Volunteering around the world

READING: Anna and the Girl Scouts

Anna is 13 years old, and she is a proud member of the Girl Scouts. When she became a Scout at the age of 10, she continued a family tradition: Anna’s father was a Boy Scout when he was young, and her grandfather was a Boy Scout too. “My dad loved camping, and my grandfather was very good at tying knots and putting up tents,” Anna says. "They both have many stories from their time in the Scouts, and I wanted to have my own."

The Boy Scouts were founded in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell, a British army officer. He wanted to teach boys important life skills, like working together as a group, being a leader, and how to live in nature. The Girl Scouts started in 1912, thanks to Juliette Gordon Low in the United States. She believed girls should have the chance to learn the same skills and support their community. Today, millions of boys and girls around the world are Scouts.

Anna loves being a Girl Scout. “I enjoy camping trips and learning how to use a compass,” she says. “We often do projects to help our community. That’s the part I like best! Last month, we collected food and clothes for people in need, and cleaned a park.” Anna also earned a new badge just last week. “That’s a small reward you get when you’ve mastered a new skill, like cooking or first aid,” she explains.

Her father, Tom, has many good memories of his time as a Boy Scout. “We hiked in forests, built fires, and worked as a team. I still use some of the things I learned, like tying knots when we go camping,” he says. Anna’s grandfather, Peter, was a Boy Scout during World War II. Back then, he and other Scouts helped their communities by bringing people food and other things they needed.

Anna feels proud to continue this family tradition. “It’s great to do what my dad and grandfather did,” she says. One day, she hopes to become a leader in the Girl Scouts, teaching younger girls what she has learned. “The most important part of being a Scout is learning to help others,” she says with a smile.