-
Members of Brownie Troop No. 7202 pictured at the Scurry County Nature Trail on the front row are (l-r) Karmen Scott, Myleigh Luna, Kenzie Chandler, Mya Hale, Kamryn Grimes, Madison Whitefield and Kamrin Gunsett. Standing are Troop Leader Hollie Gonzales, Sadie Black, Zoi Arizmendi, Hali Garlick, Assistant Troop Leader Hayley Grant, Veda Gonzales, Chloe Henson and Khloe Mendoza. Not pictured are Eartha Thomas and Ryley Agers.
Money raised this fall during the Scurry County United Way’s Lend a Hand campaign will help Girl Scouts grow.
Katherine Curtis, Girls Scouts’ chief development and communications officer in Abilene, said United Way funds are used to recruit and retain adult volunteers and youth members as well as provide financial assistance to members.
“Succeeding in our mission is not possible without the wonderful volunteers and supporters in Scurry County, such as the Scurry County United Way,” Curtis said. “We have been blessed with a long-term partnership with Scurry County United Way.”
Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc., is one the eight organizations that receives funds from Scurry County United Way, which through Tuesday has received $52,869 toward its $120,000 goal. That represents 44 percent of the goal.
Curtis said United Way funds are also used to provide online and in-person training for adult volunteers.
Curtis said Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
“We do this through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience — teaching girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action in their community,” Curtis said. “Girl Scout programming is based on girl-led experiences, allowing girls as young as five to find their own voice and passions.”
There are currently three troops in Scurry County — Daisies, Brownies and Juniors.
Curtis said adult volunteers serve the girls in the troop setting throughout the year and meet to work on badges and service projects, as well as have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventures at Camp Boothe Oaks in Sweetwater and Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton.
“The goal for this upcoming Girl Scout year is to increase the number of girls served (in Scurry County), providing additional leadership experiences to more girls in the area,” Curtis said.
Brownie troop leader Hollie Gonzales, of Snyder, said she is committed to upholding traditional scouting values and setting a foundation for building leadership skills and confidence in her troop.
“Self expression is everything in Brownie scouts. They meet in a judgment free zone to exchange ideas and form sister-like friendships,” Gonzales said.
Daisy troop leader Carmen Timora said the group is in search of leader volunteers and is accepting new members.
For information, call Timora at 207-0065.