Girl Scouting Teaches Girls Leadership Skills, Self-Confidence:

Girl Scout troops are now forming for the 2009-2010 membership year, and Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland invites all Cape Girardeau County girls in grades K-12 to join! With flexible program pathways and fresh, exciting activities, the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience empowers girls to discover a strong sense of self, connect with others in a changing world, and take action to help make the world a better place.

Today's Girl Scouts are more than just cookies, camping and crafts. Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is pleased to offer a vast variety of programs, including career exploration, science discovery, financial literacy, dancing and sports, behind-the-scenes theater visits, and special travel opportunities. Each group or troop of girls is encouraged to make decisions about what and where they want to explore, and then to work together to plan and budget according to their age-level skills. Girl Scouts of all ages learn tangible life skills, develop positive character, and build life-long friendships.

Annual membership dues for Girl Scouts are $12.00 per person. Financial assistance is available for membership dues, council-sponsored programs, and uniform pieces for girls with demonstrated need. For more information about joining Girl Scouts, please contact Heather Lesch or Amy Ybarra, the Membership/Community Development Specialists for Cape Girardeau County, toll-free at (877) 312-4764, hlesch@girlscoutsmoheartland.org, or aybarra@girlscoutsmoheartland.org. More information is also available on the council website at www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

About the Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Girl Scouting is about building strong leaders. Founded in 1912, Girl Scouting is the premier leadership development organization for girls ages 5-17 in America. With 3.7 million members worldwide, Girl Scouts has a strong history of encouraging girls to become strong, confident young women. The Girl Scout Leadership Development Experience encourages girls to engage not just in traditional activities and service projects, but also in the process of leadership. Through hands-on opportunities, girls learn-by-doing in cooperative group settings and empowering individual explorations. Girl Scouting helps girls discover a strong sense of self, connect with others in a changing world, and take action to help make the world a better place.

About Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland serves 20,000 girls in 68 counties, who are developing crucial life skills that help them grow courageous and strong so they can make wise choices in today's world and beyond. To volunteer your time, make a donation, or join Girl Scouts, call 877-312-4764 or visit us on the web at www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

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