BRATTLEBORO — Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, serving New Hampshire and Vermont, invites girls and adult volunteers to join Girl Scouts, the country's preeminent leadership development organization for girls.
As families plan their school-year free time, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has released new data showing the organization's benefits to girls and volunteers.
Results of a “pulse poll” conducted this summer with more than 3,500 volunteers and parents of Girl Scouts in kindergarten through fifth grade show positive effects on members of all ages, the organization said in a press release.
Ninety-seven percent of surveyed parents agreed that Girl Scouts has been a positive activity for their daughters, that these girls had fun and exciting new experiences (95 percent), and that they learned or tried something new (96 percent).
In addition, 94 percent of polled parents said that Girl Scouts helped their daughter feel special and make more friends (95 percent), and become happier (89 percent).
The data shows it is not just girls who benefit: 94 percent of volunteers made new friends; 88 percent agreed their lives are better because they volunteer with Girl Scouts; and two-thirds said they believed their volunteer experience helps them professionally.
Ninety-five percent of Girl Scout volunteers said they are happy knowing they are making girls' lives better.
According to Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, Girl Scouts has provided a safe, fun, and engaging place for girls and adult volunteers to lead and thrive for more than 100 years.
“We know the majority of volunteers feel their Girl Scout experience has helped them both personally and professionally, but in many places throughout the country the lack of volunteers is what keeps girls on waiting lists,” Chávez said in the press release.
Girl Scouts gives girls a place to explore experiences and ideas in a safe, judgment-free space outside of classrooms. It cultivates cooperative and self-directed learning, and fosters a lifetime passion for learning and community service.
Eighty-nine percent of polled parents said their daughters get a greater variety of experiences from Girl Scouts than from other extracurricular activities. The majority of parents surveyed said Girl Scouts is a great value for the money.
Registration is $30 a year, and financial aid is available. Overall, parents lauded Girl Scouts as one of the most beneficial extracurricular activities for their daughter.
Girl Scouts, open to all girls from kindergarten through 12th grade, also attracts superior volunteers - and more are needed. These volunteers come from all walks of life: they are men, women, young professionals, retirees, and college students, Chávez said.
“There are many options that fit your schedule. Training and support is provided; volunteers never go it alone,” she added.