And some of the littlest Girl Scouts, known as Brownies, have been doing just that in West New York since March.
One of the latest troops to join the local Girl Scouts in Brownie Troop 2924, who recently received their official pins and certificates of participation for completing their first year.
"It's fun; I made a lot of new friends and we do a lot of things together," said Barbara Calero, 9.
With 42 girls throughout the district from kindergarten through third grade, Troop 2924 is said to be the largest Girl Scout troop in West New York.
Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated solely to girls, who are brought into a nurturing environment where they learn about community service, "leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth."
WNY Brownies
Earlier this year, when notices were sent out that the new Brownies were meeting at West New York School No. 2. little girls flocked to the doors.
"It's great; these girls come here every week and we do arts and crafts, and the girls learn what friendship is about," said Troop leader Renee Martinez. "I just want to thank Superintendent Anthony Yankovich and the West New York Board of Education for giving our girls a home here at No. 2 School."
Among some of the girls' recent activities were making homemade visors for mom on Mother's Day, as well as other homemade crafts for dad.
"Its fun because you get to have snacks and play games like mousetrap and duck, duck, goose, and we get to color and make stuff for mom and dad," said Arlene Guzman, 8, who will unfortunately will be leaving Troop 2924 since her family is now moving to Union City, but promises to come back and visit.
The girls also made their own rag dolls, but more importantly, they had the opportunity to bond with each other through group activities and games.
"I like my new friends because they are nice to me and they treat me like a sister," said Taisha Perez, 7. "I made friends from this school and from other schools."
Girl Scouts back in Hudson
The Girl Scouts only recently returned to North Hudson about two years ago, but have continued to greatly expand with three chapters in West New York, seven in Union City, nine in North Bergen, and about five in Hoboken.
"The Girl Scouts in North Hudson are pretty new here, and getting the community involved has been a lot of hard work, but its been worth it," said Fanny Ramos, field executive for North Hudson.
The Brownies have also had help from volunteer moms and dads who have come out every week with their little girls.
"I just want to say a special thank you to Joann Lackie; she's been a great help to the troop," said Martinez.
'Girls Rule'
West New York's Troop 2924 began registration in March, and have since been meeting every Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at No. 2 School.
"Every week we had a different project," said Martinez. "We learned about the Girl Scout law, and they love bonding with each other. They call themselves 'Girls Rule.' It's all about the girls."
As a special treat for their end of the year celebration, troop leader Martinez threw her girls a pizza party at their meeting place at Public School No. 2, and was a bit saddened about having to say goodbye to her girls for the summer.
"It's hard to say goodbye at the end of the year, but come September we will be a family again," said Martinez. Of course the girls, will not be left without a place to go this summer. All the girls are eligible to attend the eight-week Girl Scout Day Camp, where they will spend the day and come home later that afternoon.
"You have to let them experience what camp is all about," said Martinez.
However, for the girls who cannot attend, troop leaders are arranging for some local activities.
"We do have summer programs coming up," said Ramos. "We're trying to get a program at the West New York Public Library, and we will be running a program at the Union City libraries. We are also holding tennis workshops and many different activities during the summer."
Today's girls, tomorrow's leaders
Low began Girl Scouts of the USA in Savannah, Georgia with about 18 members, and the organization has since grown to include approximately 3.6 million members throughout the United States and in more than 90 countries through the USA Girl Scouts Overseas program.
According to their website, "She believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually."
The Girl Scout national headquarters is located in New York City in partnership with more than 300 local Girl Scout councils or offices. For more information on the Girl Scouts visit www.Girlscouts.org and for more information on the North Hudson Council visit www.gscgehc.org.
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