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Girl Scouts of West Central Florida asks Citrus County schools to expand after‑school partnerships
Summary
Mary Pat of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida told the board that local membership is low and 81% of girls surveyed had experienced emotional or social bullying; she asked the district to explore school-based after‑school troop meetings and camp access to grow free programming.
Mary Pat, representing Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, told the Citrus County School Board that the council wants to expand access to Girl Scout programming in district schools, especially free, school‑based after‑school options.
Mary Pat said the council serves eight counties and noted that only about 234 girls in Citrus County are active members. She cited a council survey that found 81% of girls in the region had experienced emotional or social bullying and said Girl Scouts provides programming that builds "courage, confidence and character" and helps girls with leadership, resilience and healthy peer relationships.
"Girl Scouts helps girls to effectively communicate at young ages, stand up to peer role model, and that's important," Mary Pat said, asking the board to consider school partnerships that allow troops to meet on-site and reduce transportation barriers.
Mary Pat described several local camps and program offerings — STEM, equestrian camp, Pioneer Life and summer camp experiences — and said the council has models in other counties where free school-based programming dramatically increased membership. She asked district staff to explore how camps and curriculum-aligned field trips could be scheduled to increase participation and accessibility.
Board members thanked the delegation and signaled interest in working with Girl Scouts on after‑school access and student experiences. The item was presented for information and no formal board action was required.
