Kimberly Bryson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, said the organization’s online programs are free and open to all girls, regardless of whether they are Girl Scouts.
She said virtual daily programs offer leadership, science, technology, engineering and math exercises, as well as a variety of age-appropriate activities through the Girl Scouts at Home website.
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But Bryson said it’s the social interaction among the girls that’s just as important.
“They can share and see reactions to things and have side conversations on any of the chat bars,” Bryson said. “It’s really promoting a lot of other interactions that they are longing for right now.”
There are special events, too.
“One of the greatest programs we have is the campfire that we do in the evening for girls of all ages,” Bryson said. “They are sharing from their backyards the experience of camping. Some people who don’t even have a back yard might be lighting a fire in their fireplace.”
Dan Templar, scout executive for the Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty Council, serving Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, said his organization’s virtual presence can be found through a Scouting at Home website as well.
He said virtual Scouting events are going on throughout the day.
“Daily activities, suggestions for youth of all ages,” he said. “We’ve got virtual merit badge classes happening online. We’ve even got virtual campfires going on led by camp staff and amazing volunteers.”
Templar said the activities have learning and fun components, and they are free and open to all boys and girls, regardless of whether they belong to a Scouting program.
This weekend, Scouting at Home will kick off a nationwide Camp-o-ree — a chance for kids to pitch a tent and join friends online.
“Scouts from all over the country participate online from their living rooms or their backyards,” Templar said.