Open Enrollment for the Girl Scouts’ Hands-On, Girl-Led and Girl-Centered Learning Begins in September

CHARLOTTE, NC – The challenges facing girls today are more difficult now than a decade ago.

A report by the Girl Scout Research Institute entitled “The State of Girls 2017” found “more girls are living in poverty and low-income households today than 10 years ago. Low socioeconomic-status girls face considerable challenges that affect their health, happiness and achievement. Physical and emotional health also are at risk for girls today - obesity levels have risen and emotional health problems are more common.”

In addition to South Carolina and North Carolina being ranked as 40th and 41st, respectively, in the index of girl well-being, the report also highlights the following information on the state of girls.

Health and Well-Being: Girls are struggling with obesity, marijuana use and emotional health.

Obesity rates have increased for girls ages 2 to 19 from 15.9 percent in 2008 to 17.2 percent in 2014.

More girls are trying marijuana; about 37 percent of high school girls had tried marijuana in 2015, an increase from 34 percent in 2007.

Girls’ emotional health is at risk - a higher proportion of high school girls seriously considered suicide in 2015 (23 percent) compared to 2007 (19 percent). There also has been an increase in the percent of girls that reported being victims of cyberbullying.

Economics: Poverty rates for girls have risen since 2007.

In 2015, 19 percent of girls ages 5 to 17 lived in poverty compared to 17 percent in 2007. Poverty rates increased for girls across all racial and ethnic groups.

Extracurricular Activities

Girls ages 6 to 17 who participated in any organized activity after school was lowest in North Carolina (72 percent).

Why does this information matter?

With more than 100 years of experience serving girls of all backgrounds, Girl Scouts is here to help bridge the gap for all girls to live healthy and happy lives.

In a community where numerous options exist, it is imperative for girls to receive a girl-inclusive space where they are free to be themselves without the pressures and social anxiety that can result from a mixed-gender environment.

“Without a doubt, Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent leadership development program for girls,” said Angela Woods, CEO of the Hornets’ Nest Council. “Our programs do more than provide fun, interactive and age-appropriate activities. We develop girls’ courage, confidence and character and equip them with the leadership skills for the future.”

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is proven to help girls thrive by developing a strong sense of self; displaying positive values; seeking challenges and learning from setbacks; forming and maintaining healthy relationships; and identifying and solving problems in the community.

Now is the time to act. The Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council kicks off its 2018 open enrollment for girls and volunteers starting Sept. 6 in Mecklenburg County.

Twenty-eight open enrollment events will take place to educate girls, families, friends, and volunteers on the premier leadership development program for girls and how it builds courage, confidence and character for years to come. For a list of all information sessions in Mecklenburg County, please visit https://www.hngirlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/InfoSessions/Mecklenburg.html.

To learn more about enrolling in Girl Scouts or volunteering, visit https://www.hngirlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/join.html.

About Girl Scouts:

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 2.3 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls’ healthy development and building courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council serves 16,000 girls and adults in eight North Carolina and South Carolina counties including Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Rowan, Stanly, Union and York. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, visit www.hngirlscouts.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.