[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 74 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5255-S5256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING THE GIRL SCOUTS ON 90 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT

 Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, 90 years ago on March 12, 1912, 
the first troop of 18 Girl Scouts met in the United States. To date, 
there are nearly 4 million girls and adults who are part of this 
extraordinary program.
  Today, at the Denver Zoo in my home State of Colorado, Girl Scouts, 
their families, and others interested in scouting will be celebrating 
this 90th anniversary with hands-on activities and a variety of 
entertainment. I would like to congratulate the Mile Hi Council of the 
Girl Scouts on this historic achievement and wish them all the best 
during today's celebration. What a fantastic way to share the efforts 
of the Girl Scouts nationwide.
  Throughout the 20th century, the Girl Scouts have been a visible 
force behind efforts to serve people in times of national unrest. 
During World War I, they sold war bonds and collected peach pits for 
the manufacturing of gas mask filters. Girls collaborated to learn 
about food preservation and conservation by canning fruits and 
vegetables.
  When the Great Depression hit, troops of Girl Scouts led community 
relief efforts to provide the things necessary for basic survival. They 
collected food and prepared meals for the poor, carved wooden toys for 
children, and assisted in hospitals to treat those in need of medical 
care.
  By the 1940s, women's involvement in our national security was on the 
rise after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and many women were taking over 
positions once dominated by men. The Girl Scouts led the vanguard of 
young women who were interested in helping those enlisted overseas as 
well as those trying to maintain a sense of normalcy here in the United 
States. They collected over 1 million articles of clothing for victims 
of war overseas, and put in numerous hours dedicated to farm aid 
projects. Additionally, they were part of efforts to teach women 
survival skills during raids and blackouts.
  The Girl Scouts have left their mark on endeavors to improve social 
climate. In 1952, Ebony Magazine reported on their ``progress toward 
breaking down racial taboos.'' They launched a campaign in the sixties 
to encourage girls to respect every aspect of themselves and to get to 
know others who are fundamentally different whether it be by race, 
national origin, or religion.
  In the last 20 years, the Girl Scouts have worked together to tackle 
issues plaguing society's well-being, such as drug addiction, violent 
crime, environmental destruction, and the AIDS epidemic. Through 
collaborative work with the government and local communities, girls 
have promoted the positive influences of literacy, personal health, and 
individual responsibility.
  Now more than ever, we are looking to our young people for a 
collective face of hope and prosperity for this Nation's future. We 
have witnessed the vulnerability of human life, but know the strength 
of collective effort and the potential for individual integrity. Our 
national security and viability as a community depends on this 
strength.
  However, recent reports indicate that girls are less likely to pursue 
careers in math, science, or technology--fields vital to our progress 
in this global economy. Sometime during their teen or preteen years, 
many girls lose their zest in the classroom and, unfortunately, conform 
to attitudes that boys are inherently better in math and science.

  The Girl Scouts are, again, at the forefront of this issue by 
confronting the disparity head on. They have collaborated with the 
National Science Foundation to provide opportunities for girls 
interested in studying wildlife and environment in Antarctica. In 
addition, they have created programs to provide girls with hands-on 
technology training, computer science skills, and access to information 
on physics and engineering. Most importantly, the Girl Scouts give 
girls tools to close the gender gap and the confidence to succeed in 
these traditionally male-dominated fields.
  The Girl Scouts have fostered an environment Where Girls Grow 
Strong--their modern mantra. But, while the activities of the Girl 
Scouts may change over the years, its commitment to young women 
nationwide is resolute. By encouraging personal responsibility, social 
awareness, community service, and individual freedom, the Girl Scouts 
have shaped the physical and mental well-being of young women 
everywhere.
  Thank you for allowing me to congratulate the Girl Scouts on 90 years 
of exceptional achievement. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing 
them all the best in the years to come, and in giving a ``Mile Hi'' 
salute to the Girl Scouts celebrating today in Denver and throughout 
the Nation.
  I ask that the Girl Scout Law be printed in the Record.
  The material follows:

                           The Girl Scout Law

       I will do my best to be
       honest and fair
       friendly and helpful,
       considerate and caring,
       courageous and strong, and
       responsible for what I say and do,
       and to
       respect myself and others,
       respect authority,
       use resources wisely,
       make the world a better place, and
       be a sister to every Girl Scout.

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