Girl Scouts to Salute U.S. Senator Mikulski, Jumpstart Maryland Girl Scouts' 100th Anniversary Celebration

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Oct 17, 2011, 11:46 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) today joined Girl Scouts of Central Maryland (GSCM) in honoring U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski for her outstanding commitment to Girl Scouts, notably her support for the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) and Girl Scouts in Detention Centers (GSDC) programs. In addition, the GSCM will jumpstart their celebration of the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary.

"I loved being a Girl Scout," Senator Mikulski said. "We were taught that we could do anything and be anything. We learned values and attitudes that serve as good guides throughout life. We learned how to use a compass, and that gave us a compass for life. I am so proud to be honored by the organization that has given so much to me and to girls across America."

Also attending the event tonight on behalf of Girl Scouts of the USA is Chair of the National Board of Directors, Connie L. Lindsey.

"Girl Scouts is highly dedicated to serving some of our most vulnerable and at-risk girls -- the daughters of incarcerated parents, girls in the juvenile justice system, girls in public housing," said Lindsey. "These girls could so easily fall through the cracks, but with the help of Senator Mikulski, Girl Scouts is able to serve these girls at a very difficult juncture in their lives and make a true difference."

GSBB began in Central Maryland almost 20 years ago, and has grown into a national program with a presence in more than 30 states. This nationally acclaimed program has been featured in several documentaries, including Daughters Left Behind, produced by journalist Lisa Ling, and Troop 1500, directed by filmmaker Ellen Spiro. Girl Scouts of Central Maryland's Beyond Bars program provides regular visits between incarcerated mothers and their daughters through bi-monthly Girl Scout meetings at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup, Maryland. The goal of the program is to reduce recidivism and intergenerational incarceration; help reduce the trauma and loss girls experience from having an incarcerated parent; and, help mothers and daughters stay connected through involvement in the program.

Senator Mikulski, a lifetime Girl Scout, has been a steadfast supporter of these programs nationally, ensuring funding for these important and life-changing programs.

Press are invited to attend. The event will take place at GSCM Seton Urban Program & STEM Center at 4806 Seton Drive, Baltimore, MD.

The schedule of events for the evening is as follows:

5-7:00 p.m.—Open House & Program Activities for girls and adults
7:00 p.m.—Welcome & Girl Scout Greetings by Traci A. Barnett, M.B.A., Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Opening remarks by Connie Lindsey, Chair, Board of Directors, Girl Scouts of the USA
Special comments by Ellen Talley, Educator, Thomas J.S. Waxter Detention Center
7:30 p.m.—Presentation to The Honorable Senator Barbara Mikulski by Girl Scouts Beyond Bars troop members

The event is open to the public and will include opportunities for all attendees to sample Girl Scout programs, including science in the kitchen, Techbridge STEM activities and dance in the center's new dance studio. To RSVP, contact [email protected].

About Girl Scouts
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U or visit www.girlscouts.org.

SOURCE Girl Scouts of the USA