Girl Scouts take over for Sky staff during Saturday's game
The girls will be in charge at this Saturday's Chicago Sky basketball game.
While the team battles the Detroit Shock on the court, more than 100 Girl Scouts will be off court Tweeting, greeting, blogging, announcing, filming, photographing and more.
The scouts are "taking over" every job during the game as part of a new partnership between The Sky and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
"We are thrilled by the enthusiasm of these girls," said Girl Scouts CEO Maria Wynne. "They are so excited already. And the game hasn't even happened."
The job roles include concessions, laundry, mascot handlers, ball girls, customer service reps, game stat-feeders and ticket sales. There are more than 30 positions in all.
Libertyville High School freshman Diana Grote will be the public address announcer. The job requires a person with a "big booming voice and confidence in speaking to large groups," according to the application.
Grote said she has what it takes to speak to the expected crowd of more than 3,000.
"I was given the script and pronunciation guide ahead of time and have been practicing, " she said. "I've been reading it out loud. It's not too bad. It will be fun."
Chicago Sky CEO Margaret Stender pitched the job shadowing idea to the scouts after a participating in a recent "Camp CEO" event. The specialized camp fosters mentoring relationships between the scouts and female executives.
"The Sky and the Girl Scouts share a similar mission," Stender said. "We want to build courage, confidence and character and provide role models that demonstrate those traits. The Scouts do too. If you can see it, you can dream it."
Wynne said the girls will work under the supervision of Sky staff but will be encouraged to do as much as possible on their own. They'll have a training session on Saturday afternoon.
"This experience will help them understand the world of sports is open to women in ways they might not have thought of," Wynne said. "They'll learn why women's sports should be supported."
The WNBA was formed in 1996. The Sky is in its fourth season. The team will move from the city to the suburbs and be making Rosemont's Allstate Area their home next year.
The event is not only a learning experience but also a fundraiser. The Sky will donate $5 back to the Scouts from every ticket purchased by the scouts, their friends and family. Stender said they have a goal of raising $5,000.
With 94,000 members, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is the largest council in the United States. It spans 6 counties and includes 24,000 adult leaders in 245 communities.
"This is just the beginning. This event will grow over time," Stender said. "The girls love to get involved in these leadership opportunities. The possibilities are exciting."