Accomplishments in financial literacy, STEM studies, outdoor skills and more were among the reasons a relatively new group of Girl Scouts In Guadalajara were recognized by leadership in the United States as an “honor troop” at the end of June.
“It was a lot of work they did over a year, and a big variety of work,” said Amanda Cornejo, the leader of Girl Scouts Overseas Guadalajara, the group’s official name (used on Facebook and Instagram). The girls, who range in age from kindergarten to eighth grade, earned badges that they wear on their vests, Cornejo added.
She also pointed out that the girls’ fundraising during the year had paid for their two overnight adventure trips.
Work by the troop’s five leadership team members was also part of the recognition. The leaders learned CPR, first aid, and other skills specific to Girl Scouts in order to qualify the group for the honor.
Before the official start of the Girl Scout year in September, the troop will hold an ice cream social to recruit new members, who can be between kindergarten and seventh-grade age. Cornejo pointed out that the troop has an unwritten pact with a similar Mexican group, Guías de Mexico, to avoid poaching girls who might join the Mexican group: they ask that prospective Girl Scout members have significant ties to the United States and good abilities in English.
The ice cream social will be on Friday, August 23, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the American Society of Jalisco (AMSOC).
Girls and family members who are interested in the troop can contact Cornejo through the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages.