PASCO, Wash. – The Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho created the Go Getters program to reach girls in rural or low-income communities.
Go Getters is an outreach program that serves girls in rural low-income communities and Title 1 schools. Go Getters works much like an after-school program meeting on weekdays after school at local elementary schools.
Go Getters currently has troops in Spokane and the Tri-Cities.
According to Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, their goal as a council is to have 10 percent of members part of the Go-Getters program.
Go Getters operates much like a traditional troop giving girls the opportunity to earn badges, sell cookies and go to summer camp.
“Girl Scouts is important because it gives girls a safe space to really explore their interests and make friends,” said GSEWNI Outreach Program Coordinator Vanessa Munguia. “It really brings them out of their shell. They get to explore the outdoors, which is something they don’t usually get to do.”
Go Getters eliminates barriers that might be preventing girls who want to join but can’t.
“So what we aim to do is eliminate those barriers that prevent girls from joining Girl Scouts,” said Munguia. “Whether it’s like the language barrier, we offer it bilingual. Financial, we cover the costs for the girls to participate. Transportation, and parent involvement.”
To learn more about the Go Getters program, visit the GSEWNI website.
