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Behind the Scenes of the New Interest Projects
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| An example of the many "ideal" Interest Projects created by Girl Scouts in focus groups that took place across the country in the summer of 2004. |
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In the Beginning
In November 2004, Girl Scouts of the USA requested suggestions and feedback from membership on the current Interest Projects for Girls 11-17 book. Our hope was to hear from today's Girl Scout—and we did! Girl Scouts of the USA has used the information gathered from girls, volunteers, and councils to create these 10 new IPs now available for girls via the Internet at www.studio2b.org.
You Said It
This is an exciting opportunity to explore some new approaches and award formats. Girls and volunteers have long asked for materials to be online, so we're trying it out. The development and design of each IP was largely based on the feedback and suggestions received from membership—making these 10 new IPs truly BY GIRLS, FOR GIRLS!
Many Thanks
There are many people who worked very hard to create these 10 new Interest Projects. Without help from the Girl Scout community, this project would not be a reality.
Special thanks are owed to many girls, volunteers, and council staff for the development of these new IPs. While the suggested topics and activities came primarily from girls, two new components (YOUR OWN and REFLECTION) came from adult volunteers and Girl Scout council staff. In particular, we'd like to thank:
- The many girls and volunteers who participated in focus groups Girl Scouts of the USA conducted in the summer of 2004 in conjunction with Just Kid, Inc.
- The hundreds of girls, volunteers, and council staff who e-mailed or sent in their ideas to Girl Scouts of the USA since November 2004.
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 Members of the 2003-'04 By Girls, For Girls National Advisory Committee who contributed their ideas and feedback as these IPs were developed.
- Members of the 2005 By Girls, For Girls National Advisory Committee who helped make this project truly BGFG! For example, Allison's chicken nugget graphic appears throughout the IP activities to warn against "double dipping." Particular thanks to Brianna, Emily, Ava, and Michelle—dedicated members of "Writing and Publication Review Team"—whose thoughtful suggestions and thorough review strengthened this project!
- Michelle McCormick, Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County.
- Pat Bjorke (advisor of Teen Troop 610/SU 36 of Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council).
- Mary McBride (volunteer from the Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast).
- Jessica Hellwig (a lifelong Girl Scout and now college student.
- Riki Cavanaugh and Troop 2710 of Fremont, California.
- Mary Harrison and Troop 466 of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Kathi Krankoski and Troop 1921 of Brookfield, Illinois.
- Tami Whitley and Troop 280 of Boyne City, Michigan.
- Marte Rieser and Abby, Katie, Rebekah, and Stephanie of the Girl Scouts-Seal of Ohio Council.
- Janis B. Schwartz, Girl Scout Council of Bergen County.
- Kathleen Engelman and Michelle of Binghamton, New York.
- Jill Smits and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
- Paula Langguth Ryan and the International Association of Professional Organizers.
- Allison Alford and Western Data Systems.
Many More Thanks
We also owe a great deal of "thanks" to the dedicated staff from Girl Scout councils who reviewed the IPs and helped guide them toward completion, including:
- Becky Hodges, Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area.
- Margaret Paschal, Girl Scout Council of Northwest Georgia.
- Gloria Todd, Girl Scout Council of Northwest Georgia.
- Paige Carda, Girl Scouts of Minn-la-Kota.
- Mary Ann Hendricks, Girl Scouts–Pacific Peaks Council.
- Catherine Trapp, Girl Scouts-Totem Council.
- Ann Owen, Girl Scouts–Bluebonnet Council.
- Alice Portela, Caribe Girl Scout Council.
- Jessica Lawrence, Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council.
- Ann Mosack, Girl Scouts, Land of Lincoln Council.
- Linda Kalish, Girl Scouts, Connecticut Trails Council.
Many, many sincere thanks to all of you! |
