Kim Fraites-Dow, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, discussed the 107 year old organization for girls, by girls.  She discussed the research-based programming offered to girls, kindergarten through 12^th grade, teaching them a sense of self, allowing them to connect with others and to take action, all in a girls-only safe environment.  She noted that Girl Scouts learn to make things better and to take a leadership role, through lessons and activities in STEM, the outdoors and entrepreneurship.  She explained how the annual cookie drive teaches goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and ethics, while helping support the troop and the activities they want to do.  It also helps offset costs, especially important to low income girls.   She described the organization as ‘Girl Serving’ and ‘Girl Leading’.  Ms Fraites discussed programming for girls of incarcerated mothers, taking them on activities and visits to their parents, as well as outreach into newer and non-English speaking communities.  Finally she discussed the mothers and other volunteers who help the girls run their programs.

Girl Scouts are found in every zip code across the country, to find your local council go to GIRLSCOUTS.ORG and for Eastern PA visit  GSEP.ORG