By Anna Hughes

For over a century, Girl Scouts have been making a positive impact on their communities and in the world. The organization has produced generations of leaders, fiercely passionate women, philanthropists, and lifelong friendships. There are troops in over 92 countries, and over 50 million women have been a Girl Scout at one point in their lives.

Yet, when Ashley Stout went to register her daughter at Brook Forest Elementary School, she was surprised to see that there were no active troops. Stout was a Girl Scout during her own time at Brook Forest, and her mom was a troop leader. With the help of some fantastic co-leaders who stepped up, Dr. Eleni Dimitriou, Dr. Maheen Ahmed, and Ali Beyer, Stout was able to revive the Girl Scouts at the school.

There are three troops currently at Brook Forest, and an additional fourth Kindergarten troop will start in September. While there have been troops at Brook Forest sporadically throughout the years, the last two years have had more consistent participation. Each troop – grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade – has between five to 17 girls.

“There is a wonderful camaraderie,” Stout said. “The most impactful part is the strong bonds and friends within the troop. It also allows the girls to maintain friendships no matter what classroom or other extracurriculars they end up in. We hope to help and support each other from Kindergarten to 5th grade and beyond.”

The girls have an opportunity to learn and grow with their friends in a supportive and safe environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and fun. They interact with fellow Girl Scout alumni and troop leaders within the school as well as the police department and other government positions through their activities. Stout said the girls enjoyed having a cookie booth as well as earning their indoor rock climbing badge.

In addition, the curriculum has evolved to include STEM activities beyond the typical arts and crafts, such as the Brownie’s trip to an auto mechanic shop. No matter what they’re doing, Stout said the best moments she’s witnessed are when they help each other or practice their kindness to their Girl Scout sisters. Her co-leaders agree.

“Through engaging activities that support growth and life experience or learning to give and receive peer support – students are always engaged in positive, uplifting, and inspiring experiences,” Dr. Dimitriou said. “We strive to support our troop in learning life skills, as well as helping others, respecting the environment, and contributing to their local community… They want to help, to change it for the better, and to see it grow.”

In addition to Girl Scouts, Brook Forest has an active Scout troop (formerly known as Boy Scouts) that organizes activities for all students, including Girl Scouts, who participate in both. Girl Scout troops, however, meet more frequently, which allows the girls to spend more time together outside of school, allowing for a sisterly bond.

“I really like being with my best friends, learning about important things with them, and making crafts,” Chloe Dimitriou, a second-grade Brownie, said. “I also like learning how to help the environment and selling Girl Scout cookies!”

Dr. Dimitriou appreciates the Girl Scouts and the work they’re doing both as a co-leader and as a parent. Knowing that Chloe is having fun, while making a positive difference in her community, is all any parent could ask for.

“The Girl Scouts also foster the growth of confident, smart, and self-determined individuals,” Dr. Dimitriou said. It’s an honor to help guide these amazing girls, a privilege to watch them grow into strong people, and a joy to help them foster long-lasting friendships.”