Staff Report

Driver’s Girl Scout Group 5292’s Cadettes are an active community-involved group, that always seem to be on the move with new activities and challenges. The group is composed of 7th and 8th graders and meet regularly at Beech Grove Methodist Church.

Last week, the group took another step forward in learning skills, which will serve them for the rest of their lives. The Cadettes set up a gift wrapping table at the Greenbrier Barnes and Nobles store, helping customers prepare for the holidays while raising money for the their January 2005 ski trip to the West Virginia’s Timberline Resort. But the activity was much more than a fundraiser.

Susan Radike, also of Driver, explained the over-riding purpose of the activity. &uot;We are teaching the girls to rely on their own resources instead of their parents pocketbooks.&uot;

The effort re-enforced a key fundamental principal of Girl Scouting which promotes the &uot;development of their full potential and a meaningful set of values to guide their actions to provide sound decision making.&uot;

Throughout the evening, during the six-hour activity, the table had a constant series of visitors. Some patrons didn’t have anything to wrap, but upon learning about the trip provided a donation. Stated one elderly visitor, &uot;The Girl Scouts do good things for young women, you need to support them.&uot;

The Girl Scouts are the world’s largest organization dedicated to helping all girls build character and gain skills for success in the real world.

Through a variety of programs the girls develop leadership skills, strong values, and social conscience.