Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida would like to share a successful career exploration event recently hosted by Girl Scouts from Collier County. The event, held on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at 14700 Immokalee Road in Naples, brought together girls of all ages to interact with accomplished women across various professions, inspiring them to dream big and explore diverse career paths.

Troop 392 Ambassador Girl Scouts Kaitlyn and Marissa successfully organized the event, creating a platform for information-sharing, networking, and showcasing the endless possibilities available to young girls as they navigate their future career paths. Several Collier troops enthusiastically participated in the “You Can Be Anything” Event, where an inspiring array of accomplished professionals shared their experiences with the eager attendees.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, also attended the event as a guest speaker. She spoke enthusiastically about the impact of the event: “At Girl Scouts, we believe in providing girls with opportunities to discover their potential and pursue their passions. The career exploring event was aligned perfectly with our mission to empower girls to become leaders in their chosen fields. The fact that it was led by girls, for girls, is also inspiring. It was truly amazing to see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the girls as they engaged with successful women from different careers.”

The event featured over a dozen guest speakers, including law enforcement officers, physicians, animal shelter workers, a judge, and Mary Anne Servian herself. These accomplished women shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving their goals. Attendees had the unique opportunity to meet and interact with women from various career fields, including a judge, a CEO, a CAO, a doctor, an author, an engineer, an animal rescuer, an animal biologist, a social media specialist, a public relations director, a retired Army helicopter pilot/current Medflight Chief Pilot, and Collier County Sheriff’s Officers. The girls not only gained valuable insights into different professions but also had the chance to connect with these role models, fostering a sense of empowerment and expanding their horizons.

Girls of all ages were treated to hands-on activities suitable for diverse interests. High school girls, in particular, gained access to valuable information about potential career paths and job opportunities. The event also fostered a sense of inclusivity by encouraging girls to bring friends along.

The event was open to Girl Scouts as well as the general public, with a nominal registration fee of $2. Attendees also received an exclusive event patch.

Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida (GSGCF) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $5,000 from The Community Foundation. This significant contribution will empower GSGCF to further deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to girls in Lee and Hendry County, fostering their growth as leaders and contributing members of their communities.

The grant was officially presented to GSGCF at a ceremony where Connie Martin, a dedicated employee of Girl Scouts, accepted the check on behalf of the organization. This funding will enable GSGCF to expand its reach and impact, providing the GSLE to even more girls in Cape Coral and surrounding communities in Lee and Hendry County.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a transformative program that encourages girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. Guided by supportive adults and peers, Girl Scouts engage in age-appropriate activities that are girl-led, cooperative, and hands-on. Participating in the GSLE helps girls develop crucial leadership skills needed for success in adulthood.

“Girls who engage in the GSLE are more likely to enjoy and attribute their leadership skills to Girl Scouts,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO at GSGCF. “The GSLE delivers ‘fun with purpose’ by helping girls gain valuable life skills and amazing new experiences while having fun and building friendships!”

GSGCF currently serves more than 95 troops and over 1,000 Girl Scouts in Cape Coral and other surrounding communities in Lee and Hendry County. With the support of The Community Foundation’s grant, GSGCF can continue its mission of empowering girls to become confident leaders, compassionate individuals, and responsible citizens.

“We are proud and thankful to receive this grant from The Community Foundation,” expressed Mary Anne Servian. “It will significantly contribute to the positive impact Girl Scouts is making on the lives of young girls in our community.”

This partnership between Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida and The Community Foundation exemplifies the shared commitment to fostering leadership skills, personal growth, and community engagement among girls. The grant will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, positively shaping the lives of countless young girls in Lee and Hendry County.

Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation to Enhance Camp Honi Hanta Amenities

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is delighted to announce the generous grant of $5,000 awarded by the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF).  This grant will be instrumental in providing essential air conditioning units for Camp Honi Hanta, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for year-round activities.

Camp Honi Hanta, a cherished retreat nestled in the heart of our community, serves as a crucial space for Girl Scouts to embark on their Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). The GSLE empowers girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make a positive impact on the world. With this grant, Girl Scouts will now have the opportunity to engage in these transformative experiences throughout the entire year.

The air conditioning units funded by the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation will not only enhance the overall experience for the Girl Scouts but also enable them to participate in age-appropriate, girl-led, cooperative, and hands-on activities. Guided by supportive adults and peers, the GSLE fosters the development of important leadership skills that are crucial for the girls’ future success.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly thankful to the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation for their generous grant. This support will make a significant difference in the lives of our Girl Scouts, providing them with a comfortable and enriching environment to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships.”

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are excited about the positive impact this grant will have on the girls’ experiences at Camp Honi Hanta and extends its heartfelt thanks to the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund and the Manatee Community Foundation for their commitment to supporting the development of our future leaders.