It’s the season to give thanks – and what better time to share why our Girl Scouts are thankful for the best leadership programming for girls in the world. We recently talked to some of Girl Scouts to learn more about why they are thankful for Girl Scouts and here’s what they had to say.

I am thankful for Girl Scouts because it lets girls just be themselves with their friends and in a healthy environment. I get to do things and go places that I could have never done without being a Girl Scout. I always feel safe in every Girl Scout activity whether it’s a STEM program at a college campus, overnight activities like sleeping in an aquarium or going away to a Girl Scout week long summer camp program. I love just being able to be ‘me’. – Abby R., Age 13

Girl Scouts has prepared me for new challenges by all that is offered to us, making new friends, earning badges and Journeys teaches us new and important information. Being with all girls helps me be not as afraid to show my true self. It’s just us girls able to be us girls, and silly!  –Rylie C., Age 11

I am thankful for Girl Scouts because it has been where I have met my best friends. I have been a Girl Scout since second grade, and have many friends in my troop that I have known since the beginning. Working together selling cookies, volunteering, camping, and going to meetings has allowed us to get to know each other better than just playing together! – Giada T., Age 11

Girl Scouts has prepared me for new challenges by teaching me to be a leader. It’s given me the courage I need to try new things and walk in with confidence. By being able to try things in a safe environment I am able to step back in the real world with the skills I need to face new challenges. – Lauryn T., Age 13

‘Tis the season to give thanks – so tell us why you are thankful for Girl Scouts in the comments below.