According to Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO Jennifer Bartkowski,
When a crisis hits, we all look to someone to take the lead. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas is developing the next generation of female leaders – young women with the courage to take a stand, the confidence to face the unknown, and the character to press through tough obstacles with both grace and grit. With many events, activities, and even school being cancelled, our work is more important than ever to keep girls connected to caring adult mentors, to have fun, and build their resilience.
When COVID arrived in March 2020, Girl Scouts pivoted quickly to provide at-home, virtual programming including responding to the growing need for critical programs in mental health and diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, we’ve been able to leverage our STEM Center of Excellence to address the STEM summer learning loss via virtual camps this summer and workshops planned into the fall.
As we head into an uncertain environment for back to school this fall, regardless of how girls engage in school – in a virtual, physical or homeschool setting – it will be different than ever before. Along with teachers and parents who are doing their very best to deliver a robust academic experience, Girl Scouts is concerned that equally important elements of the school experience will be missing. Social interaction, academic supports, mental health programs, social and emotional learning, college readiness and other resources will be limited for all girls this fall and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas is prepared to fill that gap.
More than 25,000 girls in Northeast Texas, from kindergarten through 12th grade, joined Girl Scouts to develop social and emotional skills, resilience and more through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Today, Girl Scouts is more relevant than ever before as we provide access to what girls are missing during this pandemic. Girls interact with friends and peers in both virtual and socially distant troop meetings and fun events. The STEM Center of Excellence in south Dallas is supplementing the academic efforts of teachers and parents via science and math virtual programming. Girl Scouts has partnered with North Texas mental health experts to design and deliver programs that improve girls’ mental health and wellness. Even during quarantine, girls can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, an impressive addition to any college application. And girls are finding and using their voices by taking action around issues like diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health, and so much more.
Learn more, volunteer and sign your daughter up for a life-changing experience by visiting www.gsnetx.org.
* Graphic and photo provided by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas