(NAPSA)—So, what did you do today? If the answer is “fed the homeless,” “provided expert testimony to congress,” or “designed a national business plan,” you might be an emerging world leader. Or you might be a 12-yearold Girl Scout. After learning that people have a limited view of what Girl Scouts do, the 98-year-old Girl Scout organization has launched a campaign to show girls all the opportunities it offers today. Girl Scouts today build robots, go rock climbing, study fashion design, consult with the United Nations and meet with legislators to advocate for themselves andothers. They use a brand new program toinstill leadership skills and to help girls take action to make the world a better place. From the Girl Scout Brownie troop that convinced City Hall to install a sidewalk on a dangerous road, to the teen Girl Scouts who recycled hundredsof cell phones and batteries. And they tackle tough issues from cyberbullying to body image. While cookies and camping will still be around, camping now also can mean Space Camp or Camp CEO, which teamsgirls with leading women executives from local businesses for a mentoring experience in a campsetting. What Parents Can Do Helping girls become leaders is all about increasing their confidence, which is the most important factor in whethergirls decide to pursue leadership actively, according to a 2008 study from the Girl Scout Research Institute. Here are sometips from the Girl Scouts on fun ways parents can encourage leadership qualities: Talk with your daughter about the accomplishments of extraordinary people from history and about family members who Every day a girl has the potential to change herlife and the world through Girl Scouting, which provides the access and opportunities to do that in fun and enriching ways. showed leadership at crucial moments. Discuss the options they had and how making the right choice influenced others. Encourage girls to get involved in planning and overseeing family, school and/or community events. Give girls the opportunity to practice speaking in front of others. Only 24 percent of girls consider themselves a good speaker, according to Girl Scout research. * Do your best to be an inspiring role model. Parents, especially mothers, are a primary influence on thelives of their daughters. * Volunteer together. Girls especially are interested in making a difference in the world around them. Partner with your daughter to show your supportfor her desire and ability to change the world. Learn More To learn more about Girl Scouting and the “What Did You Do Today?” campaign, visit www. girlscouts.org or call (800) 4787248.
