Girl Scouts Start the School Year Right

August 25, 2004

Back to school means back to Girl Scouting for millions of families. This year, Girl Scouts of all ages and their families will fall in to a new school year with new ideas and fresh looks. For the six- to eight-year-old set, there are new uniforms and first-time-ever iron-on Try-its (earned awards for Brownie Girl Scouts). Teens and pre-teens can enjoy Girl Scouting no matter what their interests and schedules are. And for adults, it's now easier than ever to make a difference in girls' lives.

Brownie Basics

This fall, younger Girl Scouts ages six to eight will have even more looks to choose from, with new active-wear Brownie Girl Scout uniform options. Their parents will have more time to be active as well, because new earned awards for Brownies (called Try-Its) are now iron-ons. The new uniforms were designed to encourage health and fitness among girls, and include short-sleeve T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, and comfortable pull-on pants. Sport socks, blue and pink headbands, and an adjustable sun visor complete the new uniform.

The Teen Scene

Teen and pre-teen girls will meet up with friends and their advisors to discuss issues they're facing, learn the tricks of different trades from professionals in the sciences, finance, and medicine, and connect with peers from around the world—all through STUDIO 2BSM, the way girls 11-17 participate in Girl Scouting. STUDIO 2B's "By Girls, For Girls" approach lets girls set agendas for their meetings, explore personal interests, participate in activities, and do community service—all with support from adults.

With the pressures that a new school year can bring, STUDIO 2B offers teen and pre-teen girls all the benefits of Girl Scouting in a way that fits in to their busy lives. From coast to coast, girls are moving full-steam ahead with STUDIO 2B. Here's a look at what they've been up to, and what's planned for the fall:

Making Sense of Cars in North Carolina

Teens in North Carolina who've just earned their driver's license will learn the ins and outs of driving this fall. During the "Car Sense" workshop, new drivers will learn about vehicle maintenance and the responsibilities that come with a driver's license. Professional mechanics will share their tips on how to check and fill a car with oil, how to use the owner's manual, and how to gauge the amount of air in tires.

Sprucing up Spaces Wardrobes in Chicago

This past March in Chicago, 1,000 girls ages 11-17 rocked the Navy Pier waterfront with songs, dancing, and their energy. Hosted by Girl Scouts of Chicago, "Girls Rock at Navy Pier" introduced local teens to STUDIO 2B. Teens explored interior design, as they redesigned and personalized a space with accessories. They also shopped on a budget during a "mock shopping spree" activity that challenged them to shop several racks of clothes and put together outfits that gave them the most options for their limited funds. The event finale featured open microphone sessions, during which hundreds of teens took to the stage to express themselves with their singing, dancing, and stepping talents.

Making a Difference with the Click of a Mouse

For all adults who care about girls and want to connect with friends and family, Girl Scouts of the USA has launched its first national online fundraising initiative, called Commit To A Girl. The three-year campaign features a new Web site, which provides information on the challenges girls face as well as the opportunity to give the gift of Girl Scouting. Visitors can choose to give to a specific local Girl Scout office or directly to Girl Scouts' national headquarters. They also can create their own Commit To A Girl page that can be customized to honor a loved one, contact old friends, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, sign up a book club, reach out to coworkers or classmates, or even host a virtual fundraising party.

To learn more about the newest activities and looks in Girl Scouting in your community, contact your local Girl Scout council.