Lions, tigers and Daisy Scouts, oh my! Members sought for Girl Scouting
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: November 07, 2012
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place, and have fun doing it, if the newly formed Daisy Troop 63005 is any indication.
The troop enjoyed a pre-Halloween event that drew hundreds of kids “trick-or-treating in a safe and fun environment,” according to Sylvia Kuaea, membership manager for Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast. Daisy Troop leaders who coordinated the family friendly event are sisters Amanda Borjas and Salina Borjas, who made sure the kids enjoyed games, candy and a jumper provided by Moon Jump Party Rental.
The purpose was not only to enjoy hundreds of children playing together and making new friends, but to also garner new members for the Daisy and Brownie Troops. Daisy Scouts are kindergarten and 1st graders, and Brownies are girls in grades 2 and 3.
Girl Scouts are the leaders of tomorrow: Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout Troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. The first Girl Scout handbook was published in 1913, and was entitled “How Girls Can Help Their Country.”
Congress chartered the Girl Scouts in March 1950, and two-thirds of female members of Congress have been Girl Scouts. In 2001, the first ever Honorary Congressional Girl Scout Troop - Troop Capitol Hill - was convened and is currently comprised of all women members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.
The organization’s website notes that in Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong.
Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.
Girls at home and abroad participate in troops and groups in more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and over 100 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States. Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.
Scouting has been a pivotal part of women’s history: more than 59 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood - and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere. For more information on the Girl Scouts and joining a troop, contact amandaborjas@ymail.com.
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