Photo by Becky Polaski The above items are part of a large display of girl scout memorabilia on display in the window of the vacant storefront next to B&R Electric in downtown St. Marys. The display was created by members of Junior Troop 20234.

“It was our girls’ idea to do a window display,” Junior Troop 20234 leader and Girl Scout Service Area Manager Amy Anderson explained. “It shows uniforms from the present and past that were put together from a past Gold Award. It also has a lot of past and present books and tins displayed in the window. And, of course, it displays our cookies. Camp A-Da-Hi is represented by the T-shirts in the window.”

In addition to the display, all girl scouts in elementary school are asked to wear their vests or sashes on Friday.

While the girl scouts may be best known for their annual cookie sale, they also hold a magazine and nut sale each year.

There are currently approximately 42 leaders and co-leaders and over 200 girls in area troops which include Kersey and Weedville. The 21 area troops also host a variety of events throughout the year.

“Our neighborhood runs special events that try to include everyone,” Anderson said. “Also, individual troops run events to include everyone. We are having our second annual girl scout family day at the movies. Our events change every year.”

According to Anderson, there are several girls working toward their Gold Award, two troops working toward their Silver Award and seven troops working toward their Bronze Award.

“All of these awards have to do with community service. We are all in different stages in earning these,” Anderson said.

She added that the girls who participate in the girl scout program learn responsibility, respect, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and many other characteristics.

Over the years there have been a few notable changes to the girl scout program.

“There have been some changes with badges and the format of ‘journeys’ to fit into the busy lifestyle of today’s world,” Anderson said. “There have also been some grade level changes. Daisies now include kindergarten and first grade. Brownies include second and third graders. Juniors include fourth and fifth graders. Cadettes include sixth through eighth graders. Seniors include ninth and tenth graders and ambassadors include eleventh and twelfth graders.”

As the girl scouts approach their 100th anniversary, Anderson added that a few major projects are planned for the future.

“Our 100 year anniversary will be celebrated in 2012 and special events are in the works. We are looking to make improvements at the Proctor House and Camp A-Da-Hi,” Anderson said.