Kim E. Fraites-Dow, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern PA discussed the programming they offer to girls from five through high school.

She tells us there are now 25,000 girl members who are making friends, trying new things and having fun in troops across their 9-county-footprint (Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia). 

We talked about troop dynamics, from Brownies where leaders can receive weekly meeting activities – Troop in a Box! – through their pilot program Calling All Girl Bosses – designed to empower girls in grades 6-12 to lead the change they want to see in their neighborhoods.  Due to the overwhelmingly positive reaction GSEP is expanded this initiative next to Allentown and Reading. Calling All Girl Bosses asks girls if there is something in their communities they would like to change then encourages her to make a sustainable plan to solve it, and make it happen. 

To join a troop visit gsep.org and look for a troop near you, she notes there are troops in schools and rec centers, as well as faith or culture based, in English and other languages.  Volunteers drive the troops and she invites us to look into becoming a leader or program volunteer. 

Kim spoke about the annual cookie drive, recognized by Philadelphia 250 as one of their ‘52 Firsts’ as the program started in Philadelphia.   Girl Scout Cookies help girls “Unbox the Future.” Girl Scout cookie sales offer girls a building block for confidence, entrepreneurship skills, and friendships. Every box of cookies sold provides invaluable experiences for Girl Scouts such as service projects, troop travel and summer camp. 

She discussed those camps – Girl Scouts of Eastern PA offers camps throughout the Philadelphia region, including day and resident camp opportunities for girls with programming for the arts, science, travel, nature and outdoor activities.  While you do not have to be a Scout to enroll, registration includes membership. Camp information can be found at gsep.org.

To find COOKIES go to gsep.org – sales run now through March 22.