girl scouts of the colonial coastMembers of the Chapter, many former Girl Scouts, led age-appropriate workshops that helped girls meet requirements for Girl Scout awards, such as the Money Manager badge. Girl Scout Daisies learned about coins and paper money; Girl Scout Brownies were introduced to philanthropy and took part in a community service project; Girl Scout Juniors had lessons on maintaining a budget; Girl Scout Seniors compared costs and conducted simple consumer research projects, and Girl Scout Ambassadors found out what it would take to live on their own.
From the youngest Girl Scouts in kindergarten learning how to save money to the Girl Scouts in high school learning to be smart consumers, girls were encouraged to think about their futures and to be prepared. Events such as Financial Fitness are only part of what Girl Scouts is doing to place attention on financial literacy.
The Girl Scout Research Institute recently published a study called Having It All: Girls and Financial Literacy. In this study, they found that girls are optimistic about their future lives but admit to lacking the financial confidence and knowledge they will need to achieve their dreams. They also found that many girls are open to learning about financial literacy and are interested in participating in activities that teach them how to set financial goals and how to manage money.
As financial literacy becomes a growing concern in the country, Girl Scouts are working to lead the way to give girls the tools to become financially independent and empowered. Opportunities such as Financial Fitness: The Sequel allow girls to gain financial confidence, learn how to have open conversations with their parents about money matters and be on track for a financially successful and independent life.
