MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland is reminding families that joining Girl Scouts is not limited to the start of the school year. Membership is available year-round, giving girls opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills and participate in activities ranging from outdoor adventures to science and technology programs.
During a recent interview, Communications Director Sherry Treece said the organization's mission goes far beyond its well-known cookie program.
"The most important thing would be Girl Scouts build courage, confidence and character in girls to make the world a better place," Treece said.
She said every activity is designed to help girls discover their strengths while encouraging them to explore new interests.
"Everything we do, from our outdoor adventures to STEM activities to entrepreneurship and community service, is designed to help girls discover who they are and realize they can achieve amazing things," Treece said.
Girl Scouts offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including summer camps, one-day events and regular troop meetings held every other week. Members can participate in robotics, aviation-related projects, camping, community service and entrepreneurship programs.
Treece said STEM education has become an important focus for many troops, with some dedicated entirely to science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities.
"We can do robotics—you name it with STEM, we can do it," she said, noting she is currently working on a glider-building project with the Wichita Aviation Museum.
While cookie sales remain one of the organization's most recognizable programs, she emphasized that the experience teaches much more than selling cookies.
"Before they even touch the cookies themselves, they learn good business practices and how to approach customers," she said. "We teach the girls to smile, treat everybody equally and build those communication skills."
Treece said the organization also encourages girls to choose many of the activities their troops pursue, creating a girl-led environment that allows members to explore their own interests.
Parents often see significant personal growth in their daughters after joining, she said.
"We hear parents say their daughter was shy or felt like she didn't fit in, and once she entered Girl Scouts, she found her people and became a bright, bold, shining star."
Girl Scouts serves girls beginning with the Daisy program for kindergarten and first-grade students, progressing through Brownies and older age levels through high school. As girls advance, programs expand to include more advanced leadership, outdoor and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Community service is another key component of the organization. Local troops regularly partner with animal shelters, churches and nonprofit organizations on service projects that teach girls the importance of giving back to their communities.
Treece also encouraged adults interested in volunteering to get involved, saying troop leaders and other volunteers are always needed.
"We can take on volunteers of all scopes," she said. "You don't have to have a special skill. In Girl Scouts, you'll discover something you're really great at."
Annual membership costs are $65 for girls and approximately $30 for adult volunteers. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families to ensure every girl has the opportunity to participate.
Those interested in joining Girl Scouts or becoming a volunteer can find additional information by searching for Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland online or by contacting the council's office at (316) 684-6531.