Girl Scouts Louisiana East is making its back-to-school push for girls and adult volunteers to join Girl Scouts, the country’s premier leadership development organization for girls, with new data showing the organization’s benefits for both girls and volunteers.

Recruitments are being held across the council’s 23-parish jurisdiction with information available on the council’s website at gsle.org.

Results of a summer 2014 pulse poll conducted with over 3,500 volunteers and parents of Girl Scouts in the K−5 age range show positive effects on members of all ages.

Ninety-seven percent of parents agree Girl Scouts has been a positive activity for their daughter, that she has had fun and exciting new experiences (95 percent), and that she has learned or tried something new (96 percent).

In addition, 94 percent of parents say that because of Girl Scouts their daughter feels special, has more friends (95 percent), and is happier (89 percent).

The data shows volunteers benefit as well: 94 percent of volunteers have made new friends, 88 percent believe their life is better because they volunteer with Girl Scouts, and two-thirds believe their volunteer experience has helped them professionally.

Ninety-five percent of volunteers are happy knowing they are making girls’ lives better.

Girl Scouts develop leadership skills as they discover new interests, connect with others, and take action on issues that are important to them.

Membership is $15 per year for girls and adults, making it an affordable option for today’s busy families. Some favorite areas of interest include camping, health and fitness, the arts, science and technology, travel, cookie-selling and much more.

Eighty-nine percent of parents say their daughter gets a greater variety of experiences from Girl Scouts than she does from other extracurricular activities, and the majority of parents feel Girl Scouts is a great value for the money compared to other extracurricular activities.

Overall, parents consider Girl Scouts one of the most beneficial extracurricular activities for their daughter. To join, visit girlscouts.org/.

Marianne Addy, vice president of communications and marketing for Girl Scouts Louisiana East