With students across North Florida home from school amid closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council is making the organization’s programming available online through interactive webinars to keep Girls Scouts and families engaged at home.
GSGC is offering programs two to three times a week for Girl Scouts of all ages. Girls who are not Girl Scout members can also sign up for the web-based programs.
The programs engage girls in activities related to STEM, financial literacy, outdoors and life skills. Girls can choose from opportunities like becoming a Florida State Parks Junior Ranger, coding their own video meme, learning about the importance of the U.S. Census, channeling their inner superhero for a yoga session, and more. GSGC’s program partners will help present the activities.
Virtual experiences are also available for girls to earn Girl Scout badges and patches, all while safely staying at home and working around their adjusted schooling schedules.
“Although our council members can’t physically attend our programs and events, it is important that we continue to support youth and families across North Florida,” said Gateway Council CEO Mary Anne Jacobs. “These programs offer more than just education. They will provide our members with a way to connect with staff, troop leaders, volunteers and other girls they are used to seeing on a regular basis.”
Earlier in March, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council closed its offices and camp properties to the public and suspended all events and programming to protect the health and safety of Girl Scout members, volunteers, staff and communities.
“We know girls’ routines have been completely disrupted,” Jacobs said. “Through these virtual programs and resources, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council provides a consistent space where girls can learn new skills and feel encouraged and supported, all while maintaining social distancing and getting used to their new educational routines.”
