Girl Scout's Operation Backpack Has No Boundaries

December 19, 2003

By Torri Francesca Eubanks, staff writer

	A girl shows off her Peace Pack received from a California Girl Scout troop.

After seeing several places around the world devastated by war, one Girl Scout troop in Manila, The Philippines, decided to do their part for peace. The girls set up an entire operation devoted to helping children in need. In doing so, these Girl Scouts not only sent gifts of basic supplies and necessities to the children, but they also inspired their sister Girl Scouts in the United States to do their part. Little did they know that their project planted a seed that would flourish throughout the world. Operation Backpack was born.

In 2001, Girl Scouts in Manila began to gather toiletries and toys and packaged them in specially made cloth bags. Offered as a contribution of peace, these "Peace Packs" were sent to the children of Mindanao, a neighboring war-torn island in the Philippines, who were recently orphaned and in desperate need of these basic supplies.

Operation Backpack from Manila to Michigan

The Girl Scouts in Manila are part of USA Girl Scout Overseas, which provides Girl Scout activities to American girls living outside the United States. Many of the girls relocate, often because their parents have jobs in international corporations, the military, or the American embassy. Operation Backpack expanded to the United States through a large network of friends under the guidance of troop leader Judy Co. Girl Scouts everywhere—from New Jersey to California and from Michigan to Tennessee—quickly became involved.

Sandy Thomas, Director of USA Girl Scouts Overseas, said the interest in Operation Backpack was amazing. "Not only did these girls make an impact on children in Mindanao by donating items they often took for granted like a pencil or a notebook," said Thomas, "but it gave American Girl Scouts living overseas a great opportunity to relate to children in their own communities and all over the world."

Pitching in for Peace

So far thousands of backpacks have been sent to the children in Mindanao. Other organizations became involved to help the Girl Scouts spread the "Peace Pack" project as well. The U.S. Special Forces in Okinawa donated supplies, while the Humanitarian International Services Group and the American Women's Club of the Philippines have both shared in the shipping costs. Thomas said that many more backpacks would have been sent, but the cost of shipping was just too expensive.

For the past two years, Operation Backpack has inspired girls to expand beyond the scope of their own neighborhoods. Participating in cultural exchanges and community service projects is at the core of the Girl Scouting experience. Find more information on USA Girl Scouts Overseas. To find out about Girl Scouting, including how to join or volunteer, please call (800) GSUSA 4 U or contact your local Girl Scout council.