Scouting

For many years, American Heritage Girls had considered themselves a "best-kept secret," according to executive director and founder Patti Garibay.

But recently, Garibay said, the organization has found itself on an exciting trajectory. In the past year, American Heritage Girls experienced a 40 percent growth, and it's anticipating a 100 percent growth for next year. The organization currently has approximately 20,000 members. It had 100 when it started in 1995.

Hovered around several tables in the cafeteria of St. Joseph School in Cottleville, more than a dozen fourth-grade girls were carefully squeezing thick lines of white icing along pieces of foam board. Giggles erupted as one snuck a finger's taste of icing. Another managed to lace some in her hair as she pushed it back to work on her design.

PHILADELPHIA -- Tina Kent credits the Girl Scouts for teaching her skills in leadership, conflict resolution and critical thinking and for giving her an appreciation for the outdoors and opportunities to travel.Kent became a Brownie at age 8 in her native Vermillion, S.D., and remained a Scout until she was a teenager in Waco, Texas.

Now a wife and mother of five, Kent lives in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., and is a Girl Scout troop leader in York, Pa., where her troop meets at St. Joseph Catholic School.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will hold two community forums for parents and leaders to discuss recent issues concerning Girl Scouts.

The sessions will be held Thursday, May 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Girl Scouts Service Center Trefoil Room, 2300 Ball Drive in Maryland Heights; and Wednesday, May 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish cafeteria, 6020 Old Antonia Road in Imperial.

The archdiocesan Office of Catholic Scouting is encouraging participation in the meetings.

Several reblossoming issues surrounding Girl Scouts and its connections to Planned Parenthood, among other concerns, have prompted archdiocesan officials to meet with local Girl Scout representatives.

Bishop Edward Rice presided over the presentation of the Archbishop's Awards for Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews  at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

File Attachment: 

Catholic Observance of Scout Sunday Celebrating 102 Years Catholic Scouting Ministry Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis February 5,