Creating Resilient Girls

Change her world, today and throughout her lifetime.

Infusing the DNA of the Girl Scout culture and experience into programs already reaching girls who are at risk of remaining victims of generational poverty is critical.”Maryann Barry, CEO, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council

Girl Scouts understands the vital connection between young girls’ development and their future success and offers a leadership experience like no other. We offer all girls the opportunity to dream and plan for their future success through our programs in outdoor activities, STEAM and entrepreneurship careers, and life skills.

And yet, we know that all girls are not able to participate in Girl Scouts. That is why we work hard to provide resources and support for girls whose family circumstances could deny them these life changing opportunities.

In the Central Florida area, most sources estimate our poverty rate at 16%, with families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness frequently.  The girls in these families will benefit most from the Girls Scouts leadership experience, and yet their economic condition will preclude their participation in extracurricular activities like Girl Scouts – without your help.

We have established a peer-to-peer giving program – Gifts for Girls – through which the existing Girl Scouts community can financially support the establishment of troops in areas where girls would likely miss out on our Leadership experience.  While generously supported by our staff, alumni, leaders, and parents, we offer the surrounding community the chance to also support girls financially in these circumstances, giving them the experiences that can truly transform their lives and their families for the future. 

Girl Scouts of Citrus partners with several community organizations that reach these families so that the positive impact of all our programs will help girls transcend their situations. While not always in traditional troops as most of our girls experience Girl Scouts, we can reach girls that need our Leadership experience most – even positively impacting their parents and caregivers.