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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. It has been 100 years since the Girl Scouts of America began, and girls across the state of Connecticut are feeling proud to be a part of the ceremonies.
I think its cool because its 100 years, and I never even thought about how long its been going, 10-year-old Emma Dunlap said. Shes been participating in the Girl Scouts in New Canaan for five years and was excited to be participating in the anniversary event. Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts a century ago in Savannah, Ga.
Even first year Girl Scout Gillian Lipsky, 7, of Wilton, is excited to be a part of the anniversary. I think its really cool that theyve been doing it so long.
Many towns around the country are celebrating the same way: The girls hold a flag ceremony, recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and form a Friendship Circle. However, each town can approach these in its own way.
In Stamford, Mayor Michael Pavia declared to the girls and parents that 2012 would be the Year of the Girl in the City of Stamford. Deputy Mayor Randall Skigen presented the group with a plaque to commemorate the 100th birthday. And everyone assembled sang traditional songs.
Be proud of the organization you belong to, Skigen said.
The troops in New Canaan met at Kiwanis Park to perform their ceremony with the high school girls and sixth-graders leading. And the younger girls had a scavenger hunt for puzzle pieces that would make a picture of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low.
Wilton combined its 100th birthday celebration with its Thinking Day Rally, where the girls all created posters themed on Wilton: Past, Present and Future. Everything came together through a time capsule. Each girl wrote their name, age and what their favorite part of Girl Scouts is on a card and put in a box that the Wilton Historical Society will hold for 100 years.
This is a really big milestone. The Girl Scouts originated as a little troop, said Bridget Smith, a freshman in Stamford. And now we have a big impact on the world. I dont think Juliette foresaw that.
And the pride wasnt just for the current Girl Scouts. New Canaan troop leader and mother Liza Pohle showed up to her event wearing her mothers old uniform. Most of the leaders have been involved with the Girl Scouts for decades, Pohle said. I think it makes you feel like youre a part of a continuum.
Promise Circles will be held Monday around Fairfield County. Find one close to you:
Darien 6 p.m. Tilley Pond Lakeside and West Avenues
Easton 4 to 5:30 p.m. Helen Keller Middle School, Gym 360 Sport Hill Road
Fairfield 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fairfield Public Library Main Branch 1080 Old Post Road
Greenwich 4 to 5 p.m. Greenwich Town Hall 101 Field Point Road
Norwalk 6 to 6:30 p.m. Norwalk Green East Avenue
Weston 3:30 to 4 p.m. Hurlbutt Elementary School, Baseball Field 9 School Road
Westport 4 to 5 p.m. Westport Town Hall Green 110 Myrtle Ave.
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