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Counting down to our 100th Anniversary
Written by Marcella Germanotta

The countdown to the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary has officially started nationwide. The theme has been set, the logo created and a commemorative coin designed and approved by Congress. While the “big party” that will be celebrated by millions in our country is still a year away, Girl Scout councils throughout the U.S. are in full planning mode to make sure preparations are in place.

Girl Scouting was started on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia , by Juliette Gordon Low. Girl Scout history is full of stories about women who cared and, through caring, made a difference in girls’ lives. Their dedication is inspirational, and their devotion legendary. Today, many opportunities exist for continuing that legacy.

This is a perfect time for alumna to reconnect to the Movement. Former Girl Scouts can not only be part of the celebration but be part of the planning and fun leading up to the anniversary.

“We want to ensure that these former Girl Scouts are truly being made welcome and integrated into Girl Scouting,” Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast Chief Executive Officer Tracy Keller said. “We want them to look at ways they can become involved, whether it’s as a volunteer position working directly with girls, a position on the board, a consultant helping with a special project or a member of the 100th anniversary task group.”

The Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast, a council that serves almost 16,000 girls, is reaching out to alumnae and friends in the community and inviting them to share their talents and expertise during this special time.

“We need volunteers who are interested in knowing who we are today. We’re about building girls of courage, confidence and character, who will lead us into our future and make the world a better place. Yes, we’re still rooted in a strong value-based tradition of the Girl Scout Promise, but we’ve changed tremendously to stay relevant. It’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown and how much effort we put into staying relevant.”

To make reconnecting truly what it should be, Girl Scouts wants to move beyond the actual events that will be part of the anniversary and really reacquaint alumnae with the Movement that has taken on a whole new look with new branding and a new approach to leadership. Once more, reaching out to alumnae who realized their leadership skills

in Girl Scouts will add to the community advocate voice for girls that Girl Scouting is so well-known for – girls who need and want our advocacy support today more than ever.

“Women who have been influenced by Girl Scouting as youngsters can be particularly impressive mentors,” Tracy said. “These women credit the skills they acquired for success in life to Girl Scouting and can share powerful stories that can change the direction of a girls’ life.”

Join the Movement again! Be part of the continuing legacy of Girl Scouting. Plan to attend an Open House at A Place for Girls, 912 Cedar Road in Chesapeake , on November 21 at 1:30 p.m. or visit www.gsccc.org or call 547-4405 to find out how you can become involved.