Girl Scouts learn financial literacy in hands-on program

Girl Scouts learn financial literacy in hands-on program

Weekends are about having fun, but 115 Girl Scouts from the Cape Girardeau area made last weekend about gaining practical life skills at the same time. In the fun, interactive Making Cents in the City programs, Girl Scouts in kindergarten through eighth grade learned about budgeting, goal-setting, and saving money.

Girls at the program discussed the difference between needs and wants, practiced budgeting, and set savings goals before testing their skills at a Girl Scout "store" that included groceries and household necessities as well as temptations like candy, jewelry, and toys. They even had to use their critical-thinking skills during the program's snack time, making a selection based on their other expenditures. Girls also learned about the realities of adult budgeting with a game in which they managed their "paychecks" for home expenses, living necessities, and other bills. Girl Scout Cadettes had the added challenge of trying to budget for "want" items like cell phones and cable service after paying for necessities -- and sometimes receiving late fees and overdue notices. "Wow," said one participant, "I didn't know everything that my parents had to do for me."

The harsh reality of today's economy makes it especially important that youth understand budgeting and spending wisely. The money used in the games and activities may have been cartoon-printed play money, but the skills that girls learned were very real. "It makes a huge difference for girls to actually be given the money to practice spending, and to the numbers written in front of them," said Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland CEO Jennifer M. Orban, "It engages them in exactly the kind of experiential learning that Girl Scouts is all about."

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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