With a 5.37% increase in membership this year, the Girl Scouts of Western New York leadership experience in Cattaraugus County is not just growing — it’s thriving.

As of today, 255 girls are actively participating in troops, council-led workshops, and outdoor adventures, already surpassing this year’s membership goal. Thanks in part to support from our United Way donors, this growth has translated directly into life-changing leadership development for underserved girls throughout our region.

Funds from the United Way have helped cover essential program staff salaries and provided financial assistance that allows more girls to join and participate, regardless of their family’s financial situation. That means more girls getting hands-on with mechanical engineering, more girls developing independence through Home Alone and Babysitter Training courses, and more girls learning to shine on stage in Theater Arts workshops.

It also means more girls becoming the leaders their communities need.

One shining example comes from Troop #10024, where the girls organized a Community Baby Shower to support both their troop leader and their local food pantry.

Alongside celebrating the upcoming birth of their leader’s fourth child, the troop collected donations of diapers, wipes, and baby items for families in need. The girls played traditional baby shower games, but also walked away with something deeper: a lasting lesson in generosity, empathy, and leadership.

The Girl Scout model is rooted in social-emotional learning and out-of-school-time enrichment, especially in STEM and outdoor education. Our approach encourages girls to take the lead, learn by doing, and work cooperatively — all key components of youth empowerment.

Outcomes are measured through the Girl Scout Voices Count survey, conducted each spring, which gives us powerful feedback directly from the girls themselves.

One challenge this year has been reaching new families, as many schools have stopped distributing printed flyers and now rely solely on digital communications, a barrier for households without reliable internet access. To meet this challenge, Girl Scouts have expanded their recruitment efforts, hosting events in local libraries and other community spaces to stay visible and accessible.

From camping trips to service projects, Girl Scouts of Western New York are growing in confidence, skills, and compassion. These are the next generation of changemakers and we are proud to help make their journey possible.