From Scout to leader: Raines to help 100th anniversary celebration

Jill Raines remembers how much fun she had being a part of the Girl Scout program.

So when she was old enough to help others do the same, she didn't hesitate to take the next step.

After 10 years as a member of Girl Scouts, Raines is now the leader of Shakamak Troop 1939. She's helped teach young girls the importance of leadership and character the past five years.

On Monday night, Raines -- who also serves as part of the Greene County Girl Scout Service Unit team -- will help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts.

A countywide celebration is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lyons Community Center. The public is invited.

"This is for all troops in Greene County ... former and current Girl Scouts," Raines said.

"We have several (troops) from each school in the county."

There are 25 troops in Greene County and 283 Girl Scouts.

Juliette Gordon Low organized Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Ga.

Today there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts nation-wide, and 880,000 adult members working as troop leaders and volunteers.

"This is a big, monumental event across the nation," Raines said. "One of the goals of Girl Scouts is that at 7:12 p.m. on March 12, everyone stand up and recite the Girl Scout promise and rededicate to the Girl Scout Law."

The girls will also take part in other activities that night as well.

"We're going to have a birthday cake, and the girls will take part and can earn their birthday cake and candles patch," Raines explained.

"We're also going to collect pencils for our pencil project for a school in Haiti. And we're encouraging them to bring old phone books to recycle."

Another activity will be a swap event.

"They will bring something they can swap with someone to make a new friend," Raines said.

Raines said the goal of Girl Scout leaders is to teach their members how to be leaders.

"Not just leaders in Girl Scouts, but in school, home, and in church," she stressed. "We believe it's important to instill courage, confidence, and good character in the girls.

"We also try to put a lot of emphasis on helping people, and not just ourselves."

Raines said it's rewarding to watch the girls grow.

"I'm getting to see that now ... it's great."

Girl Scouts is for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The different levels include Daisy, Brownies, Juniors, Ambassadors, Cadets, and Seniors.

"After graduation they can be an adult Girl Scout," Raines said. "They can volunteer to help the kids and be troop leaders."

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmail.com or by telephone at 847-4487.