By Emily Hill, Director of Individual Giving, GSNCCP

Today we launched our 2014 Campership fundraising drive, which collects donations to help Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines provide scholarships for girls across our 41 counties to attend summer camp.

As I was conducting research to craft our Campership appeal, I heard stories about girls trying new things, making new friends, and learning different skills because of camp. I heard from parents about how their girl gained confidence and her interest in the world flourished at camp. I heard from one former camper about how her leadership skills blossomed at camp and she now holds the position as resident assistant, mentoring girls in her college dorm.

I also learned that these aren’t just anecdotes. Studies show that camp can be a formative time in a child’s life.

Research conducted by the American Camp Association and other independent organizations show time and time again that well-run summer camps – like our Girl Scout camps – can have a powerful, long-term effect on a child’s development, especially on her self-control, independence, assertiveness, and decision-making. In one study, 74% of camp attendees reported that they did things at camp that they were afraid to do at first. Overcoming fear and challenging yourself are just two important life skills that Girl Scout Camp can instill in a girl.

If you’re like me, you want more confident, independent, and assertive girls in this world. The more girls that can attend Girl Scout camp – especially those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to do so – the more chances we get to encourage girls to become their best selves.

Last year, over 260 girls were given the opportunity to attend one of our camps because of the financial assistance your support provides. I’m happy we provide scholarships so more girls can get the valuable benefits of camp. And I’m delighted that our friends, like you, make the yearly commitment to help us do more. Please consider making a gift to our Campership fund today by visiting www.nccoastalpines.org/champerships or contacting me at 919-600-6347.

With your support, we can make a difference in the life of one more girl. Thank you.