Beyond the cookie:
How Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence & character
By StoryStudio on August 4, 2023
When you think of Girl Scouts, the nostalgic boxes of cookies might be the first thing that comes to mind. And let's be honest, those cookies are irresistible! But did you know that there's a whole world of excitement and empowerment awaiting young girls within the Girl Scouts? Girl Scouts is so much more than just cookies; it's a transformative organization dedicated to building courage, confidence, and character, and fostering lifelong friendships.
“The organization gives girls the ability to be creative, well-rounded people when they grow up,” said Oriana Rendon, a local Girl Scout troop leader whose daughter, Sabrina, has been active in Girl Scouts for the past seven years.
Sabrina, 13, can attest to the profound impact that Girl Scouts has had on her, having joined a local troop of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council when she was six years old. “Seeing my sister have so much fun with her activities and her troop, made me want to join,” said Sabrina.
Sabrina soon found herself surrounded by new friends in an environment that encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, giving her the confidence to try new activities. Initially apprehensive about water, she became determined to overcome her fear with the support of her peers and Girl Scout leaders.
“As a Brownie, she attended camp and was encouraged to swim, enjoy the pool and overcome her struggle to learn,” said Oriana. Eventually, Sabrina participated in several aquatic activities including sailing, kayaking, and canoeing, before landing on her favorite: water polo. Now, this summer Sabrina is competing in the Junior Olympics in water polo – an accomplishment she never would have dreamed of before joining Girl Scouts.
SPONSORED BY GIRL SCOUTS OF SAN JACINTO COUNCIL
Embracing new activities and adventures
Girl Scouts gives you the tools to create
your own path. It helps you create goals
while trying new activities.
As a troop leader, Oriana has seen many of her other Scouts similarly branch out and embrace new challenges – growing their confidence and building character in the process. One Girl Scout in her troop was introverted and was initially hesitant to sell cookies. Oriana wanted to give her an opportunity to dip her toe in the water. “I invited her to join us for just 30 minutes and help me behind the table passing out the boxes that the other girls sold,” recalled Oriana. “I wanted to create a comfortable environment where she could try it out and see that it’s a group effort. Soon, she went from being behind the table to being in front, to being able to sell the cookies! That was such a great experience, to see her confidence grow.”
Girl Scouts also offers participants the opportunity to explore unique activities and build skills through a wide variety of Special Interest Groups. From archery and rifle shooting to sailing and horseback riding, Girl Scouts can try new things in a safe setting with their friends.
With activities and badges offering the opportunity to gain experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), entrepreneurship, and more, Girl Scouts can even explore potential career paths.
“My oldest daughter was interested in a few different areas, including finance, engineering, and writing, and wasn’t sure which route she wanted to take,” said Oriana. “Girl Scouts has great mentorship in all these activities. So it gives you the tools to help you determine not just what you want to do as a Girl Scout, but what you may want to do in life.”
Sabrina, who aspires to be a journalist one day, joined the Girls Scouts San Jacinto Council Media Corps group two years ago. The Media Corps group assists the council with public relations opportunities, and participants have been interviewed by the media, and featured in magazines and marketing campaigns. Through the Media Corps, Sabrina has been a judge for a culinary dessert competition, ridden on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade float, and spoken with reporters about the Girl Scouts.
“It has built my confidence,” said Sabrina. “It’s allowed me to think creatively while being in front of the camera.”
Oriana has also noticed the confidence her Media Corps experience has given Sabrina. “It has grown Sabrina’s courage to be able to lead groups in different situations, having the confidence to become a leader,” said Oriana. “She’s able to voice her opinion respectfully in different scenarios – at school, at troop meetings. She can convey her thoughts clearly and be outspoken while adapting to different audiences and personalities.”
Sabrina is currently working on a project for her Silver Award, focusing on safety initiatives at her school. “There is an issue with jaywalking, and there has even been an accident related to students not crossing at the crosswalks,” said Sabrina. She is helping to initiate safety measures to encourage using the crosswalks. She is also going to utilize her Media Corps skills in this project to help educate her peers through morning safety announcements.
For Sabrina, the best part of being in Girl Scouts is the friendships she has formed with other Scouts who share her interests and values. “I know all these girls want to change their lives and their community and help make the world a better place,” said Sabrina. And if you’ve been wondering whether or not Girl Scouts is right for you, Sabrina
I know all these girls want to change
their lives and their community and
help make the world a better place.
Empowerment isn't just about individual growth; it's about making a positive impact on the world. Girl Scouts encourages girls to be advocates for causes they believe in and to engage in community service. By helping others, these young girls learn the importance of empathy, compassion, and making a difference.
Through the Highest Awards program, girls get to choose an issue in their community or school that they get to help improve. These are meant to have a lasting impact, and many of the projects that are adopted continue even after the girls have graduated.
Advocacy and community service
Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod placeat.
LOREM IPSUM SIT
DISCOVER
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noted there is such a wide variety of activities that there is something for everyone. “Whether you want to do Media Corps, or if you like coding or comic books, there is so much you can do! Camp is so fun, and I know I’m always going to make new friends at camp. You will never feel not included in any activity; everyone is so kind and friendly.”
Girl Scouts provides a unique platform for girls to form meaningful friendships that can last a lifetime. Through shared experiences, teamwork, and mutual support, girls create unbreakable bonds. These friendships foster a sense of belonging and provide a safe space for girls to be themselves without judgment. The camaraderie and support girls receive from their fellow Girl Scouts contribute significantly to their personal growth and empowerment.
SABRINA Rendon
“I would encourage anyone who is interested to try it out,” said Oriana. “Girl Scouts is adapted to your preferences and your personality. They have open forums and encourage girls to voice their opinions…if they want to see changes, it can be done. You’re not asked to do anything you may not want to do, but you’re encouraged to try different things. I’d encourage girls to venture out!”
Girl Scouts empowers young girls to become confident, courageous, and compassionate individuals. By offering a wide range of outdoor adventures, STEM activities, community service opportunities, creative outlets, and fostering lifelong friendships, Girl Scouts creates an environment where girls can explore, learn, grow, and embrace their true potential.
For more information or to join the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, visit GSSJC.org.
Preparing future leaders
- SABRINA RENDON, girl scout
- SABRINA RENDON, girl scout
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Sabrina is currently working on a project for her Silver Award, focusing on safety initiatives at her school. “There is an issue with jaywalking, and there has even been an accident related to students not crossing at the crosswalks,” said Sabrina. She is helping to initiate safety measures to encourage using the crosswalks. She is also going to utilize her Media Corps skills in this project to help educate her peers through morning safety announcements.
For Sabrina, the best part of being in Girl Scouts is the friendships she has formed with other Scouts who share her interests and values. “I know all these girls want to change their lives and their community and help make the world a better place,” said Sabrina. And if you’ve been wondering whether or not Girl Scouts is right for you, Sabrina noted there is such a wide variety of activities that there is something for everyone. “Whether you want to do Media Corps, or if you like coding or comic books, there is so much you can do! Camp is so fun, and I know I’m always going to make new friends at camp. You will never feel not included in any activity; everyone is so kind and friendly.”
Girl Scouts provides a unique platform for girls to form meaningful friendships that can last a lifetime. Through shared experiences, teamwork, and mutual support, girls create unbreakable bonds. These friendships foster a sense of belonging and provide a safe space for girls to be themselves without judgment. The camaraderie and support girls receive from their fellow Girl Scouts contribute significantly to their personal growth and empowerment.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested to try it out,” said Oriana. “Girl Scouts is adapted to your preferences and your personality. They have open forums and encourage girls to voice their opinions…if they want to see changes, it can be done. You’re not asked to do anything you may not want to do, but you’re encouraged to try different things. I’d encourage girls to venture out!”
Girl Scouts empowers young girls to become confident, courageous, and compassionate individuals. By offering a wide range of outdoor adventures, STEM activities, community service opportunities, creative outlets, and fostering lifelong friendships, Girl Scouts creates an environment where girls can explore, learn, grow, and embrace their true potential.
For more information or to join the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, visit GSSJC.org.