In the city, the suburbs, or the country, Girl Scouts has something for every girl, and it's not too late to join in the fun. The Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley invites girls and adults to local volunteer and membership information events in their communities on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Visit www.girlscoutscv.org for specific times and listings.

According to Girl Scout leader and former girl member Michelle Schneider of Chisago City, "I didn't think twice about my daughter becoming a Girl Scout. Girls learn so much, make great friends, develop good morals, and always have so much fun. It takes more than parents to raise a child. Girl Scouts provides positive role models."

Through Girl Scouts, girls like Kristine Schlingmann of Apple Valley, discover, connect, and take action. This past summer Schlingmann worked as a Junior Caddie at Girl Scout camp, during which she suggested and led an international themed week of fun activities and educated young campers about other cultures. The girls also raised $500 to donate to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund that supports programs, travel, and training in the 144 countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

"We work to ensure that all girls—girls of diverse cultures and economic backgrounds, as well as girls with all levels of physical, cognitive and mental abilities—can participate, achieve their best, and have fun through Girl Scouting," said Kathleen H. Corley, chief executive officer of the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley.

Girls can join at different age levels: Daisy Girl Scouts, ages 5-6; Brownie Girl Scouts, ages 6-8; Junior Girl Scouts, ages 8-11; and STUDIO 2B Members, ages 11-17. Girls can do nearly anything too. Activities vary from science to camping, arts to career mentoring, and sports to community service projects, to name just a few.

Though the Postal Express Girl Scout (PEGS) program, girls can sign up at any time and receive a fun packet of Girl Scout activities and upcoming program activities so they can get involved before being placed in a local troop/group.

Girl Scouts' multicultural groups like Beta Gama Girl Scouts, Hmong Women's Circle, and Latinas Unidas offer culturally-specific opportunities for girls to celebrate their heritage and experience all aspects of Girl Scouting, such as building confidence, courage, and self-esteem, developing personal and leadership development, and participating in community service projects that improve the lives and environment around us.

A wide range of Girl Scout volunteer positions are available as well, and potential volunteers need not be parents or have a Girl Scout background. Volunteer roles include: troop leaders, special event volunteers, public relations assistants, and administrative volunteers, in addition to many other roles. Hours can be flexible to meet leaders' respective schedules.

Annual membership dues for Girl Scouts are $10, and through the Grants for Girls program, financial aid is available for girls who would not otherwise be able to afford to participate in Girl Scouting.

To join or volunteer with Girl Scouts, call (651) 227-8835, 800-845-0787, or visit www.girlscoutscv.org.