By Krista Park, Communications & PR Director

What parent isn’t looking for the best for their child these days? When it comes to extracurricular activities in today’s competitive world, families are looking for programs that are not only fun but also help further their child’s overall development.

One of the things that is so exciting for us here at Girl Scout – NC Coastal Pines is that we offer the chance for every girl to do something amazing. Not only is Girl Scouts FUN – it’s where a girl discovers what she cares about; it’s where a girl is surrounded by a supportive group of friends; it’s where a girl learns she can make a difference in the world. And does.

And what’s also exciting is that new research now shows that the majority of our parents are seeing great benefits for their daughters participating in Girl Scouts. Results of a summer 2014 pulse poll conducted with over 3,500 volunteers and parents of Girl Scouts in grades K-5 show just how awesome it is to be a Girl Scout.

Here’s what the parents all agreed on:

• 97% agree that Girl Scouts has been a positive activity for their daughter;
• 95% agree that their daughter has had fun and exciting new experiences; and
• 96% agree that their daughter has learned or tried something new.

In addition, as a result of being involved in Girl Scouts:

• 94% say that their daughter feels special;
• 95% say their daughter has more friends; and
• 89% say that their daughter is happier.

Wow – that’s a lot of awesome right there! And if that wasn’t enough, the data shows that it is not just girls who benefit, but our Volunteers as well:

• 94% of volunteers reported they have made new friends;
• 88% believe their life is better because they volunteer with Girl Scouts;
• Two-thirds believe their volunteer experience has helped them professionally; and
• 95% of Girl Scout volunteers are happy knowing they are making girls’ lives better.

The study also revealed the variety of experiences and the value for the money the Girl Scout program provides are also popular selling points for parents. Eighty-nine percent of parents say their daughter gets a greater variety of experiences from Girl Scouts than she does from other extracurricular activities.

Overall, parents consider Girl Scouts one of the most beneficial extracurricular activities for their daughter. For just $15, a girl can follow the fun, do what she loves, make new friends, and discover a world of possibilities exists for her.

Wondering just what Girl Scouts is like today? Learn more about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. And don’t forget about all those great benefits of volunteering. The more adults who step forward to volunteer, the more girls will get the chance to be a Girl Scout.

Join Girl Scouts today!