Girl Scouting encourages girls to achieve their full potential by offering them the opportunity to grow and learn in an all girl environment.  This focus is always at the heart of GSNEO’s community-based programs known as Outreach Programs.  These programs explore contemporary issues with girls while embracing the traditional foundation of Girl Scouting. 

Outreach Programs are designed to involve girls in Girl Scouting who may live in communities where there is little or no Girl Scout presence, where efforts of getting and maintaining a strong volunteer support system have been unsuccessful or where girls lack interest in participating in Girl Scouts.

Here are some interesting facts about Outreach Programs:

• Membership in Outreach Programs is open to all girls, ages 5 – 18 (or grades K – 12), who accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law
• Outreach Programs are held in a variety of community-based venues, including public and charter schools, community centers, youth residential facilities, detention facilities, Boys & Girls Clubs and a number of other sites
• Outreach Programs may be short- or long-term and take place throughout the school year, during the summer or year-round
• Outreach Programs are held during the school day, after school and in the evening
• Many girls in outreach groups participate in Girl Scout product sales and other fund raisers
• Outreach Programs are developed and implemented by trained staff, interns, college work-study students and volunteers
• Participation in Outreach Programs is often many girls’ first exposure to Girl Scouts
• The goal of Outreach Programs is the same as that of traditional Girl Scouts…to help each girl realize her full potential in an all-girl setting

Some of our Outreach Programs include:

• Teen Drop-in        A program for middle school girls (held after school)
• Jr. Teen Drop-in  A program for girls ages 6 – 11 (or 1^st – 6^th grade) held in a variety of community-based facilities
• Destinations         A program for high school girls (held after school)
• Positive Futures   A program for incarcerated or otherwise troubled girls
• Choices                 A six  or eight-week Girl Scouting In The School Day Program for elementary school-age girls
• Decisions              A program for girls residing at a local shelter for girls
• Alternatives          A program for girls participating in after-school/latchkey, summer or other community-based program

Volunteer and internship opportunities are always available in Outreach Programs.  You can assist in Outreach Programs by:

~Teaching girls a new skill~         ~Chaperoning field trips or other special events~

~Being a guest speaker~              ~Assisting in facilitating groups~

~Helping with fundraisers~

Outreach Program schedules vary and are held in the morning, afternoon, evening and limited weekends.  Volunteer hours are flexible and can accommodate any schedule.

For more information on Outreach Programs, please contact our Community Outreach staff at 330.864.9933, ext. 141 or ext. 144.