Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York Calls for New Girl Scout Members and Volunteers to Join in the Fun

ALBANY, NY (09/08/2014)(readMedia)-- Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York is making its back-to-school invitation to girls and adult volunteers to join Girl Scouts, our country's leading organization for helping girls reach their full potential. As many families plan for the programs and activities they will engage in during the coming school year, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has released new data showing the benefits for both girls and volunteers of participating in Girl Scouts.

Results of a summer 2014 poll conducted with over 3,500 volunteers and parents of Girl Scouts in grades K?5 show positive effects on girls and volunteers. Ninety-seven percent of parents agree that Girl Scouts has been a positive activity for their daughter, that she has had fun and exciting new experiences (95 percent), and that she has learned or tried something new (96 percent). In addition, 94 percent of parents say that because of Girl Scouts their daughter feels special, has more friends (95 percent), and is happier (89 percent).

And it isn't just the girls who benefit. The data shows that 94 percent of adult volunteers have made new friends, 88 percent believe their life is better because they volunteer with Girl Scouts, and two-thirds believe their volunteer experience has helped them professionally. Ninety-five percent of Girl Scout volunteers are happy knowing they are making girls' lives better.

"For almost 100 years, Girl Scouts has brought girls in the Capital Region and throughout Northeastern New York the chance to explore new adventures, learn skills that they will carry throughout their lives, serve their communities and have fun with both new and old friends" said Mary Buszuwski, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. "And it is because of volunteers that we are able to offer the Girl Scout experience to so many girls; but many girls are waiting to join but cannot because there are not enough volunteers. Volunteering with Girl Scouts is an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the life of a girl and in return, brings an enriching experience for volunteers."

Girl Scouts gives girls a place to explore topics of interest in a judgment-free space outside of classroom confinements; it cultivates cooperative and self-directed learning, as well as the growth mindset (the understanding that intelligence and talent can be developed)-all of which help foster a lifetime passion for learning. Eighty-nine percent of parents say their daughter gets a greater variety of experiences from Girl Scouts than she does from other extracurricular activities, and the majority of parents feel Girl Scouts is a great value for the money compared to other extracurricular activities. Overall, parents consider Girl Scouts one of the most beneficial extracurricular activities for their daughters.

Girl Scouts is open to all girls from kindergarten through grade 12. The more adults step forward to volunteer, the more girls will get the chance to be a Girl Scout. Adults over age 18 may become volunteers; both girls and adults volunteers can join at any time during the year. Girl Scout volunteers come from all walks of life; they are men, women, young professionals, retirees, college students, and more. To join or volunteer, please visit www.gsneny.org (volunteers click here, girl membership click here) or email info@gsneny.org.

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About Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York

The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) serves over 10,300 girls in 15 counties: Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Greene, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington. Through the efforts of over 4,500 adult volunteers, GSNENY can meet the rapidly changing needs of today's girls. For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has set the example of leadership and self-determination that are an inherent part of the Girl Scout program. We continue to deliver on the promise of helping every girl in this generation reach her fullest potential, no matter where she lives, whatever challenges she faces and however long the journey to what she can become.