The Girl Scouts organization has been around for over 100 years, but the power of its purpose has not lost relevance. Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas Chief Executive Officer Dawn Prasifka recently shared their mission, motivation and more with Little Rock Family.

Little Rock Family: How would you describe Girl Scouts and the way(s) it reaches today’s kids?

Dawn Prasifka: It is a leadership experience where cookies, camps and crafts are only tools to develop girl leaders of tomorrow. Girl Scouts is much more. Girls of today are different, but their internal desire to lead is there. We’re going at the speed of girls to provide opportunities and choices to develop their courage, confidence and character. We’re setting them up for success while they’re on a journey of growth as they mature. Everything is built on the next level of the girl’s maturity.

Why should families consider becoming part of the Girl Scouts?

I’d like families to know there’s something for every girl at Girl Scouts whether they enjoy dance, art, sports, and more. Their experiences work toward their badges. They don’t have to pick and choose. Girls can apply their talents and interests toward powerful leadership experiences.

How does involvement in Girl Scouts impact girls?

Girls are facing so many things in today’s society. We ensure girls are exposed to positive messages and forward movement. We encourage them to be critical thinkers, explorers and fearless. One little girl in our Daisy program shared, “I’m a Daisy. I’m no longer invisible.” We’re here to give girls a positive sense of self. Everyone has a voice.

What is your vision for the future of Girl Scouts?

Through our courageous leadership we’ll help girls be the best they can be. Our efforts can be difficult to measure because they are often intangible, but so impactful. Our successes are measured by confidence, overcoming fears, leadership, excitement, and experiences becoming part of who girls are—building courage. We want to make the world a better place!

What’s All the Badge Ballyhoo About?

Most people who have heard of the Girl Scouts know their activities have something to do with earning badges. Earning badges are super ways to try exciting and fun things, explore dream careers, uncover new talents, and learn truly useful skills along the way. At the heart of the Girl Scout tradition of badges is the purpose of using skills to help and serve others. There are different badges for different age levels. It’s never too late to become a Girl Scout and start learning and earning those badges!

Some badges include:
The Ambassador Citizen Badge – learning how to work to affect change in the community, country and world.
The Cook Badge – learning skills to bring people together and creating course after course with finesse and flair, including budgeting, menus and timing.
The Ambassador First Aid Badge – learning how to handle medical emergencies in a variety of settings including the wilderness and provide first aid in extreme conditions.
The On My Own Badge – learning how to create a budget and avoid financial pitfalls, while also helping you be independent and live your dreams.
The Naturalist Badge – learning about nature and water from scientific origins to the joy of splashing around.
The Ambassador Girl Scout Way Badge – learning methods that inspire, educate and bring people together in order to leave the world better than you found it.
The Good Credit Badge – learning ways to appropriately borrow money and understand the importance of good credit.