Annual recruitment events are taking place throughout Southern Alabama Council of the Girl Scouts of America.

Not only is the Council looking for girls between the ages of five and 17 to join the Girl Scouts, it is also looking for volunteers throughout the 30 counties served by the organization.

“Girl Scouts offers girls the opportunity to build leadership skills and lasting friendships in a fun, educational environment,” said Eric Gallichant, director of public relations for the Southern Alabama Council. “Each year, Girls Scouts of Southern Alabama serves more than 9,500 girls and with more than 3,500 adult volunteers through programs and events designed to accomplish their mission of ‘Building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.’”

STEM programs keep girls interested in science, technology, engineering and math curriculums while girl-led programming provides an environment for them to take leadership roles.

“While joining a troop is the most common option for participation, there are other ways for girls to become and participate as Girl Scout,” Gallichant said. “Individual girls may join as a Juliette, which provides more flexibility for girls and parents with active schedules.”

While allowing them to take part in many of the activities provided by Girl Scouts, including camp, STEM programs, trips, product sales and other activities, Juliettes can work toward earning badges and other goal-oriented programming at their own pace.

“Adult volunteers are also a vital part of Girl Scouts with the most recognizable being a troop leader,” Gallichant said. “Each year, many girls looking for the traditional troop experience miss out due to a lack of adult volunteers. Whether someone has a little or a lot of time to give, every attempt is made to meet the availability and interests of the volunteer with commitments of as little as one or two events a year to something more long term.”

Programs of the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama focus on financial literacy, science, technology, engineering and math. Leadership development helps girls contribute to their families, communities and the nation’s workforce today and in the future, Gallichant said.

“Diversity is a core value of Girl Scouts and, in addition to ongoing troops, Girl Scouts is committed to serving girls who sometimes face overwhelming obstacles through its research programs,” he said.

For more information about troop opportunities, forming new troops or volunteer opportunities, call Gallichant at 251-344-3330 ext. 1402 or 251-605-3011 or by email at egallichant@girlscoutssa.org.