uniquely ME!

“What’s New” is finally new again! So is the grant that our council received from the Dove Self-Esteem Fund’s “Thank You for Making a Difference” campaign. The grant will finance the uniquely ME! program designed to encourage Girl Scouts in 4th-12th grade to become self-confident leaders.

Why do we need such a program you ask? Dove commissioned a national report on self-esteem entitled “Real Girls, Real Pressure” and the results are distressing. They discovered that 62% of girls nationwide feel insecure. This includes feeling that their appearance isn’t stylish or trendy enough, that they aren’t pretty enough, and that they’re overweight. 75% of these girls admit to participating in harmful activities such as cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking and disordered eating. The report also revealed that as they transition into the teenage years, fewer girls turn to their parents as a self-esteem resource. (You can read all of the key highlights by visiting Dove’s website and clicking the Campaign for Real Beauty link.)

In response to this need, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California has created over 130 activity boxes with all the supplies you need to complete the uniquely ME! activities with your troop or service unit. The boxes are segmented for Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors. All materials costs as well as any additional fees for a location and staff members are completely and generously covered by the grant from Dove! This is a great opportunity for you to help your girls discover their positive attributes and to encourage them to develop leadership skills that will give them greater self confidence for the future.

Did you know that several of the most successful women in our country were Girl Scouts? Can you name a few? Think Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Sandra Day O’Connor and Katie Couric. Is one of your girls the next national leader? Is she destined to be a future role model for other teen girls? Empower her today with the skills that will make her successful tomorrow! To learn more or order your uniquely ME! activity box contact Liz Williams, Assistant Vice President of Program and Adult Development at 916-669-4475 or by e-mail at liz.williams@girlscoutshcc.org.

"Girl Scouts Today - Leaders Tomorrow" (1937)

~MM