Girl Scouts begin annual membership and volunteer enrollment

Just as the leaves turn from green to gold each fall, the Girl Scouts also begin their annual membership and volunteer enrollment at this time of year. Recruitment events are held at schools, libraries, community centers and elsewhere to provide face-to-face information for parents and girls about the leadership experiences available to girls in Girl Scouting.

Girl Scout membership is open to any girl in kindergarten through grade 12. Girls may join at any time of year and, with or without prior Girl Scout experience, will be placed into their grade level:

Grades K-1      Girl Scout Daisy

Grades 2-3       Girl Scout Brownie

Grades 4-5       Girl Scout Junior

Grades 6-8       Girl Scout Cadette

Grades 9-10     Girl Scout Senior

Grades 11-12   Girl Scout Ambassador

Girl membership options include being part of a traditional troop that meets on a regular basis with girls in the same Girl Scout Level, or being a Juliette Girl Scout, an option for girls to participate individually in Girl Scouts.

Adult women and men over age 18 also can join as members annually or through lifetime memberships.

Girl Scout membership today is focused on leadership experiences developed by Girl Scouts of the USA that are tied to Girl Scouts' 15 national outcomes for girls. These outcomes are integral to three leadership keys, where girls:

• Discover their world along with their own potential while strengthening personal values;

• Connect with other girls through caring relationships and critical team-building skills; and

• Take Action by becoming empowered to be advocates in action for themselves, others and their communities.

Of course, Girl Scouts is still heavily involved in community service and rewards girls with the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for their community projects. They also operate many day and residential camps throughout the local Ohio's Heartland Council, and offer age-appropriate programs all year.

"Our programs are designed to challenge girls and offer new opportunities in fun, exciting ways," says Tammy Wharton, CEO of the Ohio's Heartland Council. "We provide girls with unique experiences in leadership, as well as the arts, health and fitness, life skills, financial literacy, and more. We even focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities that are fun and relevant to everyday life."

The beloved annual Girl Scout Cookie Program is a leadership experience too. This refined business and economic literacy initiative teaches girls key business skills ­ finance, marketing, public speaking, goal-setting, leadership and more.

Those interested in joining Girl Scouts should visit www.gsohiosheartland.org to complete an interest form, or call 800-621-7042 for information.

Girls aren't the only ones having fun ­ adults can become volunteers and join in too. As a volunteer-led organization, the Girl Scouts needs adult leaders to deliver its program to girls.

"The many benefits of being a leader include meeting new friends, spending time with one's daughter, sharing and learning new skills, free training and professional development," says Wharton. "Volunteers also give back to the community, and help develop girls into strong, self-assured women.

"Girl Scout volunteers come from all walks of life ­ moms and dads, grandparents or retirees, or professionals and college students who may not have a daughter," she adds.

There are several flexible pathways to participate in volunteering to allow Girl Scouting to fit into volunteers' lifestyles, including short-term projects and flexibility with troop meeting dates and times.

To volunteer, individuals are required to complete an application and pay a $12 annual membership fee, supply three references, undergo a background check and complete orientation. Those interested should check www.gsohiosheartland.org or call 800-621-7042 for information.

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the premier leadership development program for all girls from kindergarten through high school. The mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Through activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness, Girl Scouting provides girls with opportunities for fun and friendship, while fostering the development of leadership skills and self-esteem.

Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council, headquartered in Columbus, serves more than 34,000 girls and more than 9,000 adult volunteers in 30 counties: Adams, Ashland, Coshocton, Crawford, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Richland, Ross, Scioto, Union, Vinton, Wayne and Wyandot.