[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4110]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GIRL SCOUTS

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                          HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 90th 
Anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low 
founded the Girl Scouts in Savannah, Georgia with a membership of only 
18 girls and the dream of giving the United States ``something for all 
girls.'' by the end of 1913, there were 535 members and 31 leaders. 
Today there are nearly 3.7 million Girl Scouts and the program 
continues to offer quality experiences for girls locally, nationally, 
and internationally. The Girl Scout program is girl-driven, reflecting 
the ever-changing ideas and interests of the participating girls. the 
program encourages increased skill building and responsibility, and 
also promotes the development of strong leadership and decisionmaking 
skills.
  Throughout its history, the Girl Scouts have provided aid and 
assistance to our country in times of need. During World War I and II, 
Girl Scouts worked in hospitals, grew vegetables, and sold defense 
bonds. During the Great Depression, Girl Scouts troops around the 
United States joined the relief effort by collecting clothes, food, and 
toys, volunteering at hospitals, and working on community canning 
projects. The Girl Scouts continue to offer enriching experiences 
through field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service 
projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardship.
  The growth and achievements of the Girl Scouts would not be possible, 
without the dedication and guidance of more than 942,000 professionals, 
99 percent of those being volunteers, Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join 
me today in celebrating 90 wonderful years of Girls Scouts USA.

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