KAREN FLATT, center, was recently honored by the Girl Scout Council of the Southen Appalachians for earning the nation’s highest honor — the Gold Award. Janice Greer, left, is the board chairman of the Girl Scout Council and Booth Kammann, right, is CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians.
Flatt, a former home-schooler, is currently enrolled in Lee University. The council's chief executive officer, Booth Kammann, recently presented the Gold Award to Flatt in a Chattanooga ceremony.
To earn the award, Flatt completed key components of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and implemented a service project that left a lasting improvement for her community.
By earning the Gold Award, Flatt is eligible for special scholarships at colleges and universities around the nation and would automatically rise one rank in any of the U.S. military branches.
If you’ve ever thought of volunteering for or enrolling your daughter in the Girl Scouts organization, now is the perfect time to participate! Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians is putting out a call to the community for girls to sign up, and for adult volunteers.
A recruitment event is planned for the Cleveland area to introduce the community to Girl Scouts and recruit potential Girl Scouts, troop leaders, troop assistants and shor-term volunteers with special skills. The event will be Aug. 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Deer park on Harel Avenue.
Participants may enjoy crafts, a bounce house and make bookmarks for the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library for a community service project. The Museum Center at Five Points will also set up an educational booth.
“There’s never been a more perfect time to join the Girl Scouts movement. We’re looking for both girls and adults to register,” said Booth Kammann, CEO of Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. “Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, former Girl Scout or community member — we want you to volunteer! And there are many ways for girls to join the movement as well.”
The recruitment event is designed for potential Girl Scouts and volunteers to learn more about the organization, its mission, the time commitment and what it means to join Girl Scouts. Registration will be available for all interested parties. Staff members and current volunteers will be available to answer questions.
There are many different ways to join the organization as a Girl Scout. While joining a troop is still a very popular option for participation, girls may also follow a “Series Pathway,” a troop-style experience in which they participate once or twice a year in a series of programs with a particular theme. Another option is the “Outdoors Pathway” for the girl who loves everything outside and wishes to participate in camps, programs and adventures with an outdoor focus. Or, the “Events Pathway,” gives a girl both local and councilwide opportunities for education and fun by attending one-time events year-round.
There are also countless ways to volunteer for Girl Scouts as an adult. Whether someone has a little or a lot of time to give, every attempt is made to place volunteers who meet both their needs and interests. Volunteer time commitments range from one or two events a year to a year-long commitment. Complete training is provided to all new volunteers and a local support group is available to assist.
Participating in the Girl Scout program has long-term benefits for girls. According to a new Girl Scout Research Institute report titled “Girl Scouting Works: The Alumnae Impact Study,” women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.
Of Girl Scout alumnae, 63 percent consider themselves competent and capable, compared to 55 percent of non-alumnae. Of Girl Scout alumnae, 77 percent vote regularly, compared to 63 percent of non-alumnae. Additionally, 38 percent of Girl Scout alumnae have attained college degrees, compared to 28 percent of non-alumnae. Girl Scout alumnae also a report a significantly higher household income ($51,700) than non-alumnae ($42,200).
To learn more about the GSCSA’s recruitment efforts or the organization in general, visit www.GirlScoutcsa.org or call 800-474-1912.
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The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has more than 20,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City. Its mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.
