Robin Carnahan: “today I commend the Girl Scouts of America on the anniversary of its 90th year of operation. The objective of the Girl…”

“today I commend the Girl Scouts of America on the anniversary of its 90th year of operation. The objective of the Girl Scouts is ``to discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together.'' Experiences such as field trips, community service, and working with others help them to develop their full potential. These actions are greatly needed in America and an amazing feat when you consider that 99 percent of all adults that participate in leading the Girl Scouts are volunteers. The effects of this organization extend not from one generation but to many, with the oldest active member being 97, and the youngest, the new Brownie, starting out at age 5. The Girl Scouts is a quintessential American institution that has exported its successful strategy to 140 countries, and a worldwide family of 8.5 million girls. The Girl Scouts participate in cultural exchanges that allow many to gather worldwide experiences that they otherwise would not have been able to attain. There is even a bi-partisan Troop Capitol, made up of Congressional members from both the Senate and House. The women of the Senate have dedicated the book Nine and Counting to the girls of America, with some of the proceeds going to the Girl Scouts. The GSA has spent much of its time teaching young women about professional fields that do not ordinarily attract women. The past year's focus was the field of engineering.”