By Kelly Phillips

GALWAY–My name is Kelly Phillips and I have been a Girl Scout for 12 years. Most people think scouts are only young girls in elementary school doing crafts and learning about wildlife. In reality it is for any girl, of any age, willing to learn and take a leadership role in her community. In the United States during 2010, records show that only 76 members of Girl Scouting were between ages 16-18. I am one of the 91; I am part of a very low participation rate! Most girls stop participating in scouting during their pre-teen years. These girls quit because they think it is not cool. I thought it was really cool to go to Texas, don’t you?

The Girl Scout Leadership Institution (GSLI) 100th anniversary celebration, which overlapped with the National Council Session, was held on November 10-13, 2011 in Houston, Texas. The theme was: Leadership and Innovation…the Next 100 Years. Girls 14 and older were able to participate as part of an integrated track within the National Convention. GSLI began on Thursday morning and culminated on Sunday morning.

Each council was allotted 10 slots for girl members.  I was fortunate to have been 1 of the 10 Girl Scouts from Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY selected to attend.  From ruling the world to space travel, 1250 girls heard from world-renowned leaders and innovators and gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and professionals. Opportunities were there to market ourselves, track products through development and marketing, and connect with Girl Scouts from across the country.  We heard from keynote speakers Katie Couric and Robin Roberts to the first lady, Michelle Obama, and celebrities like Monique Coleman (High School Musical) and Allisyn Ashley Arm (So Random!). We learned information about what it takes to be an astronaut, runway model and a deaf actress/ movie producer from people who do these things for a living, they were all inspirations.

Prior to attending the GSLI, we were asked to do a service project.  So, on October 24, I presented a program to a group of younger girl scouts from Galway on having a positive self- image and promoting volunteer firefighting.  We discussed their interests and activities as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The Perth Volunteer Fire Department, of which I am a junior fire fighter, provided me with fire safety packets for the girls.  I spoke about the training and dedication it takes to be a volunteer female fire fighter and I even brought my gear.  The girls enjoyed trying it on to see what it was like.
Attending the GSLI was a great opportunity for me.