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Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed March 11-17 as “Girl Scout Week” in the Virgin Islands to honor the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of America and more than 90 years of Girl Scouting in the territory.
The first Girl Scout meeting was held on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. Since then, more than 50 million girls have participated in the movement, and the group continues to inspire, challenge, and empower young girls everywhere. Girl Scouts is the largest, longest running and most effective leadership program for girls not only in the nation, but in the Virgin Islands, as well.
“So many women who have gone on to enjoy tremendous success as political and business leaders, scientists, educators, artists, and even astronauts have discovered their passions and talents as Girl Scouts,” de Jongh said. “We know that the Girl Scouts develop girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.”
There are currently approximately 3.2 million Girl Scouts in the country, and more than 200 scouts and adult volunteers in the Virgin Islands, including First Lady Cecile deJongh.
The Girl Scouts of the Virgin Islands has adopted as its 2012 vision to “optimize the leadership potential of all girls in the Virgin Islands.”
To commemorate Girl Scouts Week, scouts will go on a lagoon kayak tour and hike on Scott Island – off St. Thomas – to help raise awareness about the environmental importance of the lagoon. They also attended church services to commemorate the spiritual engagement of the movement, and planned a fun day on St. Croix.
In a recent retreat, the Girl Scouts board of directors dedicated itself to growing the organization and several other goals, including planning Science, Technology, Environmental and Math (STEM) activities for girls, as well as volunteer appreciation activities.
Governor de Jongh extends his sincere appreciation to the schools, churches and community organizations that sponsor girl scouting activities. He also urges all Virgin Islanders to recognize and thank the adult volunteers who help girls develop the kind of “courage, confidence and character” that help make the Territory and world a better place.
