As countless girls head to Girl Scout camps in the countryside this summer, Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) is also engaging more girls through community programs in the city. GSOFCT created the summer program more than a decade ago in partnership with school superintendents, community agencies such as YWCAs, the Village for Family and Children and others, to ensure that Girl Scout learning opportunities are available in underserved communities. The organization also created unique paid positions called Community Outreach Program Facilitators. This year, GSOFCT is seeking at least ten Facilitators in Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and New London.
The Program Facilitator is a temporary part time position that is accountable for implementing community based programming to girls in grades K – 12 through virtual, hybrid and/or in-person formats. All Community Outreach Program Facilitators earn $25 per hour and are trained in First Aid and CPR. There are usually 12-15 girls in a group who meet for one hour to 90 minutes per week at their designated school site. There is no cost for girls to participate.
“Although the job is listed as “part time, temporary” we have had some staff who have stayed with us for years,” said Ana Valentín, Director of Community Outreach & Inclusion at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “These exceptional facilitators are community-builders, champions of fun, and role models for what it means to lead with your heart. Due to their mentorship, we have had excellent outcomes for girls within our staff-led troops.”
Hartford resident Samantha Altius was looking for more personal fulfillment when not working overnight shifts as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She decided to become a GSOFCT Community Outreach Program Facilitator two years ago and has been a positive guide for many girls across the Hartford and Manchester school systems with whom she has built lasting relationships.
“Nothing makes me feel better knowing I make such a huge difference in a girl's life by sharing some of my skills, love, smile, hugs and just being,” she said. “Sometimes all they need is a place where they can be themselves and that's the message I deliver to all of my girls. Be yourself and be a leader. You can become anything you want to but first you have to try!”
In fact, research shows that the courage, confidence, and character girls develop as Girl Scouts has a measurable impact on them throughout their lives. Girl Scouts are emboldened to chase their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and across the globe.
Valentín notes that the organization served approximately 2,000 girls last summer who gathered at their local schools and community centers to learn new skills through hands-on STEM activities. This year, due to everyone coming back from the pandemic, the learning focus will be around social-emotional issues, with team-building, conflict resolution and sharing exercises, with plenty of time for fun.
Facilitators receive comprehensive training and materials for this part time position (up to 19 hours a week). Hours are mostly after-school as GSOFCT partners with school districts and works with girls from K-8 grade for the most part. Read the full job description and apply online at https://girl-scouts-of-connecticut-inc.checkwritersrecruit.com/job/214121/community-outreach-program-facilitators?s=cw
or visit the Careers section at www.gsofct.org.
About Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsofct.org.
PHOTO: Girls Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) is once again hiring Community Outreach Program Facilitators across the state for its unique summer learning program for inner-city girls in underserved cities. From left: Community Outreach Program Facilitators Samantha Altius and Kelsey Dixon team up for an enriching activity with their GSOFCT group in Hartford.
Photo Courtesy of: Girl Scouts of Connecticut