Written by Janelle Garrett , Lower Secondary Coordinator
YCIS Pudong is proud to be part of the global scouting family through Girl Scouts providing so many opportunities for many of our students. Girl Scouts is ultimately about building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. It is a proven leadership development programme that provides a variety of experiences that foster collaboration over competition and help girls to stretch themselves beyond their limits, and transfer valuable knowledge and skills gained to any environment, both now and in the future.
Last week, our Girl Scouts (Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors) celebrated their achievements over the year with an End of Year Celebration and Bridging Ceremony. From gaining outdoor skills and making memories camping with their friends and families, to collaborating with Girl Scouts on global challenges on World Thinking Day, to working through Learning Journeys on topics ranging from caring for themselves, others, animals and their planet to learning how to become advocates, organize initiatives and project manage to become real agents of change in their community, it is clear that this has been a year of incredible growth for our girls.
In their own words…
“Girls need to be brave so they can change the world. In Girl Scouts, we learn about girls and women who are smart, courageous and strong…we also learn to think about how we can be like them… Girl Scouts gave us the idea to do more than what we do in class to make a difference to stop climate change that is hurting the environment. We came up with ideas and worked with Ms. Roseline to make a video to show how we can be superheroes for our planet.”
Chiara and Lily, Daisy Scouts, Year 2
“I liked working with my family to build a car for the Pinewood Derby. We won a trophy and my friends jumped…but the fun part was building it and making it go fast.” Moya, Daisy Scout, Year 2
“Girl Scout camping is one of the most interesting activity of all. It provided me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and it turned out to be a lot of fun!” Sophie, Brownie Scout, Year 3
“Girl Scouts means a lot to me. It helps me to have friends after school and share something special with other girls all over the world. I also like to work with older girls and help the youngest. Girl Scouts gives me the opportunity to practice and learn many things I was afraid to try before joining.” Ana, Brownie Scout, Year 3
“I was excited to do a big project like the Bronze Award, the highest award a Junior can obtain. Making a welcome website for families new to Shanghai and planning each step out was different from what we normally do in school. I liked the teamwork, with each girl responsible for her own task, but also helping each other. I’m thrilled to be a Cadette next year, completing a new journey exploring and learning new stuff. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, work, and have fun with my Girl Scout friends.”Amelie, Junior Scout, Year 6
Watch the video about the creation of the website to introduce new children to Shanghai www.shanghaiwelcome.com
**Please Note: Girl Scouts is a completely volunteer parent-run organization. It is only possible to offer Girls Scouts these opportunities with amazing parent troop leaders and parent volunteers. Consider volunteering with Girl Scouts next year as it is a great opportunity to learn and grow with your child.
Contact Jutta Petznick: email: jutta.petznick@web.de if interested in being a volunteer!