By Krista Park, Communications & PR Director

How does a girl accomplish her goal of learning about robotics? Or grow in self-confidence as she overcomes her shyness learning that her voice counts? Or help run the largest girl-led business in the world as she practices setting goals and making decisions?

How? It’s simple: Girl Scouts.

At Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines, girls get the chance to “DO” big things. They build book mobiles for reading journeys like Cadette Troop #375 in Oxford, and make blankets for children’s homes like Troop #4282 in Greenville. They spend a week at Camp Hardee learning to canoe and sail, and like Emily B., will return to participate in higher adventures during a 2-week water program.

Girl Scouts travel to incredible places across the country and beyond like Troop #49 from Durham who spent a week in Costa Rica exploring the landscape and local culture. They create sustainable change in their community, like Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Lillie M., who created an oral history project documenting the experiences of veterans and helping to increase awareness for local veteran support services in Columbus County.

Feeling empowered to take action can be difficult for some girls. But girls who experience learning by doing and are a part of a girl-led program can see firsthand how their creative and innovative ideas can make a difference in the world. Findings from the Girl Scout Research Institute’s national studies who it’s not just what girls do, but how they do it that makes Girl Scouts so beneficial to girls.

The effects of hands-on learning are nothing but positive. In Girl Scouts, learning by doing is a cornerstone of our organization, and is facilitated by a small troop leader to girl ratio, allowing more hands-on opportunities for girls to tap into their interests and talents. When a girl learns by doing, she is actively involved in fun and exploration, which helps her to become motivated, learn more, and develop essential leadership skills for her lifetime.

Did you know…?

• At least 75% of girls who experience “learning by doing” and are part of our girl-led program become better at conflict resolution, problem solving, team building and cooperating, and developing a more positive sense of self.
• Learning in a hands-on environment can also help girls retain up to three-and-a-half times more information compared to sitting and listening.
• Not to mention, nearly three in four girls say that, because of Girl Scouts, they’ve become a leader in more activities with their friends and classmates, as well as in their community.

Girl Scouts offers a wide range of opportunities to brighten a girl’s future; opportunities that will help her build courage as she tries new things, gain confidence in herself and her skills, and strengthen her character to become the leader she is meant to be. Most of all, girls make new friends, give back, and realize why it’s awesome to be a girl.

Be sure check out all the cool program and events we host at Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines throughout the year. There’s a chance for every girl to “DO” something amazing.

Share in the fun and find a troop near you today!