Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs and Trefoils-these classic cookies are often what people first think of when they see Girl Scouts, but on the 100th anniversary of the worldwide organization, scouts on Joint Base Lewis-McChord are doing more than selling their signature treats. Scouts have been participating in environment-friendly projects this year, including planting trees and tossing salmon carcasses into the Nisqually River, helping the river's ecosystem.
"The 100th anniversary is a time for new beginnings," Katherin Sar, service unit manager for the Girls Scouts at JBLM, said. "We want to make the next 100 years great."
In honor of the anniversary and Girl Scout Week, March 12 to 16, government officials from around the country are proclaiming 2012 "The Year of the Girl." The Washington state Senate unanimously approved their proclamation, State Resolution 8686, Feb. 17.
The resolution read, "the Washington state Senate commend the Girl Scouts for its 100th Year Anniversary and its 2012 Year of the Girl initiative and for its mission to raise girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place."
Senators praised the Girl Scouts for their leadership programs and ability to connect women of multiple generations.
"Thank you for your work. Thank you for your service," Sen. Christine Rolfes of Bainbridge Island said.
Parents of Girl Scouts at Joint Base Lewis-McChord appreciate the sense of community the troops give to the girls, and the opportunity for education.
"I like that she's learning things she didn't know before," Bridgett Lakin said of her daughter Monica's involvement.
The learning often comes through activities to earn badges, like starting a garden, volunteering in the community, learning how to stay healthy, making good money choices and taking First Aid classes.
Troop leader Katy Ong says her Brownie troop, 2nd and 3rd graders, are always anxious to get together and work on their particular journey.
"They are eager to find out what's next," Ong said. "Even though they are from different schools, they get that camaraderie. They are a sweet little group."
Troop leaders are responsible for planning activities for their group of girls as well as guiding them to earning their badges. Overall, all the troops focus on the Girl Scouts' core mission of building courage, confidence and character.
"Girls that go through this program go on to great things," Sar said.
For information on joining a troop, visit https://www.girlscoutsww.org or visit the regional office in Dupont. Individual scout troops are active throughout the school year; camps and events throughout the summer are open to all girls.
Photo" Troop 43891 (bottom left corner to right): Katy Ong, Evelyn Ong, Evelyn Marinas, Emma Wimmer, Ryan Floyd, Cassi Reynolds, Hannah Mitchel in front of the troop’s World Thinking Day China exhibit, Feb. 24, At Carter Lake Elementary School. Scott Hughes/JBLM PAO