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Why Girl Scouts, Why Now?

Now, more than ever, Girl Scouts serves as a vital source of support, consistency and community for girls and families. As girls attend school virtually and practice social distancing, the connections that Girl Scouts fosters between girls are critical. Girl Scout programming provides a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for girls to try new things, explore the world around them, make a difference in their community, and develop relationships with other girls and caring adults.

More Reasons Why Parents Say Girl Scouts is Important

Parents say Girl Scouts provides girls:

Critical social interaction
High quality activities and programs
A positive impact on her development
Opportunities to help her community
Unique opportunities and experiences
Positive influence of her troop leaders
A welcoming environment for all girls regardless of culture, ethnicity, and religion

Parents said in Girl Scouts their girl:

Participated in a wide variety of activities
Had opportunities she wouldn’t have otherwise
Benefited from the experience
Felt like she belonged
Worked toward meaningful goals
That Girl Scouts provided opportunities to bond with their girl

Parents said Girl Scouts helped girls:

Build friendships with other girls
Become more confident
Develop communication skills
Become more curious about the world around them
Develop a sense of responsibility or independence
Take healthy risks
Make a difference in her community
Develop project and time management skills

Parents said Girl Scouts helped girl develop:

Practical life skills
Entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills
STEM skills
Leadership skills
Outdoor and nature skills
Civic engagement

What will Girl Scouts look like this year?

Girl Scouts may look a little different during the COVID-19 pandemic, but all the classic Girl Scout activities like troop meetings, Cookie Program, community service, badges and camping are still cornerstones of our program. There are also new, innovative programs, including 42 new badges on topics like car mechanics, civic engagement and STEM careers.

Troop meetings and events will be occurring both in person and virtually throughout the year. We can help you find an option that works for your family.

How can my girl participate?

As we navigate the pandemic, we’re all facing decision fatigue. So, while there are more ways than ever to be a Girl Scout, here are two main ways for girls to get involved. If these options aren’t what your girl is looking for, send us an email and we’ll work with you to find the perfect fit. Girls can:

Be in a troop with girls of similar age led by two caring Girl Scout volunteers and/or
Participate as an Individually Registered Girl Scout and join girls from across the country to attend virtual events. Click here for more details.

Regardless of how your girl participates, Girl Scouts provides the high quality programs, social interaction and FUN that parents and girls are looking for.

Are troop meetings and events in person or virtually?

Depending on the community COVID-19 alert level, troop meetings and events may occur in person or virtually. Click here for the State of Alaska alert level map. Be sure to check back frequently. The map is updated every day.

High alert communities: Meetings are 100% virtual
Intermediate alert communities: Meetings are mostly virtual but may occasionally be in person
Low alert communities: Meetings are mostly in person but may occasionally be virtual

What do virtual troops meetings and events look like?

Virtual meetings and events will occur over secure platforms like Zoom. At least two registered and background-checked Girl Scout volunteers or staff will be present to lead girl activities and discussions. Virtual meetings and events are designed to be interactive and engaging for girls in different ways, including:

Discussions with experts, including children’s authors, scientists and more
Facilitated, interactive activities that require no supplies or supplies you likely have on hand at home
Girl-led conversations

What’s my commitment as a parent?

We know parents are busier than ever as they juggle work, family and school. Being a Girl Scout volunteer or parent DOESN’T have to take a significant amount of time but DOES have a huge positive impact on girls.

Volunteers typically spend about 8 hours a month on Girl Scouts. Interested in volunteering? Click here for more information.
Most parents spend around 4 hours a month supporting their girl in Girl Scouts.

If your girl is participating virtually, parents:

Help girls log on to the virtual platform
Help girls find supplies for activities
Are nearby in case girls need technical help
Have conversations with girls about what they learned and how to apply it the rest of their lives

If your girl is participating in person:

Support the troop leaders by helping with snacks, transportation or leading an activity during a meeting. Aren’t sure how you can help? Ask your troop leader!
Attend meetings and events with your girl if required
Have conversations with girls about what they learned and how to apply it to the rest of their lives

Looking for a Troop in your area? Search our opportunity catalog to find opportunities by location or specific troop number.

Already a member?

And grownups? Whether you have kids, grandkids, or no kids of your own, you can have a front-row seat to the fun and community, too. Press play and volunteer with Girl Scouts. You’ve got what it takes to change girls’ lives.

Making friends, testing her strengths, exploring new possibilities. It’s all here for her.

Whether teaming up with others or learning to shine on their own, Girl Scouts have the tools and community support they need to succeed.

Press play with Girl Scouts. Where she can be herself and her confidence can soar.

She’s ready to go.

Girl Scouts of Alaska Informational Video for Families

Can’t attend a Family Information Night? Check out our GSAK Info for Families video!

Is she ready to complete her first patch? Find the "Get to Know Girl Scouts" patch activities below.