May 2017

Expanding STEAM capacities

Expanding STEAM capacities

Research shows that engaging girls in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) builds their confidence and interest in those fields. That's why STEAM is one of our four program areas, and why we endeavor to inspire girls to pursue opportunities they might not have otherwise considered.

We recently teamed up with Southwest Airlines and MANA de San Diego to host Operation Wing Scout (photos), where girls explored careers in aviation. Held aboard the USS Midway Museum, the workshop was named for a Girl Scout program that started in 1941 to teach girls about flying and serving their country. During our modern version, participants learned about the science behind flight, conducted aerial maneuvers at the Southwest Airlines Flight Simulation Lab (above), toured the Midway and interacted with women professionals (a commercial pilot, a naval engineer and a Navy aircraft maintenance specialist). The aviation experiences continue: Local Girl Scouts in grades 6-9 can win a career-focused tour of Southwest Airlines headquarters in Texas through an essay competition.

Thank you to everyone who makes our STEAM enrichment programs possible, because if a girl can see it, she can be it. Together, we're empowering girls to soar!

Sincerely,


Carol M. Dedrich, MBA, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer  

 

 

Gold Award spotlight: Nikki Arm
Girl Scout Nikki Arm is bridging the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated fields. For her Gold Award project, the teen created a popular book series and website, both called Girls Love STEAM (CBS News 8, FOX News 5, Coast News, and Del Mar Times stories).

"I thought this would be a great way to spark girls' interest in STEAM," says Nikki, who is among honorees attending our Gold and Silver Award ceremonies on Saturday, June 17. She has partnered with her high school FIRST robotics team (of which she is the head machinist), the American Association of University Women and others to disseminate the materials, and has received support from industry leaders including Qualcomm Senior Vice President of Engineering Susie Armstrong and FIRST founder Dean Kamen. Nikki's initial two books — Riley Loves Robotics and Sarah Loves Science — have been read by elementary students in California, Oregon and New York. Nikki and her colleagues plan to advocate for the books' adoption into the curriculum of local school districts. Nikki also published them on iTunes. Next up on the future mechanical engineer's bucket list? To become the first woman to reach the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the ocean.

 
Attend our Gold Award ceremony

 

Girl Scout Jaddin Thomas (far left), a State of the Girl participant, is pictured during a recent mentoring session with (clockwise) Cool Woman of 2017 Carol Rowell Council, Olivia Warren and Maya Kota.

Adults invited to State of the Girl conference
As we embark on the next century of Girl Scouting, we're equipping girls to thrive and adults to guide them! Please join us for our first-ever State of the Girl conference on Friday, July 7, at the University of San Diego Center for Leadership (attend the workshops, or just come for the luncheon). Attendees will include leaders from all sectors serving our youth, including education, public policy, social services, local businesses, nonprofits and foundations. Together, we'll explore the emerging truths and trends girls face in San Diego and how the Girl Scout community is making a difference. We hope you'll take part in these timely conversations. To learn about event or table sponsorship opportunities, contact Program Director Jen Nation, (619) 610-0726.

 
Register now

 

Girl Scout historic exhibit at Central Library: Check it out!
Travel back in time to glimpse past decades of San Diego-style Girl Scouting by visiting our 100th anniversary exhibit at San Diego Central Library. Featured memorabilia include vintage badges, period uniforms, cookie boxes and jars, handbooks and camp gear. The display, located on the main floor of the building, continues through June 30. It will move to the Mission Valley branch in the summer and the Point Loma Library in the fall. If you have Girl Scout collectibles to donate, please contact Brand and Marketing Director Alison Bushan, (619) 619-0784.

 

Girl Scouts at One San Diego

Send a girl to camp
Some girls love to hike in the mountains, sleep under the stars and sing around a campfire with new friends. Others long to ride horses, make robots or learn to canoe. These are just some of the adventures that await at Girl Scout camp.

Please help us ensure all girls in grades K-12 can experience the wonders of outdoor adventures. "Campership" requests for financial aid are coming in daily from girls like Jasmine, Monica, Ellie and Anna (read more). You can give girls a summer to remember by donating today or contacting Director of Development Laura Rice at (619) 610-0735.

 
Give the gift of camp

 

Featured events
Councilwide Bridging Ceremony — Saturday, May 20
Gold and Silver Award Ceremonies — Saturday, June 17
State of the Girl Conference — Friday, July 7
Volunteer Conference and Celebration — Saturday, Aug. 26
Urban Campout: Celebrate 100 Years — Friday, Sept. 15
Camp Exec — Friday-Sunday, Sept. 22-24
100th Anniversary Sunset Celebrations — Saturday, Sept. 30