Fall 2021 Inspire Discovery

It’s time to press play.

Girl Scout Families,

I am incredibly grateful that you have chosen to spend the 2021-2022 school year as a part of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. In today’s complicated world, we are an essential force in girls’ lives. We are a vital experience that grows and expands alongside them as they get older, discover the world around them and realize their dreams. To help girls explore their unfound ambitions, Girl Scouts released 28 new badges that focus on entrepreneurship, math in nature and digital leadership that embolden girls to navigate a changing society. Amid seismic shifts in technology and culture brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts can now earn badges—in addition to the hundreds of existing badges—that address girls’ evolving interest in ways that resonate with them. The badges also address some of parents’ top concerns for their children as they handle the increasingly digital world, helping girls build confidence and safe practices online. Turn to pg. 7 to learn more!

To provide our girls with ample opportunities to discover new passions and connect with their peers, we will be offering in-person programming at the Berges Family Girl Scout Program Center. Before attending a program this fall, please visit girlscoutsem.org/covid19 to view our current COVID-19 Response Guidelines. For families who prefer virtual options, we will be continuing our popular Live from Girl Scouts program series, where girls can earn many of the new Girl Scout badges from home. Turn to pg. 11 to find out all the details on this unique series. This fall, whether they are making a new friend, using their STEM skills to solve a problem, or discovering the power of spreading kindness, all of their actions within Girl Scouts add up to a better world for us all. It’s time to press play on a new year!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO

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