By Kimberly Blaker

The beginning of a new school year also marks the opportunity for girls to join Girl Scouts.  If your daughter is already a Girl Scout, she's probably already eagerly anticipating the start of a new year in Girl Scouts with old and new friends and adventures.

GSUSA is open to girls from kindergarten right on through high school.  They begin as Daisies eventually becoming Ambassadors. Along the way, girls enjoy countless experiences in which they acquire proficiency badges, pins, and at the highest level, gold, silver, and bronze awards.  More importantly though is the knowledge, skills, and character development these opportunities bring to girls.

Field trips are a big part of the activities of Girl Scouts. Field trips can range from visiting a variety of museums, touring a manufacturing plant, or going on a hiking adventure.  In high school Girl Scouts might take trips to another state or even travel abroad.

What does Girl Scouts offer?
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) officially began on March 12, 1912, founded by Juliette Gordon Low.  The purpose of the organization is to empower girls and inspire them to make the world a better place by helping girls develop courage, confidence, and character.

STEM
GSUSA recognizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to girls' futures.  Therefore, GSUSA has initiatives, partnerships, and sponsorships with several organizations, such as the National Science Foundation (NSA) and NASA as well as corporations including Google, Dell, and AT&T. Through these girls are provided a variety of opportunities to experience STEM and also to plan for their futures in STEM industries.

Girl Scouts can also earn a variety of badges through STEM activities.  These badges include innovation, digital art, financial literacy, science and technology, and naturalist.

Environment
Developing an appreciation and respect for our environment is another crucial part of being a Girl Scout.  Through several programs and activities, girls learn about nature and environmental issues. Girl Scout Camping has also been a long tradition through which girls have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors.

There's also a Girl Scout Ranger Program in which girls can earn a variety of badges by visiting national parks and participating in various activities in conjunction with their visits to the parks.

Faith
GSUSA is a secular organization, meaning girls of all faiths as well as of no faith are welcome.  In recognizing the importance of faith and spirituality to many girls and their families, Girl Scouts are encouraged to take spiritual journeys through their own religious faith.  Through their journey, they can earn the My Promise, My Faith pin.

Civic engagement
Because GSUSA aims to help girls develop leadership skills, the organization encourages civic duty.  Girl Scouts hold a wide variety of beliefs and values and are encouraged to think for themselves and form their own opinions and ideologies. GSUSA has created a nonpartisan initiative called G.I.R.L. Agenda through which girls are inspired, prepared, and mobilized to create positive change.

How to join
Sign up with a local troop with Girl Scouts of North East Ohio at www.gsneo.org.