Middlesex, Camden, Burlington, Atlantic and Gloucester counties. From Spotswood, the girls who took part in the tour are:

Aubrey A, Spotswood
Kaitlyn C, Spotswood
Brianna D, Spotswood
Gabriella D, Spotswood
Naomi E, Spotswood
Raina H, Spotswood
Kaitlynn K, Spotswood
Alexis M, Spotswood
Amber M, Spotswood
Abigail M, Spotswood

The Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4-5) are working to complete steps for their "Inside Government" badge. To earn this badge, Juniors go inside the government by examining laws, reporting on issues, and deciding what it means to be an active citizen.

The Girl Scout Cadettes (grades 6-8) will complete steps towards the "Finding Common Ground" badge. The badge requirements include an exploration of challenges in finding common ground with those who have different opinions. Elected leaders often need to make compromises, so girls investigate how negotiations happen by learning about civil debate, accommodations, mediation, and group decision making.

Did you know that 76 percent of the current female U.S. Senators is a Girl Scout alum? Who knows, perhaps we will see one of these young women walking the halls of Congress one day!