22 Girl Scout Troops Build One of the Largest Art Projects in the Tri-Cities
On March 12, 2012, Girl Scouts of the USA will celebrate its 100th anniversary! Troops from Batavia will be celebrating with one of the largest art projects designed by children in Illinois. Over 180 girls decorated 1'x1' canvas panels with original artwork which will be displayed at the Peg Bond Center in downtown Batavia across from City Hall from March 11 to May 6, 2012.
The display not only celebrates the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in America, but also the past, present and future of Girl Scouts in the Tri-Cities. Girl Scouts began with 18 girls in 1912 and has grown to nearly 4 million nationwide, with over 600 Girl Scouts currently in Batavia. “Girl Scouts is one of the most important organizations in the country,” said Kellie Tratar, Leader of Junior Troop 4292 and Daisy Troop 351. “It is critical for helping our girls develop a sense of community and to grow up with the courage, confidence and character to accomplish great things.”
The art project was created in partnership with the Mayor's Office, and the Batavia Park District, as well as several sponsors including The Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware of Batavia, Jewel Foods, Sam's Club and Batavia Enterprises. “We are extremely proud of our Girl Scouts here in Batavia and Girl Scouts all over America,” said Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke. “This is a great project, and we are excited about helping them celebrate their 100th birthday.”
There will be a public unveiling and small reception at the Peg Bond Center on Sunday, March 11, from 1-3 P.M. For more information on the Girl Scout 100th Anniversary, visit http://www.girlscoutsni.org/anniversary.html.
About Girl Scouts of the USA
Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912. She believed passionately that girls should be given the same opportunities as boys to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Since its inception, more than 50 million girls have been Girl Scouts. In the past 100 years, Girl Scouts have blazed trails in countless ways—from doing charity work during wartime to spearheading earth-friendly initiatives to creating the largest girl-led business in the world!
About Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois serves nearly 20,000 girls and 6,000 adult volunteers in parts or all of Boone, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties.
Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls in grades K through 12 are engaged in discovering themselves, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place. Girls develop leadership potential by participating in age-appropriate activities that enable them to discover their values, skills, and the world around them. Activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness provide girls with opportunities for fun and friendship while fostering the development of leadership skills and self-esteem. For more information on 100th anniversary activities, or how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, visit www.girlscoutsni.org or call 1-800-242-5591.