GIRL SCOUTS SEE IMPORTANCE OF LITERACY ISSUES

The Otahki Girl Scout Council recognizes the importance of promoting literacy issues and encourages girls and adults to explore activities that build skills in reading, writing and communications as an important part of the Girl Scout program.

Resources are designed to encourage girls and adults to discover the joy of reading. Age appropriate stories and activities are included in handbooks and manuals that adults and girls use during Girl Scout activities.

Otahki Council also incorporates literacy activities in special events that promote fun and learning. Each year more than 500 Brownie Girl Scouts participate in Fall Frolic Events in which girls and adults participate in creative activities.

A new Girl Scout resource for all ages focuses on literacy. Entitled "Read to Lead," it is filled with interesting activities that increase skills in reading, creative writing and learning about career development for girls and adults.

In 1997, Otahki Council started an interest group in collaboration with the Cape Civic Center. Girls come together to practice basketball and track and also participate in exploring newspaper and magazines for information about their sports heroes or learning about careers in athletics and sports.

Throughout the Girl Scout program, whether the girls are 5-year-old Daisy Girl Scouts or 17-year-old Senior Girl Scouts, the need for communication skills is recognized as a critical priority.

Reading, writing and listening are fundamental, not only because they are a necessary part of most routine tasks and activities, but also because they can open doors to new ideas and inspirations.

The Girl Scouts continue to be proactive by incorporating literacy into its family-oriented program.