Girl Scouts looking for new members

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tim Beckham
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
A small organization founded about 100 years ago has gone from an 18-member club to a 3.6 million-member worldwide organization. Hint: This organization only caters to females and is known for selling some of the most famous cookies in the world. 

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., which makes its home in New York City, has associations in more than 90 countries, including Turkey and right here at Incirlik. 

"Girl scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who, make the world a better place," said Staff Sgt. Patricia Presley, 39th Security Forces Squadron pass and registration noncommissioned officer in charge and committee chairperson for Adana-Incirlik Neighborhood Girl Scouts. 

Not only does Girl Scouts build courage, confidence and character, but it also provides many life developing skills. 

"We do fun learning activities ranging from healthy lifestyles to developing social skills," said Sergeant Presley. "We also have programs for developing communication tools, leadership skills, community service experiences and of course everyone's favorite cookie sales." 

Sergeant Presley said last year's cookie sales were a huge success thanks to the Incirlik community. 

"Last year we ordered about 600 cases of cookies and our committee was able to pay for all of the cookies after the first 30 days," she said. "After various booster clubs and the first sergeants assisted with selling them to the local community, we were able to donate several cases to the troops downrange." 

The Girl Scouts here do more than just sell cookies. 

"Girl Scouts in second grade and older here can attend Camp Lachenwald in Germany," said Sergeant Presley. "In addition to the cookie sale program, girls can raise funds to attend camp and participate in other, more challenging, programs and events."  

Sergeant Presley said that since we are in such a small community here it is important for the kids to get involved early. 

"I think it is very important for kids to be involved in extracurricular activities like Girl Scouts," she said. "We provide a positive atmosphere for learning, exploring different topics and having fun. As a bonus, the bonds that some girls make with each other may last for a lifetime." 

The Girl Scouts here have many things planned for the upcoming year and are currently recruiting new girls and taking applications for volunteers. Girl Scouts is open to girls ages five to 17. There will be recruiting stations Saturday in front of the Commissary from 9 to 11 a.m. and in front of the Base Exchange from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

"We are always taking applications so girls may join at any time," said Sergeant Presley. "We are also registering adult volunteers. Even if an adult wants to volunteer part time, we can have the person volunteer with events planning so they are only involved during certain times of the year." 

For more information about joining or volunteering for the Girl Scouts here, call Sergeant Presley or her husband Bryan at 676-2343.