Live from Girl Scouts
As the 2020 school year began and many girls were adjusting to virtual learning from home, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri launched Live from Girl Scouts, a brand-new series of interactive programs delivered in-person and online. Three episodes were broadcast each week, with each episode catering to a specific age group and program topic. Each session, one lucky troop was chosen to participate live in the Berges Family Program Center while hundreds of additional girls were able to join via Zoom.
All virtual participants received an activity box of supplies delivered directly to their homes that included all the materials needed for the program. Though each activity box ranged in cost from $20-$35 per person--continued community support allowed Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri to offer the program at a cost of $5 to our Girl Scouts, removing the financial barrier for many families.
Live from Girl Scouts offered girls the opportunity to combine leadership and growth development in a fun, flexible and informal environment featuring in-person and virtual experiences that supported girl-driven exploration and learning. Each episode featured a “mystery guest,” who provided expertise and insight on the episode’s topic and served as an important role model for girls as they explored STEM, entrepreneurship, life skills and more.
To keep girls engaged throughout summer 2020, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri launched a virtual camp program that could be completed from home. By participating in Camp-tastic, girls were able to explore, earn badges, work on leaderships skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature, right from their own backyards.
Throughout their week of Camp-tastic, girls enjoyed virtual and “unplugged” activities daily. With themes ranging from Mad Science and Night Sky to History Mystery and Critter Connection, girls connected with camp staff and other campers virtually, as they played games and discovered the outdoors together.
Each camper was mailed a special kit prior to their week of camp that included activity instructions, supplies, camp swag and a patch so they had all the supplies they needed for their week of outdoor exploration.
Community Troop Program
The Community Troop Program was launched in 2014 to ensure that all girls have access to Girl Scouts’ leadership development opportunities. With the Community Troop Program, the number one obstacle in under-resourced communities — securing a volunteer troop leader—is removed. The leader of the troop is a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri staff member. Through the Community Troop Program girls participate in traditional Girl Scout activities that help them develop the qualities and proficiencies needed to prepare them for success in life.
In 2020, Girl Scout Community Troop staff made it possible for 3,373 girls, in 80 troops, to earn more than 12,000 badges like Designing Robots, Cookie CEO and My Best Self, while delivering virtual troop meetings and programs. By working directly with the girls in 12 area school districts, charter or private schools or community partner organizations, the Community Troop Program helped girls develop necessary skills and build their self-esteem during unprecedented times.
Outreach
For more than 20 years, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has partnered with schools across eastern Missouri to deliver programs that focus on social and emotional learning to resolve conflict and prevent violence. To support area students’ social, emotional, and mental health during a time of isolation, Girl Scout staff developed new, specialized curriculum for 30 school districts through our K-8th grade curriculum, Project Anti-Violence Education, and continued our 9th-12th grade curriculum, Transform UR Future.
Working to suit the needs of each unique school district, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri offered live, pre-recorded, and blended virtual programming to more than 7,217 students. Girls who participated in these outreach programs, had access to all Girl Scout programs and were invited to continue their leadership development journey through all that Girl Scouting has to offer.