For the past 10 years, the United Way of Berks County (UWBC) has made a significant impact on people and organizations within its area. And as the largest funder of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP), UWBC most notably has become the champion of G.I.R.L.'s (Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader). Girl Scouts who reside in Berks County are fortunate to have the UWBC cheering them on, and their much-appreciated support provides access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for many who would not otherwise be able to participate. Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County, says: "United Way of Berks County is proud to support Girl Scouts and their work in developing strong, smart and successful girls and young women throughout Berks County. We value the emphasis Girl Scout programming places on building courage, confidence and character while providing positive youth development and leadership opportunities. Together, we are helping girls develop talents and skills for success in school and life."
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A SPOTLIGHT ON THE UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY(UWBC) hand how to challenge their courage, confidence, and character by participating in and mastering outdoor adventure activities such as the high ropes course. These girls and thousands of others within GSEP’s nice-county footprint depend on supporters like the United Way of Berks County to gain access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. We are grateful that the UWBC is setting a precedent and in turn, encouraging others to prioritize girl-led programs as well. Now in their senior year, the RHS cheerleading team reminisced about their time together, and the positive impact being together in Girl Scouting has had on them individually and as a community. They will miss their Girl Scout troop days and look forward to remaining connected with GSEP as they get on with their lives.
“It’s fun to just act silly sometimes with your Girl Scout sisters!”
Members of the Reading High School (RHS) cheerleading team shared how UWBC funding impacted their team while providing the opportunity to dedicate one day a week to Girl Scouting. One girl expressed that, “Girl Scouting has allowed us to be part of an organization where we can be girl leaders, not just cheerleaders.” The RHS cheerleading team enjoyed a special bond as teammates and “sisters” in Girl Scouting. They helped each other achieve their goals and dreams both on and off the field and recognized that they could also be open to each other and relate if a difficult situation arose. Truly these young women have developed and grown through their Girl Scout experience. Last summer, several of the girls attended camp and learned first
Discover much more online at gsep.org!
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