March 13, 2008 — Famous for its fund-raising strategy that appeals to the world's sweet tooth, Girl Scouts this week celebrates 96 years of existence.
As Girl Scouts Week comes to a close, Girl Scouts of the USA members are winding down activities across the globe this weekend.
V. Anne Golden, acting director of membership and marketing, said that the territory's 10 troops have focused on pushing sales of the Girl Scouts ever-popular cookies, from peanut butter and lemon to creamy caramel and toasted coconut.
"The cookie sale isn't just about selling cookies," Golden said. "There was a financial lesson — by doing this they learn budgeting, planning, marketing, selling, and they learn how to spend what they have or not to spend what they don't have."
Girl Scouts was founded on March 12, 1912, by Juliette Gordon Low. March 12 is also Low's birthday.
"Each year, whatever day March 12 falls on, that will be Girl Scouts Week," Golden said.
In 1950, the U.S. Congress charted the Girl Scouts as a nonprofit organization and this week, in accordance with the national observance, Gov. John de Jongh Jr. proclaimed March 9-15 as Girl Scouts Week in the Virgin Islands.
"Throughout its distinguished history, Girl Scouting has inspired millions of girls and women with the highest ideals of courage, confidence, and character," de Jongh said in a statement. "Through the Girl Scouts leadership experience, girls develop the skills and lessons that will serve them a lifetime so that they may contribute to their communities."
More than 3 million current Girl Scout members nationwide are celebrating 96 years of this "American tradition," de Jongh said.
Since its founding in 1912, Girl Scouts has grown from 18 members in Savannah, Ga., to 3.7 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts overseas.
In the territory, membership is on the increase, according to Golden.
"We have over 150 girls and growing," she said.
Golden said that as good as the program is in building moral character and preparing girls and young women for life's varied turns, it would not be as successful without the help of committed adults, and she is urging women to come out and volunteer.
"Girl Scouts is one of the foremost organizations for girls and so we encourage women to come out and assist us as they can by helping us build their character," she said. "The girls are always ready to join, but the adults to fill the leadership roles is what's lacking."
The girls start out as Daisies or Brownies and move on to be junior guides or senior cadets in the Girl Scouts as they get older. The levels are attained through community service programs where members are rewarded and honored with Girl Scout badges. Golden said that a new level and element has been recently added.
"The new modern day Girl Scout is called Studio 2B and they can opt to get something preppy like a silver bracelet that they can add various charms too — this is done in place of the badges," she said.
Golden said that activities include presentations on self-esteem and value building such as fairness and community service projects that can range from assisting the homeless to conservation awareness such as replanting trees and learning how best to protect the environment. Members have also marched for various causes as ways of attaining badges.
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