Girls Scouts Continues to Inspire Girls to Succeed
by Brittny Ray-Crowell
Since 1912, Girls Scouts of the USA has been the driving force behind the empowerment of millions of young women and girls.
While many still seem to identify the organization only in terms of its more traditional elements, as Dawn Prasifka, CEO of the Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas Council of Girl Scouts states, it’s far more than just “cookies, camping and crafts.” The program challenges girls of all levels to develop the necessary character and life skills to change their communities and the world.
From its very inception, Girls Scouts has provided access to opportunities not traditionally afforded to girls, beginning with its first offerings of aviation and circuitry. It has since added over 90 unique programs, including those within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). No matter the passion, the organization seeks to bring the best out of each and every girl. “We give them opportunities to explore anything they love,” Prasifka says. “Girl Scouts is a state of being that empowers [girls] to bring their best to the forefront in the richest way they can. We encourage them to be adventurous and to go out into the community and try new things. There’s a mission to what they do.”
Not only does Girl Scouts inspire girls to explore and perfect their crafts, but to use their talents to give back to their communities through a variety of avenues. Contrary to popular belief, the process of earning badges is only one way of participating in the Girl Scout experience. The program now offers various “pathways” into scouting to help cater to each participant’s specific needs and area of interest.
In addition to the traditional troop experience, girls can also choose from the following pathway options:
Series Specialized 6 week courses which focus on specific themes and topics
Activities/Events Allows girls the flexibility to meet independently instead of attending regularly as a group
Travel Offers the opportunity for cross-cultural exchange through regional and international travel
Virtual Allows girls to participate within a broad Girl Scouts community online
Camp-day Weekend, and extended opportunities to explore nature and the outdoors within a safe and controlled setting
Regardless of the respective path each girl chooses, they all yield the same undeniable results. Though many girls start off timid and reserved, through the support of their fellow scouts and mentors, the girls transition to young women who are self aware and resourceful with the ability to think cooperatively and critically to impact their environment positively. “Girl Scouts helps build courage in young girls,” Prasifka says. “Shy girls trying to figure out who they are really thrive, but we need all girls. You can see the progression as they evolve into a unified group. [We] give them a purpose to be with their friends with the structure to make the world a better place. Together is what makes a difference. ”
Members of the Diamonds council are certainly making their impact known. This year, twenty-two girls within the region were Gold Award recipients, the highest honor within the organization. Each girl was required to dedicate a minimum of 2 years to fulfill all of the requirements for the award which includes strategizing and executing a “Take Action Project” which would “leave a lasting impact on the benefiting community,” (girlscoutsdiamonds.org). Texarkana natives Brenda Heminger (Texas) and Mikayla Shelton (Arkansas), were among the recipients.
All in all, the organization depends greatly upon not only the troop leaders and members, but volunteers as well. “The program is only as good as its volunteers,” Prasifka, says. “They’re on the frontline setting the example. We need compassionate, mission focused leaders that can motivate the girls towards success.”
The investment is well worth the effort. Prasifka described a time in which a little girl came up to a group of Girl Scout leaders and said, “I’m no longer invisible because I belong to Girl Scouts.” Every girl deserves to feel valuable and empowered. Girl Scouts will continue to challenge and motivate young women to achieve more for the world and themselves.
