Once a year, you can find Amy Vassey gathering with the women from her girl scout troop, a troop that started in 1965. Vassey joined in the second grade, the earliest you could start in 1965, and went on to participate every year until she graduated from high school.
Now, Vassey is the Service Unit Director for Service Unit 617 which serves McIntosh High School. “We build confidence by providing a safe environment in small groups for young girls to learn leadership and decision making skills,”.
Girl Scouts of the USA was founded in 1912 as a charity / non-profit organization meant to empower girls. Their mission statement: “girl scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.” This program allows girls to build leadership skills, become better team members and explore philanthropy. They also delve into science, technology, engineering, and math; or STEM.
Vassey believes every girl can benefit from Girl Scouts, “girls in particular need to spend time in all-female groups where they can learn to express themselves in a safe and caring environment. In the classroom girls are likely NOT to raise their hand to answer a question, regardless of whether they know the answer or not. Boys, on the other hand, will raise their hand no matter what.” Throughout Girl Scouts, girls get the chance to learn from troop members and showcase their skills. This builds confident students in the classroom and strong citizens in our community.
Jennifer McGruder, Area Executive loves seeing girl scouts spreading love and wisdom. “Our programming is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that help girls take the lead. For more than 100 years, the inclusive, all-female environment of a Girl Scout troop has created a safe space where girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles and just be themselves.”
Local troops have spent time at the Fayette Humane Society, made blankets for NICU babies and have planted pollinator gardens. According to McGruder, Girl Scouts can lead their own adventures. “Girls can build robots and learn to code, become experts in hiking and rock climbing, plan and execute community service projects, build a successful business through the cookie program, and more!”
Scouts work with the Southern Conservation Nature Trust, schools and churches. They participate in camping where they enjoy archery, horseback riding, and skills classes. You can also find them at the International Festival learning about other cultures.
There are many opportunities for girls to earn badges and awards. The highest award being the Gold Award, a national award given to seniors and ambassadors. To prepare, a girl must complete a Journey, which is a long-range study of one topic. Topics include science, computer skills, environmental studies, engineering and the outdoors. This award is reserved for girls entering the 10th grade. She must display leadership while educating others on the need for the project and will devote 100+ hours to accomplishing the project. In some cases, Gold Award Winners will receive college scholarships and other financial awards. Past projects have included social justice, closing the gender gap in STEM and saving coral reefs.
Girl Scouts are looking for volunteers in many areas; the robotics team, the pinewood derby, rowing, vehicle maintenance and more. Vassey is grateful for volunteers. “If you have a skill that you are willing to share with curious girls, we would love to meet you and plan an appropriate program. The interests of the girls are amazing! They are excellent scientists, cooks, campers, and more.”
Interested in volunteering or joining Girl Scouts? Visit join.girlscoutsatl.org.