[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2403-S2404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THE GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, I would like to take this opportunity
to recognize the 90th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United
States of America. In March, this vital organization celebrated an
important milestone in its efforts to encourage girls and young women
from communities across our nation to enjoy scouting activities that
nurture their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Congratulations to the 3.8 million members throughout the United
States.
I am pleased to tell you that more than 9,000 girls across the State
of South Dakota actively participate in Girl Scouts. In particular, I
want to commend the Girl Scouts of Nyoda Council for their outstanding
accomplishments in the areas of leadership, community service and
personal development in our state. For over 35 years, this chapter has
offered a spiritually motivated, values-based program that encourages
every girl to reach her highest potential. The Girl Scouts of Nyoda
Council adhere to the vision statement of the Girl Scout movement: ``to
inspire girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct,
patriotism, and service, that they may become happy and resourceful
citizens.''
On April 13, the Nyoda Council will hold their Girl Scout Gold Award
ceremony in honor of those who have achieved the highest honor a Senior
Girl Scout can attain. They deserve recognition for their outstanding
work, perseverence, leadership, and community involvement. I applaud
their ``can-do'' spirit, determination, and dedication to the
betterment of their community.
Congratulations to the Girl Scouts of Nyoda Council on this very
special occasion. May they enjoy this celebration of their efforts, and
keep up the great work.
Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, I rise today to speak on behalf of the
Girl Scouts. In honor of their 90th anniversary, I would like to
congratulate this extraordinary group for their many years of
excellence and service to this Nation. This organization has provided
great opportunities for many girls and young women, helping them to
develop to their full potential and to become good citizens and great
leaders. The Girl Scout Law states that each girl will strive to
possess honesty,
[[Page S2404]]
courage, responsibility, and respect both for themselves and others.
These ideals demonstrate the high standards this organization sets in
encouraging the development of young girls.
Currently in New Mexico, approximately 8,000 girls and 3,000 women
participate in Girl Scouts. Chapparal Council, one of the three New
Mexican Girl Scout councils, covers counties in northwestern New Mexico
and parts of Southwestern Colorado. The 6,000 members of that council
contribute their time and effort to better their communities. These
girls, along with countless other women who once pledged the Girl
Scouts' promise have and will receive the many benefits from this
organization.
The Girl Scouts' new initiative ``For Every Girl, Everywhere''
highlights the diversity of this fine group, attempting to reach out to
every girl in every community, regardless of race, ethnicity, or
geographic boundaries. The Girl Scouts have given girls from every
socioeconomic background an equal opportunity to become successful
adults through the exploratory and intellectual activities in which
they participate. This has especially played an important role in New
Mexico.
Throughout New Mexico, girls have been changing their lives in a
positive way that will no doubt benefit them in their future endeavors.
By focusing on health and fitness, appreciating diversity, and
community service, the Girl Scouts have inspired girls with high ideas
of character, conduct, and patriotism. Girls participate in many events
throughout their community such as providing help to those in need and
working to improve the environment. They organize donation drives for
needy families, plan activities for senior citizens, hold flag
ceremonies throughout the State, plant trees and clean up local parks.
Although the Girl Scouts are primarily community based, the ideals of
caring and helping others are also demonstrated on a national level.
After the tragedy of September 11th, Girl Scouts from the Zia Council
in New Mexico made dream catchers, a Native American work of art
symbolizing peaceful sleep, and had them blessed and sent to New York
in memory of the victims and their families as a way of reaching out to
those in need of inspiration.
Through this organization, girls learn to set high standards and
develop qualities that will benefit them throughout their lives. They
are able to learn self-confidence, responsibility, and leadership
skills, and are encouraged to think creatively. Through the hard work
of this organization over 50 million women have been touched by the
positive impact of Girl Scouts. As the world's largest girls'
organization with currently 2.7 million girl members and just under 1
million adult members, I would like to once again commend past, current
and future Girl Scouts for their valuable contributions and dedication
over the last 90 years.
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Madam President, I rise today to show my
support for the 90th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. Through the Girl
Scouts, girls acquire self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, life
skills and integrity. In each level of the Scouts, young girls learn
skills that will assist them as they enter adulthood, including science
and technology education, money management, sports training, engaging
in community services, art education, and much more. The Girl Scouts
encourage their members to engage in a wide variety of activities such
as field trips, sports camps, and cultural exchanges. I am proud to
note that members of my staff were Girl Scouts when they were younger.
The mission of the Girl Scouts is to help all girls grow strong and
prepare for adulthood by empowering them to develop their full
potential, get along well with others, and to work together to
contribute to their communities. Today, the organization boasts a
membership of 3.8 million members, 2.7 million girls and over 900,000
adults.
I would like to take just a moment to commend the activities that the
Girl Scouts are involved with in my State of New Hampshire. I would
like to specifically thank the Girl Scouts of Swift Water Council for
their numerous contributions toward the development of young women in
our state. For a single organization to reach over 15,000 girls in New
Hampshire alone is extraordinary. There are three programs that fall
under the Swift Water Council that I want to commend. The Cool
Connections program at Sanders Cottage in Manchester, and the Antrim
Girls Shelter both help young girls in crisis by teaching them how to
make positive decisions and boosting their self-esteem. The Swift Water
Council also established an activity center for young refugee girls at
the International Institute in Manchester. This Institute helps
refugees from wartorn nations seek asylum in the United States. These
activities provide young girls with socialization, group cooperation
skills, and the tools they need to acclimate successfully into the
community. I am grateful for the contributions that the Girl Scouts
have made in my state.
In closing, I want to commend the Girl Scouts for 90 years of
positive influence on the lives of young girls all across this nation.
I especially want to thank the Girl Scouts of New Hampshire and the
adult volunteers who support them. Keep up the good work.
____________________