By Brooke Banson, Volunteer Recruitment Director

Mix in one package Girl Scout Leadership Experience, a heaping serving of generosity and commitment to values-centered activities (that’s where our faith organization partners come in), and what do you get? Girls of courage, confidence and character, who change the world!

Who knew a small, simple room with tables, chairs, and fluorescent lighting could make such a big difference in the lives of so many girls? All over the Girl Scout – NC Coastal Pines council, churches have opened their hearts and doors to Girl Scout troops in need of a place to meet. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Raleigh is one of them. They host both troop meetings and ceremonies for girls, and service unit meetings for volunteers. Winterville Baptist Church helps give girls the opportunity to participate in Girl Scout programs like Girls Go Tech, a science program for middle school Girl Scouts!

Every day, Girl Scouts follow the fun, do what they love, and create connections that last a lifetime.

Cynthia M., a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, has served as a leader for five Girl Scout Troops (wow!) and as the Scouting Organization Representative at Cumberland United Methodist Church. She believes that churches have an important part to play in helping Girl Scouts learn to be faithful servants to their community.

Reverend McLawhorn of Proctor Memorial Church in Grimesland says that his church is opening its doors to an additional Girl Scout Troop and supporting efforts to promote Girl Scouting and recruit new members. How fantastic is that?! He adds, “I have three young granddaughters who attend church with me, and I have served on the Pitt County Boy Scout Committee for several years. It is important to me as a pastor that my church maintains a strong and sustainable Scouting program.” We couldn’t agree more.

The Girl Scout identified Keys to Leadership—Discover, Connect, and Take Action—mesh well with the values of the faith organizations that sponsor our troops. It’s a natural fit. We understand that religious instruction is the responsibility of parents and religious leaders and have been encouraging girls to participate in faith-based programs since 1912. It’s a part of who we are!

We are an inclusive organization that relies on strong partnerships with faith-based organizations to help girls explore their personal faith and become strong vibrant women. Has your place of worship been invited to join forces with us to help shape the next generation of proactive, passionate women, who make the world a better place?

You can be the one to make that happen! Reach out, share our story, and invite your faith community to be a part of it. Ready to join in on all the Girl Scout fun? Register your girl or as a volunteer online by 9/30/14 and use event code 367F22 to be entered to win an iPad.*

*First time, new members only are eligible to win.