For Girls Scouts of the USA, it is the “Year of the Girl.” As they celebrate a century of serving girls and the school year approaches, local community members and interested girls are encouraged to get involved.

“This is an exciting time to join Girl Scouting,” said Joyce Weiss, community development manager serving Marengo and Sumter Counties.

According to a press release, any girl age 5-17 can have real experiences through any of the six pathways including programs through camp, traveling, a traditional troop setting, a virtual environment, a series of programs like our Yoga or Fancy Nancy series, or one-time events like our NASA space day or Juliette’s Jamboree.

“We’ve got more ways for girls to participate in programs through our six pathways, and we are improving volunteer services to include online training courses to make it easier to serve girls,” Weiss said.

Stephanie Hoggle, troop leader in Demopolis, said she has a troop of 11 girls and most of her girls are from Demopolis Middle School.

“Volunteers help us provide the girls a safe environment to experience and pursue different interests, causes, skills, or leadership roles,” she said.

She said people are encouraged to volunteer because the girls are smart, witty, and full of energy, a joy to be around.

Hoggle said her troop is preparing to take a day trip to a water park and they have also adopted the residents at Southern Oaks assisted living in Demopolis.

“They are our “adopted Grandparents” and I am sure the girls will think of some fun things to do with them throughout the school year,” she said.

To join Girl Scouts, the annual membership fee is $12 and it allows the girl to register for any program throughout the year. Scholarships are available for membership dues, camp scholarships and uniform insignia.

Interested participants should be adults 19 or older and can help with programs, lead troops, volunteer with events, serve on committees, help at camp or work with girls virtually. Those interested can contact Joyce Weiss at jweiss@girlscoutsnca.org for more information.