[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF GIRL SCOUT WEEK AND THE 98TH ANNIVERSARY OF GIRL SCOUTING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 12, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate this 
week, March 7 through March 13, as Girl Scout Week and the 98th 
anniversary of Girl Scouting. In the state of Connecticut, we have 
approximately 44,000 Girl Scouts. I am pleased to see Girl Scouts' 
strong commitment to enriching the lives of young females, and 
contributing to our nation's communities, evolve over the past 98 
years.
  Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912. Since then, the 
organization's membership has grown from 18 members in Savannah, 
Georgia to 3.4 million members throughout the United States, including 
U.S. territories, and more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts 
Overseas. Today, there are over 2.4 million girl members, including my 
daughter, and 928,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers. 
Throughout history, more than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl 
Scouting during their childhood. That number continues to grow as Girl 
Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls 
everywhere.
  The Girls Scouts' mission includes building girls of courage, 
confidence, and character who make our country and the world a better 
place. The organization motivates these young women to have fun, create 
meaningful friendships, and discover the power of young women working 
together. Through enriching experiences such as extraordinary field 
trips, skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural 
exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and 
strong. Girl Scouting encourages girls to develop to their full 
individual potential; to relate to others with increasing 
understanding, skill, and respect; to develop values to guide their 
actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and to 
contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, 
leadership skills, and cooperation with others.
  I know that Connecticut's young women will continue to benefit from 
the Girl Scouts program for generations to come. That is why we are 
thankful for the outstanding work they have done in eastern Connecticut 
communities. Girl Scouts' commitment to community and empowering women 
and girls is certain to continue to enrich our communities for many 
more years. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in 
recognizing and celebrating Girl Scout Week and the 98th anniversary of 
Girl Scouting.

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