girl scouts of the colonial coast
In Girl Scouts, we say ‘yes’ to every girl. The Girl Scout
Leadership Experience is a unique opportunity for a girl to take charge of her
life, learn how to use her voice and develop leadership skills that will last
her a lifetime. With the help of people like Enfinity Dickerson, Girl Scouts of
the Colonial Coast’s (GSCCC) community troop program specialist, the dream of
being a Girl Scout can become a reality for girls in underserved areas.
Enfinity is majoring in Human Services and minoring in Children’s Rights at Old
Dominion University (ODU). She has always had a passion for helping children
and wanted to find a job where she could give back.
Enfinity has been delivering Girl Scout program in two
schools in the Hampton Roads area. She just completed a mindfulness series at
Cradock Middle School in Portsmouth and is presently working to deliver a
robotic and cybersecurity program to girls at the Bettie Williams Elementary
School. Her curriculum has consisted of the girls earning their Robotics badges
and they are currently working toward their cybersecurity badges. The program
uses hands-on teaching methods that allow the girls to gain valuable skills
that they can use for the rest of their lives.
“They are learning about safety online, an important lesson
due to the wide access to the Internet by children. Also, they are learning
about computer protection and how to avoid viruses,” she said.
When girls are taught about cybersecurity, they are being
encouraged to be digital leaders, which can have a positive impact on their
futures. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute: 67% of girls who are
digital leaders have an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and
math) careers and 51% of female digital leaders have an interest in tech
careers. An increase of girls who are interested in STEM can cause the gender
gap to shrink in fields that have been historically dominated by men.
Community troops also offer girls the Girl Scout experience.
During their meeting the girls learn the importance of sisterhood and leading
by the Girl Scout Law every time they meet.
“The girls loved
learning the Girl Scout Law,” Enfinity said. “They particularly embraced the
part of the Law that says ‘be a sister to every Girl Scout.’ That’s been a big
part of their Girl Scout experience. The girls seem to become closer at every
meeting.”
After she graduates from ODU in May, Enfinity will continue
her time as a Community Troop Program Facilitator. In her role she will be able
to spread more knowledge and have a positive effect in more girls’ lives.
