Young leaders in the community: Encinitas Girl Scouts
The Girl Scout program is designed to develop courage, confidence and character and to become more girl-led and less adult driven, as girls progress through various levels. Recently, six girls from the Encinitas Service Unit planned, organized and led a virtual cookie rally to kick-off the annual Girl Scout cookie program selling season. Cookie sales are the largest annual fundraiser for Girl Scouts.
Over a few weeks of planning and preparing, the team of scouts, along with their adult facilitators, were able to support 55 younger Daisy, Brownie and Junior girls by inspiring and educating them through fun activities, over a virtual platform. The team leading the training was Senior Katie Ling and Cadettes Hailey Valdez, Molly Lawson, Siena Porcelli, Calista Lowery and Lucinda Rothman. For their efforts they earned service hours, which will count toward award recognitions at the end of the year.
This year will look different for cookie sales, instead of in-person sales there will be contactless cookie deliveries and virtual cookie sales through online digital marketing. But Girl Scouts have always been creative and are taught to problem-solve and persevere through challenges. The group worked with newer and existing Girl Scouts, shared ideas and gave creative marketing tips, with the goal of helping all sell cookies during a time when in-person cookies sales are not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Kathy Ling, Encinitas Service Unit manager, shared,” Having the older girls take the lead helps teach, mentor and develop younger scouts. It also builds valuable skills for the older Girl Scouts such as leadership, empathy, creativity and listening skills.” This event was an example of the Girl Scout program at its very best.
The annual Girl Scout cookie program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world. It teaches girls business skills that are invaluable. The money raised allows troops to be financially independent and to support local community service projects, in addition to planning fun events and earning badges.
If you are interested in becoming a Girl Scout, contact the San Diego Council at sdgirlscouts.org.
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